Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2018
In two weeks, we'll know if Democrats ride a wave of voter discontent with the Trump Administration, or if Republicans manage to hold their majorities in Congress. Mike Collins talks with party leaders about an election that could have ramifications from Raleigh to D.C. in a Charlotte Talks special from the Booth Playhouse.
Midterm elections typically fly under most voters' radars. In 2014, the last midterm vote, national turnout was the lowest since World War II.
But if early voting numbers in North Carolina and across the country are any indication, voters are paying close attention to this year's vote.
The GOP seems motivated in NC early voting, with registered Republicans up 44 percent compared to same time in 2014. Dems up 26 percent: https://t.co/qaIjlUdlFQ
— Steve Harrison (@Sharrison_WFAE) October 22, 2018
President Trump is paying attention, too. He's scheduled to make a campaign appearance Friday for Republican Mark Harris in the closely-watched 9th District race with Democrat Dan McCready. It's one of 30 tossup races that will determine control of the House.
In Heated Debate, @MarkHarrisNC9 And @McCreadyForNC Clash Over 2013 Sermons About Women https://t.co/4sNOsMGEHr #ncpol pic.twitter.com/44iCz3cjum
— WFAE (@WFAE) October 18, 2018
In North Carolina, after two years of divided government that has often led to court fights between the Democratic governor and Republican legislature, voters will decide whether the GOP's supermajority in the General Assembly remains intact.
.@AmyEGardner does a rare thing for national political reporter: provides a good overview on the very consequential #NCGA races this year, including what’s at stake https://t.co/dGyMKQ4O4V #NCPOL
— Jonathan Kappler (@jonathankappler) September 11, 2018
What's at stake, nationally and for state politics, in this year's vote?
GUESTS
Wayne Goodwin, chairman, North Carolina Democratic Party (@WayneGoodwinNC)
Robin Hayes, chairman, North Carolina Republican Party (@ChairmanHayes)
Connie Green-Johnson, president, Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County (@meckdemwomen)
Sarah Reidy-Jones, vice-chair, Mecklenburg County Republican Party (@MeckGOP)
Dr. Michael Bitzer, Department of Politics chair, Catawba College; analyzes election trends on the Old North State Politics blog (@BowTiePolitics)