NEWS ROUNDUP: McCrory’s Primary Challenge will 'Create Headaches'

NEWS ROUNDUP: McCrory’s Primary Challenge will ‘Create Headaches’ 

Former NC GOP state Rep. Robert Brawley to challenge Gov. McCrory over 50-year toll plan, lack of transparency 

Today, Robert Brawley, former chairman of the House Finance Committee, filed his candidacy to challenge Gov. Pat McCrory in North Carolina’s race for governor. In his announcement, Brawley focused on McCrory’s controversial 50-year plan to toll I-77 in Mecklenburg County and the lack of transparency throughout the governor’s administration.

Check out this summary of news coverage on Brawley’s announcement:

Raleigh News & Observer: “His entrance to the race will create headaches for the governor’s reelection campaign.”

“Brawley has long been an outspoken opponent of a plan to add toll lanes to Interstate 77 north of Charlotte – a plan that has seen a mounting backlash from residents of the area.”

“Brawley will likely use the tolling issue to criticize McCrory – something that could hurt the governor in northern Mecklenburg County, a Republican-leaning area where McCrory needs support.”

Robert Brawley: “There are a lot of things in Raleigh that are done in the back room. We need transparency in what we do in government.”

Mooresville Tribune Editorial: “Brawley has been a vocal opponent of the toll lanes plan for I-77, often criticizing McCrory’s refusal to block the project. For that, he will receive a substantial number of area votes.”       

Mooresville Tribune: “Throughout the toll lanes controversy, Brawley grew in his criticism of McCrory and the state’s approval of the I-77 project, which Brawley believes is an illegal contract.”

“Brawley would be the first Republican to challenge McCrory, who so far has been able to focus on the November general election and Democratic frontrunner Roy Cooper.”

Time Warner Cable News: “Governor McCrory will face a challenger in the Republican primary election. Former lawmaker Robert Brawley filed to run for governor this morning.” 

“Brawley has called out McCrory for the I-77 toll proposal and what he says is a lack of commitment to public schools.”

WXII 12: “North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has landed a Republican primary challenge from a former state lawmaker persuaded to get in the race based on opposition to toll lanes on Interstate 77 north of Charlotte.”

Jim Morrill, Charlotte Observer

Robert Brawley running against Gov. @PatMcCroryNC. I have a feeling Cintra will come up in primary. #NCGOV #NCPOL #CharObs #I77tolls

Link: https://twitter.com/jimmorrill/status/674618929080242176

Joe Bruno, WSOC TV

Look out for Iredell/ N. Meck in #ncgov primary. Brawley anti-toll, many residents angry Gov. McCrory won’t cancel I-77 toll contract #ncpol

Link: https://twitter.com/JoeBrunoWSOC9/status/674582814562611201

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