North Carolina’s next leaders could be among the most far-right in the country
The battle over IVF spreads across the country after the Alabama Supreme Court ruling
Super Tuesday has come and gone, with few surprises across the 16 states that held elections. Nationally, Donald Trump cemented his stranglehold over the Republican Party, with his lone remaining opponent, Nikki Haley, bowing out of the GOP presidential primary on Wednesday.
Trump’s remaking of the party in his own image was also on full display in North Carolina, where the party’s winners in three key statewide races are as MAGA as they come.
The state’s current lieutenant governor, Mark Robinson, won the Republican nomination for governor. Robinson has called for a full abortion ban, compared abortion to murder and slavery, and has a history of outrageously anti-semitic and homophobic rhetoric.
And yet, believe it or not, Robinson might not be the most extreme Republican to have won in the state on Tuesday. Michele Morrow, a Moms for Liberty-backed candidate who homeschooled her own children, knocked off an incumbent to win the GOP primary for superintendent of public instruction, the official in charge of public schools.
Morrow called public schools “indoctrination centers” and urged parents not to send their kids to them. She has also suggested that President Biden stole the 2020 election and was present at the US Capitol during the Jan. 6 attack and even brought her oldest children with her.
The GOP nominee for state attorney general, Dan Bishop, is the final leg of this terrifying stool. Bishop has called for a national abortion ban and tried to help Trump overturn the 2020 presidential election results.
If they win in November, Robinson, Bishop, and Morrow would combine with the state’s Republican-controlled legislature to form one of the most far-right governments in the country—and in a swing state of all places.
More from COURIER’s other newsrooms:
MICHIGAN
Michigan Democrats introduce federal bill to protect IVF after Alabama ruling
From The ‘Gander: A decision by the Alabama Supreme Court is raising concerns about the future of fertility care. But four US representatives from Michigan are fighting to protect access.
PENNSYLVANIA
Senate candidates react to IVF ruling as GOP tries to dodge blame for own actions
From The Keystone: “This dangerous decision would not be possible without the Dobbs ruling,” US Sen. Bob Casey (D) said in a statement in February.
ARIZONA
After the historic IVF ruling in Alabama, Arizona could be next
From The Copper Courier: Arizona is on track to follow in Alabama’s footsteps and could pass a total abortion ban that could also be used to effectively ban IVF.
NEVADA
Groups formally launch campaign to enshrine abortion protections in Nevada constitution
From The Nevadan: An effort to allow voters to amend Nevada’s constitution in the Silver State is officially underway after reproductive rights groups kicked off their signature gathering campaign in early March.
IOWA
Lies and threats: Iowans share what fake pregnancy resource centers are really like
From Iowa Starting Line: Approximately 55 anti-abortion centers operate in Iowa. Branded as “pregnancy resource clinics,” these centers lie about abortion and pregnancy to encourage people to keep their pregnancies—no matter what.
FLORIDA
Inside Rick Scott’s ‘toxic record on abortion’
From Floricua: Republican Sen. Rick Scott is coming under harsh criticism from former Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell over abortion rights, ahead of the pair’s potential showdown in the November general election.
NORTH CAROLINA
NC Republicans in Congress ask Supreme Court to restrict medication abortion
From Cardinal & Pine: Seven of the nine North Carolina Republicans in Congress were among the nearly 150 anti-abortion lawmakers who filed a brief to the court as it weighs whether to add new barriers to the highly safe and effective medication.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire GOP is attempting to create new barriers to voting access
From Granite Post: Republicans in New Hampshire are proposing legislation that would do away with affidavit ballots, targeting renters and individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
VIRGINIA
Bill to legalize recreational marijuana sales heads to Youngkin’s desk
From Dogwood: Virginia’s Senate and House of Delegates have both passed companion bills that will allow recreational marijuana sales to begin in the commonwealth next year if Gov. Glenn Youngkin chooses to sign the legislation into law.
WISCONSIN
It’s Women’s History Month, so who’s blocking Tammy Baldwin’s bill to put a Suffrage Memorial on the National Mall?
From Up North News: Visitors to Washington, DC could someday see a monument to the women who fought for generations for the right to vote. But first comes a new fight—over a small piece of land.
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