The Daily Haymaker

Edwards debacle spurring political game of musical chairs in WNC

Posted on August 5, 2026August 6, 2026 by Brant Clifton

THAT is what we’re hearing from that neck of the woods. Ted Budd‘s call for Chuck Edwards to scram apparently paid off. Edwards confirmed today he is bailing on his

Crying in Harris-Teeter: A deep dive into the Chuck Edwards ethics probe

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Brant Clifton

You know things must be bad for Chuck Edwards. Senator Ted Budd is the farthest thing from being an adventurous risk-taker. But he is apparently the first BIG state Republican

When the heat is on, look to Chappelle (and plead the FiF).

Posted on August 3, 2026August 4, 2026 by Brant Clifton

If Chuck Edwards listened to me – and I know he DOES NOT – I’d have him following the path of one Mr. David Chappelle. That’s right: *Plead the fizz-iff.*

Greater Carolina probe expanding to include ABC warehouse debacle

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Brant Clifton

Welcome to the party, Mister House majority leader. It appears the mess over a new warehouse for the state Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) board is getting some serious scrutiny by

Phil Berger appoints former Cooper admin official to NCDOT state board

Posted on July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 by Brant Clifton

Jim Trogdon retired as Roy Cooper’s Transportation secretary in 2020 amid some withering criticism over the NCDOT’s finances: […] In Fiscal Year 2019, the DOT spent $6.8 billion against a

North Carolina got “hoodwinked” on prediction market gambling

Posted on July 30, 2026July 30, 2026 by Brant Clifton

At least that’s what a certain Republican, portly former US attorney and New Jersey governor is trying to tell us: The North Carolina legislature recently voted to legalize sports gambling

New Fox News poll. (SIGH)

Posted on July 29, 2026July 29, 2026 by Brant Clifton

It seems like that four-point spread by Public Policy Polling was just yesterday. Here’s Fox News: In North Carolina, more Democrats than Republicans say they are extremely interested in the

Hero dad, Marine Corps vet sets his sights on a seat on the Moore County school board

Posted on July 28, 2026 by Brant Clifton

Many husbands and fathers out there talk of being ready to risk their lives to defend their families. Carthage area resident Jim Pedersen actually had to do it during a

What about Whatley? (Budd raises money against Cooper, ignores Cooper’s GOP opponent)

Posted on July 28, 2026July 28, 2026 by Brant Clifton

I’ve heard of senators from the same party helping each other out when one is up for reelection and the other is not. But this one’s a wee bit different.

As The Elections Boards Turn …

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Brant Clifton

Typical elections board meetings are a great cure for insomnia. But, lately, things have gotten exciting. We had the always-unpredictable, always-exciting Dallas Woodhouse in some episodes over early voting in