November Election Looms as Brunswick County Democrats Express Frustration Over GOP Participation in Political Forums
With the November election swiftly approaching in just 29 days, the political landscape in Brunswick County is marked by a notable absence of participation from GOP candidates in crucial political forums. Recent events organized by non-profit groups, the Southport Indivisibles and the Cedar Grove Improvement Association, provided a platform for candidates to engage with voters. The Brunswick County Democratic Party has voiced disappointment over the lack of Republican representation at these forums, indicating that while all of their candidates attended, only one Republican candidate, vying for county Register of Deeds, made an appearance.
Calls for bipartisan debates have gone unanswered by the Republican Party, with Democrats expressing a desire for open dialogues between candidates from both sides. Brunswick County Commissioner Mike Forte, a Republican, expressed willingness to engage in debates under the condition that they are hosted by a nonpartisan entity, citing concerns of potential bias. Forte’s Democratic opponent, Tom Simmons, emphasized the importance of candidate accountability and public engagement, asserting that individuals seeking elected office have a responsibility to address voter inquiries and clarify their vision for change in the county.
In response to inquiries, the Brunswick County Republican Party Chairman, William Moore, clarified that the decision to attend forums or events rests with individual candidates rather than the party at large. Against the backdrop of voter registration statistics indicating a sizable Republican base in the county, with 56,367 registered Republicans compared to 27,983 Democrats and 53,691 unaffiliated voters, the absence of GOP candidates in political forums underscores a growing rift in engagement practices as the election draws near.
