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    United States Senate election in North Carolina, 2016

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    2016 U.S. Senate Election in North Carolina
    General Election Date
    November 8, 2016
    Primary Date
    March 15, 2016
    November 8 Election Winner:
    Richard Burr Republican Party
    Incumbent prior to election:
    Richard Burr Republican Party
    Richard Burr.jpg
    Race Ratings
    Cook Political Report: Toss-up[1]
    Sabato's Crystal Ball: Toss-up[2]
    Rothenberg & Gonzales: Pure Toss-up[3]
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    2016 U.S. House Elections
    Flag of North Carolina.png

    Voters in North Carolina elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the election on November 8, 2016.

    The race for North Carolina's U.S. Senate seat was one of nine competitive battleground races in 2016 that helped Republicans maintain control of the upper chamber after the November 8 general election. Incumbent Sen. Richard Burr (R) won re-election, defeating former state Rep. Deborah Ross (D) and pizza delivery driver Sean Haugh (L) in the general election.

    While most of his colleagues facing tough re-election campaigns were out on the trail, Burr, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, was focused on his duties as chairman and did not officially begin campaigning until October 7, 2016. He told The Associated Press, “I become a candidate on Oct. 7, when the United States Senate is adjourned. I don't want there to be any question between the separation of Senate business, so I have very few conversations with campaigns and it really plays no role in my actions." Some Republican strategists were worried that Burr’s failure to attack Ross early in the race would hurt him on Election Day, while others said “Burr’s low-key style fits the ethos of the state well.”[4][5]

    Republican President-elect Donald Trump, who did not establish a strong ground game in the state, and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory (R), who was unpopular because of his stance on the state’s “bathroom bill,” complicated Burr’s path to re-election. Referring to Trump and McCrory, North Carolina GOP consultant Carter Wrenn said, “If it was a normal year, and it was just Richard and Deborah, you’d have to say Richard had a solid advantage.”[5]

    With the uncertain political landscape in North Carolina—it was the only state that The Cook Political Report rated as a “toss-up” for president, Senate, and governor—outside Republican groups spent more money on attack ads in the state than they had initially planned for in an effort to maintain control of the Senate. The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) ran ads attacking Ross for being "too liberal" for North Carolina by highlighting her career with the American Civil Liberties Union. The NRSC also created the site “Radical Ross” to showcase Ross’ stance on “countless radical, out-of-touch policies.”[6][7]

    Ross’s campaign spokesman Cole Leiter, who attempted to portray Burr as a Washington insider, responded to the attacks saying, “It’s no surprise that, like a typical Washington politician, [Burr]’s turning to the same big money donors he’s put first all along. But North Carolina voters won’t be fooled — they know it’s time for a change, and no amount of special interest dark money can bail Richard Burr out.”[8]

    Ultimately, Burr was not hurt by his late arrival to the campaign trail or by having Trump or McCrory on the ballot. Burr outperformed Trump by earning more votes than the president-elect. After winning re-election, Burr tweeted: “Thank you North Carolina! Honored to continue serving as your senator.”[9]

    This election was one of Ballotpedia's top 10 congressional races in 2016. Click here to read the full list.

    HISTORICAL FACTS
  • Incumbent Sen. Richard Burr (R) held North Carolina's Senate seat since 2005.
  • Sen. John Edwards was the last Democrat elected to the seat. Edwards served from 1999 to 2005.
  • The Senate seat had changed party control 19 times.
    • Candidate Filing Deadline Primary Election General Election
    December 21, 2015
    March 15, 2016
    November 8, 2016

    Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. North Carolina utilizes a semi-closed primary system. Parties decide who may vote in their respective primaries. Voters may choose a primary ballot without impacting their unaffiliated status.[10][11][12][13]


    Incumbent: The election filled the Class 3 Senate seat held by Richard Burr (R). He was first elected in 2004.

    Election results[edit]

    General election[edit]

    U.S. Senate, North Carolina General Election, 2016
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRichard Burr Incumbent 51.1% 2,395,376
         Democratic Deborah Ross 45.4% 2,128,165
         Libertarian Sean Haugh 3.6% 167,592
    Total Votes 4,691,133
    Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

    Primary election[edit]

    U.S. Senate Republican Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngRichard Burr Incumbent 61.4% 627,354
    Greg Brannon 25.2% 257,331
    Paul Wright 8.5% 86,940
    Larry Holmquist 4.9% 50,507
    Total Votes 1,022,132
    Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections
    U.S. Senate Democratic Primary, 2016
    Candidate Vote % Votes
    Green check mark transparent.pngDeborah Ross 62.4% 607,802
    Chris Rey 16.5% 160,663
    Kevin Griffin 11.7% 114,180
    Ernest Reeves 9.4% 91,694
    Total Votes 974,339
    Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

    Candidates[edit]

    General election candidates:

    Republican Party Richard Burr Approveda
    Democratic Party Deborah Ross
    Libertarian Party Sean Haugh

    Primary candidates:[14]

    Democratic

    Kevin Griffin[15][16]
    Ernest Reeves[15]
    Chris Rey - Spring Lake Mayor[15][17]
    Deborah Ross - Former State House Majority Whip Approveda[15][18]

    Republican

    Richard Burr - Incumbent Approveda[15][19]
    Greg Brannon - 2014 challenger[15][20]
    Larry Holmquist[15]
    Paul Wright[15]

    Third Party/Other

    Sean Haugh (Libertarian Party)Approveda[21]

    Not running:

    Kay Hagan - Former U.S. Senator[15]
    Duane Hall - State Representative[22]


    Race background[edit]

    Reverse coattails[edit]

    Burr provided a slight reverse coattails effect for President Donald Trump. Burr won 51.1 percent of the vote, while Trump won 50.5 percent of the vote, a 0.6 percent difference.

