Is Josh Stein Committed To Dragging Cunningham Across the Finish Line Too? | Eastern NC Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH, NC     Liberal incumbent career politician Josh Stein has been silent on Cal Cunningham's extramarital affairs and whether or not he supports appearing alongside him on the Democrat ticket in two weeks. For Stein, a former campaign manager and Deputy Chief of Staff to disgraced former US Senator John Edwards, who was indicted by a federal grand jury for violating campaign finance laws a half a dozen times to cover up an affair, this type of immoral behavior is commonplace and acceptable. However, to millions of North Carolinians, Cunningham's lack of judgment and ethical lapses are disqualifying, and anybody in a position of power who stands silently by is outright condoning this behavior.

    Don't expect a peep out of Stein, who has received financial support from Cunningham in the past. Stein's corruption and associations with sleazy politicians should come as no surprise, given his other ethical lapses, like cozy relationships with companies doing business with the State of North Carolina. From 2011 to 2016, Stein served on the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations, a commission charged with overseeing all active contracts with a value over $25,000. Stein abused his position repeatedly, including a time in 2010 when he and his Democrat colleagues were criticized for "pay-to-play" for cashing in at a fundraiser hosted by the CEO of a company that had hundreds of thousands of dollars in state contracts.

    "Despite Josh Stein's history of favors and perks for friends, supporters, and fellow Democrats, he now has an opportunity to distance himself from embattled Democrat Cal Cunningham," said NCGOP Press Secretary Tim Wigginton. "Josh Stein needs to tell North Carolina voters whether or not he supports Cunningham or if this is just another example of special treatment for his special friend."

• Contact: Tim Wigginton
•     communications@ncgop.org