With ten candidates competing, North Carolina’s sixth congressional district primary is shaping up to be one of the most active in the entire state.
Of those ten candidates, two have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge to district voters – Don Webb (R) and Phil Berger Jr. (R). Danielle Adams and Laura Fjeld are the only two Democratic candidates, but additional candidates are expected to register before the February 28 deadline.
Sponsored by Americans for Tax Reform, the Pledge is a written commitment to the voters to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates.”
According to Greensboro News and Record, Webb said, “Many Republicans say they are committed to cutting the size and scope of government. Yet, year after year, the same people forget their commitments and instead, add burdens to citizens by refusing to lead this nation responsibly. It’s time for a representative who will fight for less government control and more individual freedom.”
Greensboro News & Record also reported on Phil Berger Jr. “[Mr. Berger is an] unapologetic, proven conservative. He bashed President Barack Obama and his signature health care law and said he’d support federal spending cuts, but offered no details. He said he’s ready to make tough choices in Congress, like he has as Rockingham’s district attorney.”
Cook Political Report rates NC-06 a solid Republican race with a PVI of R+10. Howard Coble first won the district in 1984. He won the 2012 election with 61 percent of the vote. Mitt Romney won 55 percent of the district’s votes in the 2012 presidential election. If past trends continue, the winner of the Republican primary will likely win the seat.
North Carolina election law states that the winner of the primary must win at least 40 percent of the vote. If they fail to do so, the runner-up may call for a run-off. Furthermore, registered independents may choose to vote in either party’s primary. The combination of these rules and the eight candidates running almost ensures that the Republican primary will go to a run-off.
Any candidate who registers before February 28 has the opportunity to sign the pledge.
The general election will take place November 4, 2014.