Wilson Dems open coordinated campaign office

The Democratic Party of Wilson County took part in the N.C. Democratic Party’s Weekend of Action across the state by launching a coordinated campaign at its 1502 Nash Street N. office Saturday evening. The event also served as a Back 2 School Drive, with participants collecting school items and non-perishable food for Wilson County students.

The N.C. Democratic Coordinated Campaign is working across the state to mobilize voters to take part in watch parties, canvassing launches, phone banks and volunteer trainings as part of the effort to elect all Democrats on national, state and local ballots.

Saturday’s Wilson event included talks by Rachel Hunt, lieutenant governor candidate; Raymond Smith, Jr., N.C. Senate District 4 candidate; Dante Pittman, House District 24 seat candidate; Matthew Sperati, District Court judge, Seat 4 in Judicial District 8 candidate; Andressia Ramirez, District 2 seat on the Wilson County Board of Education candidate; and Sophia Stevens, District 6 seat on the Wilson County Board of Education candidate.

“Here in North Carolina, we are seeing Vice President (Kamala) Harris and Gov. (Tim) Walz’s vision and optimism turning into enthusiasm on the ground,” said Hunt, who is running against Hal Weatherman. “Harris and Walz are fighting for a brighter future — a future where every American can own a home, start a business, build wealth, where everyone has access to health care and where fundamental freedoms — especially women’s reproductive health care rights — are protected. That’s what we need.”

Hunt said thousands of North Carolinas have singed up as volunteers. For many it’s their first time.

“And let me tell you, I talk to people every day on the phone, and people are so excited. But there is still a lot of work to do. You all know that, and that is why you are here today. Democrats in North Carolina are fired up and ready to fight for our future because when we fight, we win.”

When asked how North Carolina lawmakers could follow the Harris/Walz economic blueprint, Hunt replied, “We (state Democrats) expect there to go from a super minority to a simple minority, which would give the governor veto power. So if we can get Josh Stein in as governor and get the simple minority in one chamber (of the Legislature), the governor will have veto power.

“North Carolina has a budget that the governor has some input in if there is simple minority,” Hunt said. “So that’s what we would try to do … make sure that when the budget is negotiated, we get more money for, for example, public schools, more money for teachers, money for affordable housing … there are so many ways that the state can help in every single one of these areas.”

SMITH NO STRANGER TO GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Smith is new to the Wilson County political scene but represented Wayne and Sampson county from 2019-23 in the state House. After redrawn N.C. legislative maps left him without an area to represent, he turned his sights to the N.C. Senate race. He is currently running against Eldon “Buck” Newton III for N.C. Senate District 4, which includes Wilson, Wayne and Greene counties.

“In 2008, we did a good thing,” Smith told Saturday’s crowd. “We elected the first Black president in the United State’s history. And that was Barack Obama. And while that was a great thing, in 2010, we stayed home. We took a nap. We did not vote in the mid-term election in 2010. That’s when Congress became Republican,” he said. “That’s when the House of Representatives and the Senate in the state of North Carolina became majority Republican for the first time in the history of the state. And they have not relinquished power since and have no intention of relinquishing power because they keep drawing lines that make sure they continue to be reelected.

“But there is one thing they didn’t count on — they didn’t count on us,” Smith continued. “They did not count on the momentum that the Democratic party has right now and the enthusiasm that Democrats have all across the nation, but especially here in the state of North Carolina, because North Carolina is now back in play.”

Smith said it’s critical to vote for Democrats on the entire ballot.

“We have people who vote the top of the ticket and turn around and walk out. Don’t do it. Because what happened in 2010 is the best example. When President Obama began to legislate in 2010, his hands were tied. He could not do anything because he did not have the backup from Congress. When Rachel (Hunt) and I came into the N.C. General Assembly, we did not have a majority, but we had a veto-proof minority. What does that mean? That means that Gov. Cooper was able to uphold 49 straight vetoes. We were able to stop things like the ‘bathroom bill’ that my opponent voted for when he was in there. We were able to initially stop the bills that took away women’s reproductive rights. But now, because we allowed them to become a super majority, they are now pushing legislation through that the governor can not even veto, because the Republican-led super majority go in and override vetoes.”

Smith said every race is critical, including Pittman’s run for N.C. House Seat 24 to represent Wilson and Nash counties.

“Wilson County does not have any Democratic representation whatsoever in the legislature. None. Nobody is speaking for you,” he said. “This is so critical beyond just the top of the ticket.”

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from N.C. A&T State University, a master’s in public administration from N.C. Central University and a doctorate in education leadership from Fayetteville State University. He is a decorated Gulf War combat veteran, former military police officer, educator, transportation specialist and an at-large member of the Wayne County Board of Education, where he also served as vice chairman.

For information about volunteering with the Wilson County Democratic Party, call (252) 674-1983 during office hours: Mondays from 3 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m.

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