Wesley Harris 30-Sec. Spot

 

Wesley Harris is the Democrat running for NC State Treasurer. He's out with a new ad attacking his Republican opponent. First TV spot I've seen this fall -- and admittedly, I don't watch Network TV -- that uses humor.

The excellently researched PamsPicks makes a point of Republican Brad Briner's stupid parroting of MAGA bullshit, particularly promising to get "woke" awareness out of the state's investments. WTF does that even mean?

The Helene Flood in Watauga County--Video

 

This reality about roadways is true all across the 13 NC counties in the Helene Flood of 2024.

Early Voting Hours Shortened, But Days Are Added

 

Kara Haselton, The Appalachian

Last evening the Watauga County Board of Elections -- given leave by the General Assembly to do so -- shortened early voting hours from the previously mandated 8-7:30 p.m. down to 9-5, classical banker's hours which do working people no favors. Especially in a flood zone

But to make up for that slight to inclusiveness, the Watauga BOE added early voting on two additional Saturdays, 9-5, and two Sundays, 1-5. (After all these centuries, we still genuflect to the Church.)

But that being said, get thee to a polling place! Five early voting sites will be operational: 

The Watauga County Administration Building at 814 W. King Street.

Blowing Rock American Legion Building at 333 Wallingford Street, Blowing Rock.

Deep Gap Fire Department at 6583 Old 421 S, Deep Gap.

Plemmons Student Union at 263 Locust Street.

Western Watauga Community Center at 1081 Old US Highway 421, Sugar Grove.

Jeff Jackson For the Win

 

...against the extremist, "bathroom bill authoring," election-denying Dan Bishop! One of the most important races on your ballot ... for Attorney General of North Carolina.

Even Virginia Foxx Voted for FEMA Funding

 

But who didn't from North Carolina? Dan Bishop, who now wants to be our state's top law enforcement official, and Sen. Ted Budd. Looking for people to blame if there's not enough FEMA money to help all of Western North Carolina? I suggest you start with Bishop and Budd. 

(Foxx is famous for being only one of 11 U.S. House members who refused to vote for Katrina aid in 2005. She was criticized roundly for that vote.)

We've Made a Note

 

Changes Coming Probably to Watauga Voting Plans Because of Helene

 

The State Board of Elections (SBOE) voted unanimously yesterday to allow the 13 counties most impacted by Hurricane Helene to change their early voting plans -- both locations and hours of operation -- because of the devastation. Some polling locations in some counties are so damaged as to be unusable.

The SBOE also empowered local boards to change e-day locations and hours.

Dunno yet what this means for Watauga, as the Watauga BOE is set to meet tonight and make those decisions.

The 13 counties:

Ashe
Avery
Buncombe
Haywood
Henderson
Madison
McDowell
Mitchell
Polk
Rutherford
Transylvania
Watauga
Yancey

 

Signs of the End of the World

 

"I will never get over the fact that MAGA tries to act like they are anti-establishment when they are literally voting for the embodiment of shameless, greedy billionaires who want to pay less in taxes and keep them stupid and angry. Holy shit did these people get swindled."

-- Brett Meiselas 

The billionaires are both determined and weirdly ecstatic at the prospect. Having a backdoor into the White House will be worth more billions.

Meet Darren Staley

 

I've been a fan of Darren Staley, a Democrat running a brave race in what's considered an impossible Republican Senate district in Wilkes. Staley is one of those rare working-class voices that Democrats need. I interviewed him here on WataugaWatch back last December.

Staley has released a biographical video that is well worth watching. If you want to support him, here's his ActBlue site.