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Voller seeks moderation from McCrory

Just hours before Republican Governor Pat McCrory's first State of the State address, Democratic state party chairman Randy Voller is calling on him to "stand up" to a "radical, reactionary state legislature."

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By
Laura Leslie
RALEIGH, N.C. — Just hours before Republican Gov. Pat McCrory's first State of the State address, North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Randy Voller called on him to "stand up" to a "radical, reactionary state legislature."

The Monday night speech is McCrory's first opportunity as governor to spell out his goals and vision for the state. But safety-net cuts pushed by his Republican legislative colleagues in the past two weeks have already spurred Democrats to accuse the GOP of "a war on the poor."

"We've already had a sneak peek of the governor's vision for the state," Voller said at a news conference, "and let me tell you, the picture ain't pretty. It's an all-out assault on the uninsured, the unemployed and the poor."

"They're creating what I term 'The Nightmare on Jones Street,'" he said, citing cuts to unemployment benefits, a proposed tax reform plan, a ban on Medicaid expansion and a proposal to fire and reappoint members of key oversight boards and commissions.

Voller pointed to McCrory's bipartisan record as mayor of Charlotte, calling on him to work with Democrats and serve as a moderating influence.

"At what point does Gov. McCrory stand up to the radical reactionary legislature and side with" the people of the state? Voller asked.

McCrory has already signaled he will sign the unemployment overhaul, which is currently on his desk, as well as the Medicaid ban expansion, which lawmakers will likely send him this week.

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