Endorsement of Paul Newby for N.C. Supreme Court | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    RALEIGH     The Christian Action League of North Carolina has endorsed Justice Paul Newby for the N.C. Supreme Court. "In recent years the Christian Action League has not endorsed a candidate for office but we feel that this non-partisan race is simply too important for us to remain silent," said the Rev. Mark Creech, CAL executive director.

    "Not only is the balance of the state's high court at stake, but we have witnessed firsthand the integrity, the expertise and the deep sense of responsibility and stewardship that Justice Newby has brought to this office for the past eight years. There is no question that he is the person for the job," he added. A native of Asheboro, Newby was raised in Jamestown and earned his bachelor's degree in public policy studies from Duke University and his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. After internships at the United States Supreme Court and in the 18th Judicial District Public Defenders Office, he practiced civil and real estate law before being appointed an assistant U.S. Attorney in Raleigh. He was elected to the N.C. Supreme Court in 2004. In addition, he has taught a number of courses for the U.S. Department of Justice and is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Campbell University. He has also co-authored a book on the North Carolina State Constitution.

    "Beyond his scholarship and the fact that he has written more opinions than anyone else on the court, Newby stands out for his Christian faith, his community service and the fact that he has been a true ambassador of our nation's legal system," said Dr. Creech. "The Christian Action League Board of Directors voted unanimously Tuesday in support of his candidacy."

    In addition to serving as an elder, Sunday School teacher and youth leader at Christ Baptist Church in Raleigh, Justice Newby, 57, has also been active in the Boy Scouts of America for more than 25 years. In fact, the organization this week presented him with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award.

    As a strict constructionist, Justice Newby prides himself on his ability to appreciate and properly execute the role of the judiciary, applying the law as intended and not trying to legislate from the bench.

    Justice Newby earned the North Carolina Bar Association's Citizen Lawyer Award in 2011 and the John McNeill Smith Jr. Award this year in recognition of his work in the area of constitutional rights and responsibilities. He hosted a group of international judges for the Open World Program, sponsored by the Library of Congress. The National Federation of Independent Business and the N.C. Chamber of Commerce PACs have each endorsed Newby as have the N.C. Fraternal Order of Police and a numerous former N.C. Supreme Court Justices from both sides of the political aisle, including Jim Exum, Rhoda Billings, Burley Mitchell, I. Beverly Lake, Bob Orr and Ed Brady.

    Justice Newby and his wife, Macon, have four children and live in Raleigh, having moved into the city in 2002 from the 120-acre Creedmoor farm, which they have owned since 1996.

    "We urge voters across the state to choose Justice Newby on Nov. 6," said Dr. Creech. "And we remind anyone who is considering voting a straight-party ballot for either party that he or she will have to mark the president and non-partisan races separately, and this includes all the judicial races. Please don't miss this important detail."

    The Christian Action League is a 501(c)4 public policy organization representing conservative evangelicals from 17 denominations in the Tar Heel state. For further information, contact the CAL at (919) 787-0606.