Amidst a sea of television ads, campaign visits, canvassing neighborhoods and an overwhelming number of phone calls, the presidential race is officially over and President Barack Obama is re-elected to serve as President of the United States.
While the majority of the focus clearly was on the race for the White House, many significant federal and state races were decided on November 6. To see a list of the unofficial results, please visit the League’s online
Election Guide.
As votes were counted and results announced, it was quite evident that things are the same but they are also very different.
On the congressional level, Democrats maintain control of the Senate with a 51-47 advantage and Republicans maintain control of the House with a 242-193 advantage with nine House races still undetermined.
Perhaps the one of the biggest stories for the credit union industry is the loss of our advocate and friend, Congressman Larry Kissell. He was in a vulnerable position against his opponent, Richard Hudson, former Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Virginia Foxx. This deficit proved too much to overcome as Hudson took a solid and early lead.
Former State Senator Robert Pittenger ran in District 9, which is currently held by retiring Congresswoman Sue Myrick. Pittenger handedly defeated his challengers, Democrat Jennifer Roberts and Libertarian Curtis Campbell.
District 11 matched Mark Meadows and Democrat, Hayden Rogers, who was Chief of Staff to the current seat-holder, Rep. Heath Shuler. In the end Meadows secured 57.40% of the vote in the district.
The District 13 race was another one closely watched by the League. Republican candidate, George Holding, a former US Attorney, and member of the prominent Smithfield, NC banking family defeated Democrat Charles Malone to capture the District 13 seat. Holding is the first cousin of First Citizens Bank CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. He’s probably best known for his prosecution of corrupt NC politicians.
Unofficial results show Congressman Mike McIntyre with a slight lead over state Senator David Rouzer. This was a contentious, hard fought match with a barrage of ad campaigns from both sides.
As state level results were reported it was evident that North Carolina’s conservative shift, which started two years ago, was becoming even stronger.
For the first time since 1993 North Carolinians elected a Republican in the gubernatorial race. Pat McCrory overwhelmingly defeated Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton. His victory positions Republicans on the state level to achieve their legislative agenda since they now have taken the reins of North Carolina state government. This has not happened in 143 years.
Unofficial results show Republicans at a 77-43 advantage in the House, the current make-up is 68-52. Senate Republicans now have a 32-18 advantage by picking up one seat. Their current make-up is 31-19.
The new make-up of the House and Senate will also include a record number of new legislators and a significant number of those serving their second term.
One of our own, John Bell of North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union in Goldsboro, will join his fellow Republicans in the State House next year.
“We are so very proud of John for this incredible victory,” stated Pam Melton, NCCUL Director of Political Affairs. “It’s also great for credit unions to know that we have the best champion possible looking out for our interests at the state level.”
“The League and our credit unions look forward to working with elected officials on both the state and federal levels to help us further the credit union movement momentum. We look forward to working with all political parties to help achieve our legislative priorities.”
To read more about the League’s political initiatives during this campaign season, please select the following link,
Political Advocacy.