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Election Results Lead to Shift in N.C. Politics
THIS MONTH’S ELECTION RESULTS FURTHER SHIFTED POLITICS IN NORTH CAROLINA. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS, VOTERS ELECTED A REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR IN PAT MCCRORY. THE NORTH CAROLINA SENATE IS NOW 32-18, CONTROLLED BY REPUBLICANS. THE NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE IS 77-43, WITH REPUBLICANS ALSO CONTROLLING THAT CHAMBER.
A large majority of candidates supported by NC REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and the NC Homeowners Alliance were successful on Election Day. Of the 72 candidates supported by the NC RPAC, 66 won and six lost. Those numbers include the races where RPAC supported both candidates.
Of the seven candidates supported by the NC Homeowners Alliance with independent expenditures, six won their elections. All five legislative candidates supported by the Alliance were successful. In House District 88, Rob Bryan defeated incumbent Martha Alexander. In House District 49, Dr. Jim Fulghum defeated his opponent, Keith Karlsson. Incumbent Sen. Neal Hunt defeated Sig Hutchinson in Senate District 15. Gene McLaurin defeated Gene McIntyre in Senate District 25. In House District 41, Rep. Tom Murry received a majority of the votes to defeat his opponent, Jim Messina.
In one of the most highly watched races from the business community’s standpoint, N.C. Supreme Court judge Paul Newby defeated his opponent Sam Ervin IV, with 52 percent of the vote.
The Council of State now has six Democrats and four Republicans, including McCrory. All incumbents who ran for another term were reelected: Wayne Goodwin (D) as commissioner of insurance; Beth Wood (D) as auditor; Cherie Berry (R) as commissioner of labor; June Atkinson (D) as superintendent of public instruction; Janet Cowell (D) as treasurer; Steve Troxler (R) as commissioner of agriculture; and Elaine Marshall (D) as secretary of state. Dan Forest (R) defeated Linda Coleman in a tight race for lieutenant governor. Attorney General Roy Cooper (D) ran unopposed.
Full Slate of Results in the NC Congressional Races
w NC1 – Rep. G.K. Butterfield was reelected.
w NC2 – Rep. Renee Elmers was reelected.
w NC3 – Rep. Walter Jones was reelected.
w NC4 – Rep. David Price was reelected.
w NC5 – Rep. Virginia Foxx was reelected.
w NC6 – Rep. Howard Coble was reelected.
w NC7 – Too close to call. Rep. Mike McIntyre is current up approx. 500 votes over NC Senator David Rouzer, but a recount is likely.
w NC8 – Richard Hudson defeated incumbent Rep. Larry Kissell.
w NC9 – Robert Pittenger defeated challenger Jennifer Roberts for the seat being vacated by Rep. Sue Myrick.
w NC10 – Rep. Patrick McHenry was reelected.
w NC11 – REALTOR® Mark Meadows defeated challenger Hayden Rogers for the seat being vacated by Rep. Heath Shuler.
w NC12 – Rep. Mel Watt was reelected.
w NC13 – George Holding defeated Charles Malone for the seat being vacated by Rep. Brad Miller.
In N.C. Congressional races, at least nine Republicans have won, due largely to newly redrawn districts. Unofficial results showed George Holding of Raleigh was winning the seat held by Democrat Brad Miller. Republican Richard Hudson defeated Congressman Larry Kissell in the 8th District.
In a very close race in District 7, U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre is narrowly defeating Republican state senator David Rouzer. Unofficial results show that McIntyre is only 507 votes ahead, and there will likely be a recount since the lead is so slim.
“There will be many new leaders at the state and federal levels beginning in 2013, and it will be our job to educate these leaders about the vital role that the real estate industry plays in the economy in North Carolina,” says Amy Hedgecock, the chair of NCAR’s Legislative Committee. “We will work with elected officials on both sides of the aisle and continue to promote housing affordability and private property rights in our state. v Professional license defense – North Carolina Real Estate Commission
Commercial and residential real estate litigation – fee disputes, defense of misrepresentation and other claims against real estate agents
Representation of landlords and property managers in lease disputes and evictions
Construction litigation
Risk management guidance for firms and agents – development of specialized forms, policies and procedures
Formation and licensing of real estate firms
BY WILL MARTIN GENERAL COUNSEL
