Separating the Wheat from the Chaff | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: This is Chip Olmstead's continued opinion in our Words With the Publisher category regarding the heated contest between Candidates Joan Perry and Greg Murphy. To the public: Please feel free to respond in this category, Words With the Publisher, if you have a similar or contrary position.

    The campaigns for the candidates seeking the Republican nomination for the NC 3rd Congressional District seat are nearing an end with just two weeks left before the actual run-off. We'll all be thankful that the seemingly endless attack ads will finally cease. The content of these ads, produced and directed by big PACs with little to no factual authenticity, is a great distortion of truth and application of innuendo. Not only are they broadcast over the airwaves and our televisions but our mailboxes are regularly stuffed with their poisonous messages. Pay attention to the caveat that comes with each ad stating, "Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee." Eastern North Carolinians deserve better than this.

    The reality is both candidates are conservative minded, life-long republicans so let's put aside any notion that one or the other is actually a democrat or a liberal in disguise. However, in its analysis of the candidates' positions and records, ivoterguide has determined that Dr. Joan Perry is the more conservative of the two candidates. Both candidates are Christian, pro-life advocates. Period, end of discussion. Both candidates are strong advocates for the Second Amendment rights of citizens, and all of the guaranteed rights of our constitutional amendments. Both candidates have taken the "no tax increase" pledge and both have stated they would not serve more than three terms in office if elected. Both advocate for a strong military, a balanced budget and limited governmental regulations. The reality of this run-off is that both candidates are qualified to represent the people of Eastern NC with conservative republican values.

    Perhaps the single most significant difference the two candidates have is over the issue of Medicaid expansion. Dr. Murphy has co-sponsored the Carolina Cares plan in the General Assembly which does, in fact, create a new tax that hospitals will have to pay. Funds for this plan require approval under the laws governing Medicaid. This cost for Medicaid expansion will inevitably be passed on to all of us. Conversely, Dr. Perry prefers the federal government give the state money in block grants, long a favored plan for Republicans. In its 2020 budget, the Trump administration proposed Medicaid block grants as a way to help set Government healthcare spending on a sustainable fiscal path.

    Unlike the endorsement by Rep. Mark Meadows of Greg Murphy that came with a commitment from Dr. Murphy to join Meadow's Freedom Caucus if elected, Dr. Perry's endorsements are unsolicited and come with no guarantees. She is beholding to no one but the people of Eastern North Carolina. At a June 11th GOP forum in Onslow County, both candidates were asked if they would continue their medical practices if elected. Dr. Murphy said he would, while Dr. Perry said she would not. I'm not sure a "part-time" representative is what Eastern North Carolina wants or deserves. NC House District 15 Rep. Phil Shepard, who has worked with Dr. Murphy in the General Assembly, put his full support and endorsement behind Joan Perry on June 21st saying, "she is the right choice to represent us in Congress." Joe Anne Jones, Walter Jones' widow, clarified that while Joan has her full support, her husband never endorsed any candidate during a primary election contrary to assertions made by Dr. Murphy's campaign.

    As the days dwindle until the actual run-off, and as many head to the polls for early voting, take time to separate the wheat from the chaff. In doing so, I think Dr. Joan Perry becomes the clear choice for Eastern North Carolina!