Politics

Thom Tillis is once again under fire for backing down when it mattered most—this time voting to confirm one of Trump’s most controversial judicial nominees, despite warnings from former federal prosecutors and his own previous statements.

Democrats have repeatedly accused Republicans of being so beholden to Trump that they embraced a bill that would harm their own constituents, with cuts to programs that the president had vowed to protect.

Political observers say both parties are recalibrating. Davidson College professor Susan Roberts called Cooper a “real powerhouse” who could bring credibility and experience to the race. Duke University’s Mac McCorkle noted that Lara Trump’s name recognition could clear the Republican field. “It’s Lara Trump’s to refuse,” he said.

Minority leader Sydney Batch argued that the people of western NC cannot afford to wait. “Senator Berger wants the legislature to recess for two months while hurricane survivors are still living in uninhabitable homes, facing washed-out roads and waiting for their classrooms to reopen,” Batch said.  “He may be ready for a vacation, but our neighbors in western North Carolina don’t get to take a break from this crisis.”