District 26 Senator: Philip Berger
Party: Republican
Overview: Incumbent Philip Berger ran unopposed in his district. He is currently the Republican Senate Leader in the State Senate, and will be the new majority leader. He stands with other Senate Republicans in opposition to Governor Bev Perdue. His voting record shows him voting against spending increases and government regulations.
On the record: “The appointed members of the State Board of Elections should immediately vote to require reporting of all contributions to, and expenditures from, any legal defense fund established by or for a public official. I am confident the Board of Elections understands that the public’s right and need to know about money directly benefiting public officials overrides partisan politics.” (From News & Record)
Website: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/
Voting Record: http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=41493
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District 27 Senator: Donald Vaughan
Party: Democratic
Overview: Incumbent Donald Vaughan beat Republican challenger Jeffery Hyde. His priorities are public education, affordable and accessible healthcare, supporting industrial growth, and gang prevention.
On the record: “We have to rebuild our economy focusing on help for our small businesses and investing in our schools, community colleges and university system. That’s why I am focused on building a stronger, local economy.” (From senatordonvaughan.com)
Website: http://senatordonvaughan.com/
Voting Record: http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=10228
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District 28 Senator: Gladys Robinson
Party: Democratic
Overview: Gladys Robinson beat opponents Trudy Wade (Republican) and Bruce Davis (Unaffiliated). She is a newcomer, so no voting record exists to show how she might vote in her coming term. Her website emphasizes her platforms on economic development, healthcare, and education. Robison states she wishes to reduce unemployment, invest in small businesses, and attract new industries. Her healthcare platform centers on making healthcare more available. Education seems to be a top priority, with a detailed set of goals listed on her website.
On the record: “I haven’t worked with the big businesses. I have worked with the people who needed jobs. I’ve worked with the people who are sick. I’ve worked with people who needed education. And I’ve advocated and helped teach people how to advocate because that’s what we need to do. So if you’re looking for background and experience as a community advocate, then I’m your person.” (From Yes! Weekly)
Website: http://gladysrobinson.com/
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Party: Republican
Overview: Incumbent Stan Bingham ran unopposed in his district, which he has represented since 2001. He supports limits on campaign finances and maintaining the status of most funding levels. He has voted for regulations such as the statewide indoor smoking, but voted against regulating the use of corporal punishment in schools.
On the record: On his support of using industrial hemp as an alternative fuel source: “Serious marijuana growers don’t want industrial hemp legalized because it crossbreeds with their plants. If you smoke industrial hemp it will make you sick.” (From Yes! Weekly)
Website: http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl?sChamber=S&nUserID=63
Voting Record: http://www.votesmart.org/voting_category.php?can_id=41658