The primary election is scheduled for next Tuesday, May 8. Early voting continues through this Saturday. The NCMS encourages you to uphold your civic duty by making sure that you vote. Consider this is your first act of advocacy on behalf of your profession and your patients.
Many of the races on Tuesday will be the determining race, since they have no further challenge in the fall. Others are merely a stepping stone to the next challenge as the parties choose their candidates. Either way, your vote counts and your vote is needed.
The NCMS has highlighted a number of races over the last few weeks. We would like to again recognize three NCMS members in primary races that have a strong chance of winning, but continue to need your help in these final days leading up to next Tuesday.
Eric Mansfield, MD (Democrat Candidate for Lt. Governor)
Dr. Mansfield is an ENT physician from Fayetteville. He is currently serving his first term in the North Carolina Senate. He was a strong supporter and key vote during the medical malpractice reform debate during the 2011 session. Dr. Mansfield has proven himself to be a strong advocate for bipartisan consensus during his short time in the North Carolina Senate. This is his first attempt at statewide office. He is running in a close Democratic primary against former Rep. Linda Coleman. You can find more information about Dr. Mansfield by clicking here to go to his website.
Jim Fulghum, MD (Republican Candidate – NC House District 49 – Wake County)
Dr. Fulghum is a neuro surgeon in Raleigh. He is running in his first bid for elected office against former Rep. Russell Capps in the Republican primary. This new district was added during the remapping process this year. It is a leaning Republican district though Dr. Fulghum would still face a Democrat challenger in the general election. Dr. Fulghum has made healthcare and the economy his leading campaign issues. His voice as a practicing physician will be important with the loss or retirements of all three of our physicians in the North Carolina Senate this year. You can find out more about Dr. Fulghum by clicking here to go to his website.
Mark Hollo, PA (Republican Incumbent – NC House District 73 – Alexander County)
Rep. Hollo is serving in his second term in the North Carolina House. He is a physician assistant in Taylorsville. He currently serves as one of the House Health Committee Chairs and was another strong voice for tort reform this past session. He has also been instrumental in writing the Medicaid portion of the state budget. Rep. Hollo is currently double bunked with Rep. McCormack (R) who filed for office but has subsequently withdrawn from the race. Even so, Rep. Hollo will still have to collect the majority of votes next Tuesday since Rep. McCormack’s name could not be removed from the ballot after filing. Rep. Hollo will then move on to take on a Democrat challenger in the leaning Republican district during the fall election. Click here to learn more about Rep. Mark Hollo.
Other NCMS members on the ballot include Bruce Blackmon, MD (Democrat Candidate for Governor) and Eric Troyer, MD (Republican Candidate – NC House District 76 – Rowan County). Please make sure that your voice is counted next Tuesday, if not before. You can click here to go to the NC Board of Elections website to find your sample ballot, early voting locations and your precinct voting site for next Tuesday. Go Vote!