    A full breakdown of the Republican presidential and Senate races appears below.

    *Ballotpedia identified the highlighted races as battleground races and races to watch. The vote percentages are from CNN and will be updated after the final results are released.

    Debate[edit]

    Burr and Ross debated on October 13, 2016. It was the only debate scheduled between the two candidates. The full debate can be viewed here.[23]

    Burr’s last campaign[edit]

    On July 20, 2016, while attending the Republican National Convention, Burr announced that his race for re-election in 2016 would be his last. While speaking to the North Carolina delegation in attendance at the convention, Burr said, "It's real simple. I'm beginning to get old." He added that he eventually wants to return to "the private sector and spend more time with his family," according to Roll Call.[24]

    Primary election[edit]

    Burr defeated Greg Brannon, Larry Holmquist, and Paul Wright in the Republican primary. Ross defeated Kevin Griffin, Ernest Reeves, and Chris Rey in the Democratic primary on March 15, 2016. Haugh was unopposed in the Libertarian primary.[15]

    Issues[edit]

    Healthcare[edit]

    See also: Effect of the Affordable Care Act in North Carolina

    As insurers left North Carolina's healthcare market and residents saw rising healthcare premiums, the future of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, became a central issue in the Senate race. Burr repeatedly stated his opposition to the ACA and promoted his plan to replace to healthcare law. Ross stood by the ACA, arguing that the law needed to be improved.[25][26]

    According to Forbes, "85% of North Carolinians needing Obamacare coverage will have only 1 insurance company to choose from in 2017. ... [P]rior to the implementation of Obamacare, North Carolina had 29 insurers offering coverage in the non-group market: for 2016, North Carolina has only 8 insurers who still issue such coverage and a handful of others who provide transitional and/or grandfathered coverage only. With the departure of Aetna and United Healthcare, that number is down to 6 insurers, with only 2 (BCBSNC and Cigna CI -2.14%) offering coverage on the Obamacare exchange."[27]

    In September 2016, after UnitedHealthcare and Aetna pulled out of the ACA exchanges in North Carolina, Brad Wilson, CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said, “It’s clear something’s wrong. Something’s not working right. ... [The uninsured will] continue to need and to get health care services. (But) nothing is free. Uncompensated care is paid for somehow, some way. It will show up in health care premiums ultimately.” According to The Charlotte Observer, "Blue Cross, the state’s largest insurer, is seeking an 18.8 percent rate increase on average for 2017, and says it under-priced its ACA products in North Carolina because it underestimated the volumes of sick people who would enroll."[28]

    Burr: Replace the ACA[edit]

    On September 25, 2016, Burr wrote an op-ed explaining the ACA's failures and his proposal to replaces the president's signature healthcare law. Citing rising insurance premiums, insurers leaving the ACA exchanges, and disappearing healthcare options, Burr wrote, "Obamacare is imploding. With each passing day, we see more evidence that the program that promised Americans affordable health care is on the verge of total collapse."[25]

    Burr wrote that healthcare costs were expected to increase in 2017 and more insurers were expected to leave the state. He wrote, "Based on the proposed rate increases submitted to the North Carolina Department of Insurance for approval, North Carolinians could experience an increase of 19 to 25 percent in the cost of their health insurance coverage for 2017. It remains to be seen how much more premiums will skyrocket once the final rates are announced this fall. To make matters worse, the Kaiser Family Foundation predicts that for next year, 90 percent of North Carolina counties will have only one choice of insurer. Enrollment for an Obamacare policy for 2017 begins on Nov. 1, and when North Carolinians log on to the Obamacare exchange this fall to shop for a plan, they will likely find only one choice of insurer and a steep price tag."[25]

    He then explained his plan to replace the ACA. He wrote, "I have offered a solution called the Patient CARE Act that would take steps to make quality, affordable health care accessible to every American through commonsense, patient-focused reforms. I believe this plan could serve as a basis for working together to roll back Obamacare’s bureaucracy and red tape and give Americans greater freedom and more choices to select the plan that best fits their pocketbooks and health needs."[25]

    He also argued against a public option. He wrote, "Some have suggested a 'public option,' which is government-run health care, as the solution to Obamacare’s collapse. But we must remember that it is Obamacare’s government-imposed mandates, bureaucracy and red tape that is driving up the cost of health insurance and limiting Americans’ choice of plans. Doubling down on government failure with even more government control will only make this situation far worse for individuals and families, not better."[25]

    Ross: Improve the ACA[edit]

    Ross supported improving the ACA. According to Ross' campaign website, "While Deborah knows the law isn’t perfect, she believes we should be working to improve it, not wasting time and tax dollars on countless repeal efforts. These repeals would bring us back to a time when insurance companies could kick people off their plans when they got sick, charge women more than men for the same coverage, and not cover young adults entering the workforce on their parents’ plans."[26]

    When asked about how she would fix the problems with the ACA, Ross said, “What we need are more choices for consumers, and those choices can include nonprofit co-ops — in some states they have nonprofit co-ops — I would only look at the ones that work. In some states they haven’t worked as well. And they could include a public option. But I wouldn’t take other things off the table. Let’s put more things on the table for the consumer. I think that that would be more palatable to the consumer and it would be easier to deal with in a divided Congress."[29]

    Ross also criticized Burr's plan to replace the ACA. In a campaign email, she wrote, "Richard Burr’s plan to replace the Affordable Care Act could tax the health care you get from your employer, and give insurance companies even more power to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and charge women more than men. That is all the more interesting when you consider the fact that Burr accepts big-money donations from insurance companies. We need to stand up to Burr and tell him to stop putting special interest groups ahead of vulnerable Americans. Add your name if you agree. The only people Burr is thinking about are people that line his own pockets -- not North Carolina families. That’s why Deborah will work in the Senate to improve and strengthen ACA, not replace it and hand the bill to middle class families."[30]

    Iran nuclear deal[edit]

    See also: Iran nuclear agreement: An overview and Iran nuclear agreement: U.S. withheld cash until hostages were released

    Burr repeatedly criticized Ross for supporting the nuclear deal with Iran and for not quickly making her stance known on the Obama administration’s decision to use a $400 million cash payment as leverage to ensure that Iran released four Americans who were being held there as prisoners.[31]

    Burr cast multiple votes opposing the nuclear agreement, which placed limits on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for economic sanctions relief, while Ross has expressed her support for the agreement.

    Burr opposes nuclear deal[edit]

    On August 5, 2016, Burr released the following statement explaining his opposition to the nuclear deal: “The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action is dangerously limited in the safeguards it provides for America and its allies. The President’s plan inadequately addresses Iran’s technological nuclear advancement, which would need better monitoring than this plan provides. We owe the American people, the Israeli people, and our allies in the region our best possible effort to rein in a known state sponsor of terrorism. I will not support this agreement and, as the Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I will continue my efforts to ensure that we fully understand Iran’s capabilities and intentions.”[32]

    Ross supports nuclear deal[edit]

    According to her campaign website, Ross supported the Iran nuclear deal but argued that military force should be an option if Iran violated the deal. Her website states, “Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon. This would present an existential threat to our closest ally in the region, Israel, and escalate a deadly arms race in a region already overrun by turmoil and defined by bitter rivalries. I support the Iran nuclear deal because it was the only viable option on the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. However, nothing in this arrangement prevents the United States from taking military action against Iran in the future. If Iran cheats on the deal and attempts to acquire nuclear weapons, absolutely all options—including the use of military force—remain on the table.”[33]

    Responses to U.S. withholding cash until hostages were released[edit]

    After The Wall Street Journal reported that the Obama administration used a $400 million cash payment as leverage to ensure that Iran released four Americans who were being held there as prisoners, Burr, who is chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said, "This administration continues to endanger Americans at home and abroad by releasing known terrorists, conducting dangerous prisoner exchanges, and enabling the nefarious activities of a designated state sponsor of terrorism. Decisions like these are putting our nation and our allies at risk.”[34]

    According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. officials wouldn’t let Iranians take control of the money until a Swiss Air Force plane carrying four freed Americans departed from Tehran on Jan. 17. Once that happened, an Iranian cargo plane was allowed to bring the cash home from a Geneva airport that day." The payment was part of a $1.7 billion settlement the Obama administration reached with Iran to resolve a dispute over $400 million that Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi paid to the U.S. in 1979 "for military parts that were never delivered because of the Islamic revolution that toppled him." Although the payment and the return of the four Americans occurred in January 2016, the details of the payment did not receive attention until The Wall Street Journal published an article on August 3, 2016, explaining that the administration sent "[w]ooden pallets stacked with euros, Swiss francs and other currencies" to Iran "on an unmarked cargo plane" just before Americans Jason Rezaian, Amir Hekmati, Saeed Abedini, and Nosratollah Khosravi-Roodsari were released from an Iranian prison. The Obama administration also released seven Iran nationals and "agreed to drop the names of 14 Iranian nationals it has been seeking from the watch list of Interpol, the international police agency."[35][36]

    Burr criticized Ross for not making her stance known on the administration’s payment. On September 11, 2016, Ross’ campaign spokesman Cole Leiter said, “Deborah does not support the U.S. paying ransom for the release of hostages, and she agrees with national security experts that even the appearance of ransom payments puts Americans abroad at risk.”[37]

    The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal[edit]

    See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal: An overview

    Burr and Ross both opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which is a trade deal between the United States and 11 Asia-Pacific countries. The deal seeks to promote trade and strengthen the relationships between the 12 nations by reducing and eliminating tariffs, fostering competition, and creating greater opportunities for businesses. The countries involved have also agreed to promote environmental protection practices and enforce laws protecting workers. Congress has not voted on the final agreement.

    Their opposition was not surprising because, according to UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Public Policy adjunct faculty member Ferrel Guillory, North Carolina saw many job losses after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed into law. Guillory said, “There are people here in economic distress who see a lot of reason to blame international trade deals as part of that.”[38]

    On October 10, 2015, Burr announced his opposition to the TPP. He said in a statement, “While I believe that trade can open markets for American goods and services to be sold all over the world, the TPP is a bad deal for America. The Obama administration is rigging the system to pick winners and losers in favor of industries that he and his allies support. I cannot support a deal that singles out North Carolina’s agricultural industry unfairly. I am also concerned that this deal does not adequately protect intellectual property rights and fails to provide strong enough measures to address currency manipulation. Anything less than a level playing field is unacceptable, and this deal simply does not accomplish enough for Americans. I oppose it and will do what I can to defeat it.”[39]

    Burr criticized Ross for not clearly stating her position on the TPP. Ross countered that she has always opposed the trade deal. She said, “I have always said that I am against TPP. We need to protect American workers and we need to stop trade agreements. It hurts the middle class.”[38]

    Ross criticized Burr for voting to give President Barack Obama trade promotion authority to negotiate the TPP. Burr spokesperson Taylor Holgate explained the vote, saying, “This was passed before Obama had signed the TPP and the details of the deal were shared. The TPA legislation requires the administration to meet certain objectives when negotiating trade agreements, requires additional transparency measures, and also enables both Houses of Congress to revoke expedited procedures if the objectives are not met.”[38]

    HB 2[edit]

    See also: Transgender bathroom access laws in the United States

    Ross, a strong opponent of North Carolina’s transgender “bathroom bill,” tried to make the potential impact of the law a central focus in the race. On May 13, 2016, Ross said, “My reaction to HB2 versus Richard Burr’s reaction is what we’ve been emphasizing. Richard Burr has started out by saying it doesn’t discriminate, it’s not a federal issue and it won’t hurt the economy. The answer to that is wrong, wrong, wrong.”[40]

    In March 2016, North Carolina’s General Assembly passed House Bill 2, which overruled Charlotte, North Carolina’s local ordinance that would have allowed transgender individuals to use the bathroom of their choosing based on the gender with which they identify. It also prevented local governments from setting up their own anti-discrimination rules, including laws against LGBT employment discrimination.[41]

    Burr initially said on March 29, 2016, that he would leave future of the bill “up to the courts to determine whether the state does this, but there's no room for discrimination in America, and I think this bill does not discriminate because it embraced what's in the Title 7 statute."[42]

    On May 25, 2016, when asked if he had any problems with the law, Burr said, “Yeah, I’ve got issues. The legislature botched what they were trying to do. It was far too expansive. … It will be decided one of two ways: through the courts, where everybody’s chosen to place it now, or the General Assembly and the Charlotte City Council getting together and solving what was blundered on both sides.”[43]

    Ross’ campaign accused Burr of speaking out against the law for political reasons. Ross spokesman Cole Leiter said, “Now that he thinks it’s hurting his re-election chances, he’s changing his tune. Burr’s Washington-style politics of self-interest haven’t worked for North Carolina, and it’s time for a change.”[43]

    On June 1, 2016, Burr said that he disagreed with the provision of HB 2, which required transgender individuals to use the bathroom that corresponds with their birth sex, rather than the sex with which they identify. In addition, he said that he opposed the provision that prohibited individuals from suing for discrimination, according to Roll Call.[44]

    Ross also highlighted the economic harm the law caused the state. She said, “It’s not just PayPal, but the long-term effects of things like the film industry in Wilmington, which just got back on its feet. People were coming back, but now they’re going. The talent drain in this state is going to be enormous.”[40]

    Merrick Garland[edit]

    See also: Supreme Court vacancy, 2016: An overview

    Following Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia's death and the nomination of Merrick Garland to replace him, Burr explained his opposition on holding a vote to confirm Garland. He said in a statement on March 16, 2016, "The American people deserve a voice in the nomination of the next Supreme Court Justice. This appointment could easily tip the balance of the court in a direction not supported by the American people as evidenced by 2014’s election results giving Republicans both the Senate and House."[45]

    On March 29, 2016, Burr reiterated his stance against holding confirmation hearings for Garland. He said, "What we've chosen to do is put precedent over person. The precedent is for almost 80 years, we haven't allowed an administration to make a nomination and have a vote in the last year of their presidency. We believe the Supreme Court shouldn't be a political pawn and to protect that, we want to make sure no Republican or Democrat president in the future takes the opportunity to coerce justices to retire and stack a deck in their last year of an administration."[42]

    Ross criticized Burr for his decision to oppose confirmation hearings. She said, "Some republican senators have met with the nominee. At the very least, there should be meetings and hearings. If the Senate doesn't think that nominee is qualified, then reject that nominee but to do it before doing your work, that's just wrong."[46]

    Minimum wage[edit]

    During an interview with The Courier-Tribune, both candidates were asked if the minimum wage should be increased. Burr said that the decision to raise the minimum wage should be decided by state governments rather than the federal government. He opposed a federal minimum wage because, according to some studies, it would result in job losses. Ross said that, if elected, she would work to raise the federal minimum wage to $12 and hour and eventually to $15 an hour.[47]

    “ After being pummeled by the Obama economy for the last eight years, American workers are hurting, and they are frustrated that their wages are stuck.

    However, economists have reached the same conclusion about the federal minimum wage: raising it reduces the availability of entry-level jobs. In North Carolina specifically, one study found that an increase to $15 per hour would result in the loss of 334,000 jobs.

    I do not object to states deciding for themselves what they want to do, but I do not believe a one-size-fits-all policy set by Washington makes sense. The cost of living in Asheboro is not the same as the cost of living in New York City. If small businesses are forced to pay higher wages regardless of where they are located, many of them will have to cut positions, which means fewer jobs for the people of North Carolina.

    No one wants fewer jobs. I want more jobs in North Carolina — good-paying jobs that pay way more than $15 an hour. The only way to do that is by improving education and getting our economy growing again.[48]

    		”
    —Sen. Richard Burr[47]
    “ In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works a full-time job should have to live in poverty. But right now, too many Americans who do an honest day’s work and pay their taxes simply can’t make ends meet.

    That is why, as your U.S. Senator, I will work to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $12 an hour and allow cities to raise it further depending on their cost of living and needs. We should index the minimum wage to inflation, so that, in time, it will rise to $15.

    In the state House, I co-sponsored four bills to raise the state’s minimum wage and successfully pushed legislation that raised the minimum wage for North Carolina workers.[48]

    		”
    —Deborah Ross[47]

    Presidential preference[edit]

    See also: Presidential election in North Carolina, 2016


    Republican Party Richard Burr[edit]

    See also: Republicans and their declared positions on Donald Trump and Republican reactions to 2005 Trump tape
    • On October 8, 2016, after The Washington Post released a 2005 video of Trump making comments about women that were described as "extremely lewd," Burr said, "The comments are inappropriate and completely unacceptable,” according to a Politico reporter who quoted him on Twitter. Later the same day, Burr said, “I am going to watch his level of contrition over the next few days to determine my level of support," according to a New York Times reporter who quoted him on Twitter.[49][50]
    • On May 4, 2016, Burr endorsed Donald Trump. In a series of tweets, Burr wrote, "I always said I would support the nominee and it's clear @realDonaldTrump has won the #Republican Presidential Primary. I look forward to working with Mr. Trump at the top of the ticket and to maintaining a #GOP Senate. There will not be a third term for a Clinton/Obama Administration in the White House. #NeverHillary."[51]

    Democratic Party Deborah Ross[edit]

    See also: Endorsements for Hillary Clinton
    • During an interview with WRAL.com on August 21, 2016, Ross said, "Hillary will be an excellent president. I trust her to do that job." When asked if she thought Clinton was honest and trustworthy, Ross said, "She is trustworthy as our commander-in-chief." When asked a second time, Ross said, "She is trustworthy."[52]

    Clinton's private email server & The Clinton Foundation[edit]

    See also: Hillary Clinton email investigation and The Clinton Foundation

    After reports revealed that "more than half the people outside the government who met with Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton while she was secretary of state gave money, either personally or through companies or groups, to the Clinton Foundation," Ross was asked about the Clinton Foundation and Clinton's use of a private email server to handle official state business. She said, “I would tell Hillary Clinton to her face that she handled her email in the wrong way. I mean, it was wrong. No two ways about it. … It was wrong. She said it was wrong. The mess has to be cleaned up. I have a record on ethics legislation in the General Assembly, making sure that we have transparency, making sure that we don’t have a pay-to-play system, making sure that donors and special interests don’t get special access and special perks. When you are a representative of the people and you earn their trust, the people have to come first, not the big money, not the special interests."[29]

    Endorsements[edit]

    Republican Party Richard Burr[edit]

    • National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) - “On behalf of our five million members across the country, the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is proud to endorse Richard Burr for U.S. Senate in the North Carolina Republican primary. His leadership and consistent voting record in support of the Second Amendment has earned him an ‘A+’ rating from the NRA. As a North Carolinian and outdoorsman, Richard has always fought to preserve our Second Amendment freedoms and hunting heritage, and has stood strong against President Obama and former New York City billionaire Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s gun control agenda. I urge all NRA members, gun owners and sportsmen in North Carolina to vote Richard Burr for U.S. Senate in the March 15th Republican primary.”[53]
    • The North Carolina State Troopers[54]
    • Susan B. Anthony List - SBA List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said, “Sen. Richard Burr is a longtime ally of the pro-life movement who has consistently voted to protect unborn children and their mothers. Our field team has already been active for months, talking to voters across the state about the importance of voting pro-life in the upcoming election. Sen. Burr’s opponent Deborah Ross has been endorsed by EMILY’s List, which opposes even the most modest pro-life initiatives, like legislation to limit late-term abortions after five months, more than halfway through pregnancy. Deborah Ross would work for the abortion lobby, not North Carolinians. That’s why we’re working so hard to ensure this seat stays pro-life. We are proud to endorse Sen. Burr’s reelection bid.”[55]
    • The Daily Reflector - "The Daily Reflector gives its Senate endorsement to Republican incumbent Richard Burr of Winston-Salem over Democratic challenger Deborah Ross of Raleigh."[56]
    • The Winston-Salem Journal - "We believe Burr is the most qualified candidate among Ross and Sean Haugh of Durham, a delivery driver who is the Libertarian candidate."[57]

    Democratic Party Deborah Ross[edit]

    • North Carolina State AFL-CIO[58]
    • Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee - "Deborah was recognized as one of North Carolina’s most effective legislators during her time in the state legislature, and her commitment to fighting for North Carolina families is unwavering. We are proud to support her in this campaign and eager to welcome her to the Senate next fall."[59]
    • The Charlotte Observer - "She is smart, energetic and ambitious. We see in her the makings of a strong, independent-minded senator – the kind Burr sadly is not. Voters should give Burr an early retirement, and send Ross’s new energy and ideas to Washington instead."[60]
    • Greensboro News & Record - "If elected, Ross will bring a new voice to Washington. North Carolina needs it."[61]
    • The News & Observer - "As a former leader of the ACLU, as a progressive and effective state lawmaker and as a dynamic candidate, Ross has demonstrated that she will fight for what’s right and what’s needed, not what’s popular or what’s easy. North Carolina needs her smarts, her energy and her courage in the U.S. Senate. We urge you to put her there."[62]
    • The Citizen-Times - "Voters have an acceptable alternative [to Burr] in Deborah Ross, a lawyer from Raleigh who spent a decade in the N.C. House."[63]
    • La Noticia - "In these elections, the Democratic candidate Deborah Ross is the best choice to represent North Carolina in the US Senate."[64]

    Polls[edit]

    North Carolina Senate - Richard Burr vs. Deborah Ross (October 2016-Present)
    Poll Republican Party Richard Burr Democratic Party Deborah RossMargin of ErrorSample Size
    Civitas (R)
    October 14-17, 2016    		 45%37%+/-4.0600
    SurveyUSA
    October 14-16, 2016    		 45%43%+/-3.9651
    CNN/ORC
    October 10-15, 2016    		 48%47%+/-3.5788
    NBC/WSJ/Marist
    October 10-12, 2016    		 46%46%+/-3.6743
    Suffolk University
    October 10-12, 2016    		 40%36%+/-4.4500
    Emerson College
    October 10-12, 2016    		 45%43%+/-3.9600
    High Point University
    October 1-6, 2016    		 47%42%+/-4.5479
    Note: A "0%" finding means the candidate was not a part of the poll. The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org


    Media[edit]

    Republican Party Richard Burr[edit]

    Support[edit]

    "Protect" - ad supporting Burr, released February 2016
    "Worried" - One Nation ad supporting Burr, released August 2016
    "Kirby" - Burr's first campaign ad, released August 2016
    "Award" - One Nation ad supporting Burr, released August 2016
    "Bases 30" - One Nation ad supporting Burr, released September 2016
    "DA" - Burr ad opposing Ross, released October 2016

    Opposition[edit]

    "Look Up" - DSCC ad opposing Burr, released September 2016
    "Profit" - WOMEN VOTE! ad opposing Burr, released September 2016
    "You" - DSCC ad opposing Burr, released October 2016
    "Making Washington Work for Him" - SEIU ad opposing Burr, released October 2016

    Democratic Party Deborah Ross[edit]

    Support[edit]

    "Deborah Ross: Who Says?" - ad supporting Ross in February 2016
    "Deborah Ross Call Ad" - Ross ad, released August 2016
    "Fountain" - Ross campaign ad, released September 2016
    "Ridiculous" - Ross campaign ad, released October 2016
    "Afraid" - Ross campaign ad, released October 2016
    "Zach" - Ross campaign ad, released October 2016

    Opposition[edit]

    "Defend Freedom, Defeat Deborah Ross" - NRA ad opposing Ross
    "Kelly" - Burr campaign ad opposing Ross, released September 2016
    "Safe" - Senate Leadership Fund ad opposing Ross, released September 2016
    "Unsuccessfully" - NRSC ad opposing Ross, released October 2016
    "Defend" - Senate Leadership Fund ad opposing Ross, released October 2016
    "Too Extreme for North Carolina" - NRA ad opposing Ross, released October 2016

    Campaign contributions[edit]

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.
    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Republican Party Richard Burr[edit]

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.

    Democratic Party Deborah Ross[edit]

    Source: This graphic was generated using data from the FEC.


    BP-Initials-UPDATED.png The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may not represent all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer, and campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

    Presidential impact[edit]

    Presidential elections have a significant impact on congressional elections, the most obvious of which is increased voter interest and participation. In the last two decades, presidential elections have led to roughly 15 to 20 percent higher turnout rates than in the corresponding midterm elections.[65] The following chart shows the disparity between voter turnout in presidential elections and midterms.

    Voter turnout comparison.JPG

    In the past decade, presidential elections have benefited the Democratic Party, while midterms have helped Republicans. The Democratic Party gained an average of 5 Senate seats in the last two presidential elections, and the Republican Party picked up an average of 7.5 seats in the last two midterms.[66] The fact that 2016 was a presidential election cycle was a cause of increased Republican vulnerability in the Senate.

    Election history[edit]

    2014[edit]

    See also: United States Senate elections in North Carolina, 2014

    On November 4, 2014, Thom Tillis (R) won election to the United States Senate. He defeated incumbent Kay Hagan (D), Sean Haugh (L), and several write-in candidates in the general election.

    U.S. Senate, North Carolina General Election, 2014
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Democratic Kay Hagan Incumbent 47.3% 1,377,651
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngThom Tillis 48.8% 1,423,259
         Libertarian Sean Haugh 3.7% 109,100
         Write-in John Rhodes 0% 621
         Write-in David Waddell 0% 201
         Write-in Barry Gurney 0% 142
         Write-in Write-in (miscellaneous) 0.1% 4,307
    Total Votes 2,915,281
    Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections

    2010[edit]

    On November 2, 2010, Richard Burr (R) won re-election to the United States Senate. He defeated Elaine Marshall (D) and Michael Beitler (L) in the general election.[67]

    U.S. Senate, North Carolina General Election, 2010
    Party Candidate Vote % Votes
         Republican Green check mark transparent.pngRichard Burr incumbent 54.8% 1,458,046
         Democratic Elaine Marshall 43% 1,145,074
         Libertarian Michael Beitler 2.1% 55,687
         N/A Write-in 0% 1,272
    Total Votes 2,660,079

    Important dates and deadlines[edit]

    See also: North Carolina elections, 2016

    The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in North Carolina in 2016.

    Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016
    Deadline Event type Event description
    December 1, 2015 Ballot access Filing period for partisan candidates opens
    December 21, 2015 Ballot access Filing period for partisan candidates closes
    March 7, 2016 Campaign finance First quarter report due
    March 15, 2016 Election date Primary election (non-congressional offices)
    June 7, 2016 Election date Congressional primary
    June 9, 2016 Ballot access Unaffiliated candidates for federal, statewide, and state legislative offices that span more than one county must submit petitions to county boards of election for verification
    June 24, 2016 Ballot access Unaffiliated candidates for federal, statewide, and state legislative offices that span more than one county must submit petitions to the state board of elections
    June 24, 2016 Ballot access Unaffiliated candidates for state legislative offices that span only one county must submit petitions to the appropriate county board of elections
    July 12, 2016 Campaign finance Second quarter report due
    July 26, 2016 Ballot access Write-in candidates for federal, statewide, and state legislative offices that span more than one county must submit their petitions to county boards of election for verification
    July 29, 2016 Campaign finance Mid-year semi-annual report due
    August 10, 2016 Ballot access Write-in candidates for federal, statewide, and state legislative offices that span more than one county must submit their petitions to the state board of elections
    August 10, 2016 Ballot access Write-in candidates for state legislative offices that span only one county must submit their petitions to the appropriate county board of elections
    October 21, 2016 Campaign finance Third quarter report due
    November 8, 2016 Election date General election
    January 11, 2017 Campaign finance Fourth quarter report due
    January 27, 2017 Campaign finance Year-end semi-annual report due
    Sources: North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Filing," accessed June 12, 2015
    North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Fact Sheet: Unaffiliated Candidates, 2016 Election," accessed June 12, 2015
    North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Fact Sheet: Write-in Candidates, 2016 Election," accessed June 12, 2015
    North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Reporting Schedules," accessed November 25, 2015

    See also[edit]

    Footnotes[edit]

    1. ↑ Cook Political Report, "2016 Senate Race Ratings," accessed November 6, 2016
    2. ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 Senate," accessed November 6, 2016
    3. ↑ Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "Senate Ratings," accessed November 6, 2016
    4. ↑ The Associated Press, "Burr sticks to low-key style in N. Carolina re-election bid," accessed October 13, 2016
    5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Review, "Is Richard Burr Sailing into the Perfect Storm?" accessed October 11, 2016
    6. ↑ McClatchy DC, "Republican ad hits NC Senate hopeful Ross for ACLU argument in rape case," accessed October 11, 2016
    7. ↑ The News & Observer, "Deborah Ross’ ACLU leadership looms large in US Senate race," accessed October 12, 2016
    8. ↑ The Washington Post, "Nervous Republicans ramp up spending in North Carolina as Senate race tightens," accessed October 11, 2016
    9. ↑ Gaston Gazette, "Sen. Richard Burr wins re-election over Democrat Deborah Ross," accessed November 14, 2016
    10. ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed October 25, 2019
    11. ↑ FairVote ,"Primaries," accessed October 25, 2019
    12. ↑ Ballotpedia research conducted December 26, 2013, through January 3, 2014, researching and analyzing various state websites and codes.
    13. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Election Information," accessed October 25, 2019
    14. ↑ Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
    15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate_Listing_20160315," December 21, 2015
    16. ↑ Ballotpedia staff, "Email correspondence with Kevin Griffin," October 26, 2015
    17. ↑ WNCN, "Spring Lake mayor announces candidacy for US Senate,' September 21, 2015
    18. ↑ WRAL.com, "Ex-Wake lawmaker Ross enters US Senate race," October 14, 2015
    19. ↑ WNCN News, "Sen. Burr confirms he will run in 2016," accessed January 8, 2015
    20. ↑ 9WNCT, "Brannon announces he will challenge Burr for Senate GOP nod," December 21, 2015
    21. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate_Listing_20161108," accessed January 12, 2016
    22. ↑ BlueRidgeNow.com, "North Carolina state Rep. Duane Hall won't run for US Senate," October 13, 2015
    23. ↑ The News & Observer, "Burr, Ross agree on TV debate," accessed October 7, 2016
    24. ↑ Roll Call, "Burr: 2016 Is His Last Election," accessed October 8, 2016
    25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 25.4 North State Journal, "BURR: Obamacare is imploding," accessed October 10, 2016
    26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 DeborahRoss.com, "Healthcare," accessed October 11, 2016
    27. ↑ Forbes, "Mixed News For Obamacare In North Carolina As Blues Plan Opts To Remain In Obamacare Exchange," accessed October 11, 2016
    28. ↑ The Charlotte Observer, "Will NC Blue Cross stay in federal health insurance marketplace?" accessed October 11, 2016
    29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Winston-Salem Journal, "Democratic Senate candidate Ross on Clinton emails: 'It was wrong. No two ways about it'," accessed October 11, 2016
    30. ↑ Daily Kos, "NC-Sen: Ross (D) Calls Out Burr's (R) BS On His Affordable Care Act Replacement Plan," accessed October 11, 2016
    31. ↑ Burr for Senate, "New Information On Cash To Iran, No Response From Deborah Ross," accessed October 10, 2016
    32. ↑ Burr.Senate.gov, "Burr on Iran Deal: American People Aren’t Buying Into Bad Deal," accessed October 10, 2016
    33. ↑ DeborahRoss.com, "Keeping Americans Safe," accessed October 10, 2016
    34. ↑ Citizen-Times, "Burr, Tillis criticize State Dept. over Iran payment," accessed October 10, 2016
    35. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "U.S. Sent Cash to Iran as Americans Were Freed," accessed August 3, 2016
    36. ↑ The Wall Street Journal, "Iran Releases Americans in Prisoner Swap," accessed August 18, 2016
    37. ↑ Winston-Salem Journal, "Analysis: As Senate race between Burr and Ross tightens, attacks get sharper," accessed October 10, 2016
    38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 McClatchy DC, "In Senate race, Burr and Ross clash over trade deal they both oppose," accessed October 11, 2016
    39. ↑ Burr.Senate.gov, "Senator Burr Announces Opposition to Obama’s Trans-Pacific Partnership: Anything Less Than a Level Playing Field is Unacceptable," accessed October 11, 2016
    40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 The Washington Post, "'Bathroom bill' is becoming issue in North Carolina Senate race against Burr," accessed October 11, 2016
    41. ↑ News and Observer, "LGBT protections end as NC governor signs bill," accessed April 7, 2016
    42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 ABC11.com, "Burr Talks Supreme Court, Hb2 And More With ABC11," accessed October 9, 2016
    43. ↑ 43.0 43.1 The Charlotte Observer, "Sen. Richard Burr: HB2 'too expansive,'" accessed October 11, 2016
    44. ↑ Roll Call, "Burr: N.C. Should Roll Back Bathroom Provision in HB2," accessed October 11, 2016
    45. ↑ Senator Richard Burr, "Burr statement on Supreme Court nominee: American people deserve a voice," March 16, 2016
    46. ↑ KMOV.com, "Deborah Ross calls House Bill Two 'bad for North Carolina,'" accessed October 11, 2016
    47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 The Courier-Tribune, "U.S. Senate race: Richard Burr, Deborah Ross," accessed October 11, 2016
    48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
    49. ↑ The Washington Post, "Trump recorded having extremely lewd conversation about women in 2005," October 8, 2016
    50. ↑ The News & Observer, "McCrory, Burr, others join condemnation of Trump," accessed October 10, 2016
    51. ↑ IndyWeek.com, "Richard Burr is #NeverHillary, Will Support Donald Trump," accessed May 6, 2016
    52. ↑ WRAL.com, "Deborah Ross: Clinton is trustworthy," accessed October 10, 2016
    53. ↑ NRA-ILA.org, "NRA-PVF Endorses Richard Burr for U.S. Senate," accessed October 10, 2016
    54. ↑ Burr for Senate, "ICYMI: Burr Receives Endorsement From The NC Troopers Association," accessed October 10, 2016
    55. ↑ SBA List, "SBA List Endorses Senator Richard Burr over EMILY’s List Backed Deborah Ross," accessed October 11, 2016
    56. ↑ The Daily Reflector, "Burr, Butterfield, Jones for U.S. Congress," October 27, 2016
    57. ↑ The Winston-Salem Journal, "Decision 2016: Our endorsements for Congress," accessed November 7, 2016
    58. ↑ WECT 6, "Ross, Cooper, Coleman get North Carolina AFL-CIO endorsement," January 19, 2016
    59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Roll Call, "DSCC Endorses Deborah Ross in North Carolina," January 21, 2016
    60. ↑ The Charlotte Observer, "Our choice in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race," October 18, 2016
    61. ↑ Greensboro News & Record, "Our Opinion: Deborah Ross for Senate (Video)," October 24, 2016
    62. ↑ The News & Observer, "We endorse Deborah Ross for Senate," October 16, 2016
    63. ↑ The Citizen-Times, "Our view: Time to work toward a Congress that works again," October 19, 2016
    64. ↑ La Noticia, "Senate: Deborah Ross wants immigration reform, Richard Burr mass deportations," accessed November 7, 2016
    65. ↑ United States Election Project, "Voter Turnout," accessed September 6, 2015
    66. ↑ United States Senate, "Party Division in the Senate, 1789-Present," accessed September 6, 2015
    67. ↑ U.S. Congress House Clerk, "Statistics of the Congressional Election of November 2, 2010," accessed March 28, 2013
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    North Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress
    Senators
    Richard Burr (R)
    Thom Tillis (R)
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    District 6
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    District 10
    District 11
    District 12
    District 13
    Ted Budd (R)
    District 14
    Vacant
    Republican Party (10)
    Democratic Party (5)
    Vacancies (1)

    Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 | Original source: https://ballotpedia.org/United_States_Senate_election_in_North_Carolina,_2016
    Status: cached on November 18 2021 15:41:15
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