Issue Position: Reducing Partisanship

Issue Position

The people of North Carolina deserve a legislature that seeks to govern by consensus rather than petty partisanship. Lawmakers should seek pragmatic results that move the state forward, not an ideological agenda that divides us. Government can be an instrument of our common purpose, but for it to work effectively we must act in good faith and be willing to compromise. Unfortunately, this legislature has been nastier and more partisan than ever before.This legislature has needlessly adopted the same partisanship that cripples Washington and North Carolina has suffered as a result. Serving in the legislature requires a responsibility to represent every constituent, not only the members of your own party or favored issue groups. I will listen to anyone and consider any idea to improve our state and region, regardless of which party came up with it. We need moderate members from each party who are willing to reach across the aisle and seek consensus. We need Democrats who are fiscally responsible and Republicans who recognize the importance of public investment in areas where the private sector cannot carry the entire load. There are plenty of areas where both sides can come together and work toward non-ideological solutions, from expanding public-private partnerships to reforming our tax code to streamlining government and simplifying regulations.

Blatant partisanship was on display as the legislature cut up the state in gerrymandered new districts for themselves and congress. Senator Hise and his caucus refused to take up a proposal to create an independent redistricting commission. Voters should choose their elected representatives, not the other way around. These segregated districts encourage more partisan and extreme candidates and discourage compromise. I will support an independent redistricting process that creates competitive and common-sense districts.

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