Linda Coleman Sticks With Issues in 2nd District Race – A Call to Colors Exclusive
by Cash Michaels Contributing Writer 08/01/2018Former State Representative Linda Coleman is banking that the voters of the Second Congressional District are more interested in issues like affordable health care, jobs and improving education, as opposed “ideas” from incumbent Republican Rep. George Holding on topics like ‘The Constitution,” “The Right to Bear Arms,” and “ISIS,” among others, according to his campaign website.
“Everyone needs affordable health care, accessible health care and quality heath care,” the Wake County Democrat maintains. “They don’t need to deal with pre-existing conditions, which can bankrupt families. Many are just a paycheck away from a catastrophic situation.”
She adds that rural families are especially at risk in North Carolina because Republicans will not allow an expansion of Medicaid, thus, a severe lack of hospitals and clinics in those areas.
Coleman finds herself attempting to unseat a Trump loyalist and conservative culture warrior, but she’s confident that the voters of the diverse Second District are hearing her not only on the issues, but also representing their values.
“The people are hardworking, they believe in community uplift, and it would be such an honor to represent the people of the Second District,” Coleman told GDN.
The Second Congressional District is diverse racially, mixed with rural, urban and suburban communities. The six-county district encompasses southern and eastern Wake, northern Johnston County, southern Nash, western Wilson, and all of Franklin and Harnett.
Politically, it is one-third Democrat, one-third Republican and one-third unaffiliated. In recent elections, the district has leaned conservative.
Based on reaction to her campaign thus far, Coleman believes she can change that. Beyond criticizing Obamacare, incumbent Holding is not addressing the key issues the district cares about, Coleman says.
“His voice has been silent on the issues that primarily impact the people of the Second District,” she maintains, noting that Holding has of yet to attend one candidates’ forum to answer questions from constituents.
And yet, as the incumbent first-term conservative, Holding, a former US Attorney, has an advantage in fundraising and name recognition that hasn’t elected a moderate Democrat since Congressman Bobby Etheridge served from 1998 -2011.
Coleman, a Greenville native and NC A&T University alumna who taught in public schools, served three terms in the NC House, and Director of the Office of State Personnel, before making two tries for Lt. Governor, realizes that even with constant predictions of a Democratic “blue wave” of voters this November for the midterms, she’s fighting a “culture warrior” in Holding who is already trying to negatively brand her, and to stand firm on the issues.
“That is where your faith comes in,” Coleman says. “The way to get people to believe is to promote a culture of hope out there. That there will be a better day tomorrow.”
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