Legislative elections 2010

RALEIGH, N.C. — "Republicans rode a wave of voter dissatisfaction to seize control of the General Assembly, but a boost in fundraising also helped the party's cause in a number of races.

Democrats have had a distinct money advantage in legislative races for years, but Raleigh businessman Art Pope helped close that gap in the recent election cycle.

The left-leaning Institute for Southern Studies recently released a report that said Pope, his family and three conservative groups he backs – Americans for Prosperity, Civitas Action and Real Jobs N.C. – contributed more than $2.2 million to 22 state House and Senate races.

Republican candidates won 18 of the races, and three others remain too close to call.

...Pope said he is offended by claims that he bought seats in the General Assembly.

Having gotten his start over 25 years ago as a lobbyist for Right to Life groups in NC, Stam still spends an inordinate amount of his time dealing with any issue related to abortion-state or local.

Debra McHenry (D) of Garner, Stam’s opponent in the House race, was contacted for her take on this endorsement. She replied via an email: