Elaine Marshall's blog

Two years ago, I made a decision to run for United States Senate because I believed that we, as a country, need to focus less on powerful special interests and more on middle class families and small business owners. While we came up just short in our fight last year, those very same issues that inspired me to run then still exist now.

That's why I'm proud to announce today that I have decided to run for re-election as North Carolina's Secretary of State!

You did it! Because of great supporters like you, we were able to launch our first TV ad of the general election this weekend. Rather than hiring paid actors like Senator Burr, I decided to talk directly to voters. Take a look.

Citing Elaine's commitment to "sound environmental policies," the League of Conservation Voters has announced their endorsement of our campaign.

From their announcement press release:

“LCV Action Fund is proud to endorse Elaine Marshall for U.S. Senate because she understands that the policies needed to grow North Carolina’s economy and keep America’s competitive edge are the same policies that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and curb harmful carbon pollution,” said LCV Action Fund President Gene Karpinski. “Elaine Marshall will work in Congress to enact common-sense energy policies that create jobs in North Carolina while ensuring that America leads the 21st century’s clean energy economy.”

This is another big endorsement that adds to Elaine's growing coalition of voters in North Carolina.

More below.

Sam Stein's post on Huffington Post calls into question whether or not I'd like to see the President come to North Carolina. The post is well intentioned, I am sure, but my comments are taken a bit of context and blown up to a bigger story. The truth is:

I would welcome President Obama to North Carolina.

I would take the opportunity to thank him for endorsing legislation that would help small businesses and save 4,500 teacher jobs in North Carolina. I would also speak with him about ending the War in Afghanistan, and how Washington as a whole isn't responding to the needs of ordinary Americans.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sounded an important alarm this weekend saying:

"I'm desperately concerned about hundreds of teachers being laid off as we head into the fall."

I'm concerned about this too - and urge Senator Burr to take action today. The Senate will vote Monday on an amendment that would provide $300 million to North Carolina that will go to directly saving teacher jobs. All in all, that will amount to 4,500 educators being saved and keeping our schools running for another year.

The funds are completely paid for - offset by cuts that do not add to the deficit.

I wasn’t planning on blogging today, but…wow!

In just a month, our campaign has surged +13% according to Rasmussen’s monthly tracking poll. Now the race is statistically tied and we are on our way to retiring Richard Burr – one of Wall Street’s most reliable United States Senators!

Now is the time to strike: a highly critical fundraising deadline is coming up on Wednesday.

Help us raise $75,000 online by chipping in $5 or more today!

Friends --

Right this minute, I'm prepping for tonight's debate with my fellow candidates seeking the nomination, but I'd be remiss not to inform you of another sign of our campaign's momentum -- and our strength!

PPP has just released their latest tracking poll, and it again shows our campaign within striking distance of Richard Burr at 43% to 37%. Burr's approval rating rating is the lowest it's ever been in the history of PPP's tracking: 32%. This is the time to strike and push our campaign even closer!

That's why I need your help today.

The following letter was sent to Democratic County conventions from Elaine. -- Staff

Dear Friends --

As we gather together for our conventions, I want to take a moment and reflect on how far we have come together. Since 2004, we’ve taken back the House of Representatives and the US Senate. We’ve defeated Liddy Dole, elected President Barack Obama, and we have now passed health insurance reform expanding coverage to millions of people while saving hundreds of thousands of lives.

One thing that hasn’t changed is Richard Burr.

Richard Burr is still looking out for big business and insurance companies over regular North Carolinians. He’s protecting Wall Street instead of protecting Main Street. On top of that he says he’s basing his campaign on repealing health insurance reform.

I say it’s time we repeal him instead.

Senator Richard Burr is pandering to his right-wing conservative friends in Washington with the promise of repealing health care reform. On the campaign trail, he is pledging to allow health insurance companies to discriminate against those with preexisting conditions, prevent 32 million Americans from getting health care, and cripple your pocketbooks by banning thousands of dollars in tax credits. I'm not going to let him get away it. Repeal reform? I say we repeal Burr!

Friends, I am humbled and honored to have the support of former U.S. Senator Robert Morgan. His leadership for North Carolina is greatly missed and I hope to return his seat back to the people of North Carolina by defeating Richard Burr in November. -- Elaine

A Special Message from Former U.S. Senator Robert Morgan:

Over thirty years ago, I had the distinct honor to be a United States Senator.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve the people of North Carolina that I have always cherished. It was a different time then. Sure, there were partisan politicians and obstructionists, but this Senate sure is different than my day.

A fundamental trust has been broken between Washington and the American people. When I served in the United States Senate, we got things done and there was a level of professional decorum that we adhered too. That has sadly changed since then, but it can be restored -- if, we elect the right leader for the job.

That is why I am supporting Elaine Marshall for Senate. Will you join me?