NC11: Davis, Bennett pulling away from the rest of the pack?
That is what we’re being told by authoritative sources (not on the payroll of any campaign) who are keeping a close eye on the race to replace Mark Meadows in Congress.
We’re told that privately-conducted polling shows state senator Jim Davis leading the Republican field with 28 percent of the vote. (Davis has been representing the area in Raleigh since 2011.) Local GOP activist Lynda Bennett comes in a close second to Davis with 24 percent. (The next closest competitor in the GOP field is roughly ten points behind Bennett. Ten others are in the Republican field.)
FYI — It takes 30 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff.
We’re told that Bennett’s competitive position is due in a large part to significant ad buys from a DC-based PAC called “Right Women.” The PAC is headed by Debbie Meadows, wife of the current congressman, and reportedly has the mission of electing more women who will align with the House Freedom Caucus. 
We’re also told that, while Debbie Meadows is quite actively supporting Bennett, Mark Meadows is taking a very low-key and hands-off approach to the race. The congressman has been seen publicly with his wife at some Bennett campaign events, but he has — according to witnesses — stayed quiet and in the background. Basically, letting his wife take the lead. Our sources tell us there has been NO endorsement by Mark Meadows of anyone in the current primary field.
As we said earlier, Davis has been on Jones Street representing parts of the congressional district since 2011. Civitas Action gives him a lifetime conservative rating of 81.51, His two best years, according to Civitas, were his first (in 2011, with a rating of 97) and 2017 where he earned a perfect score of 100.
The primary election for this race (and many others) will take place in March.
Davis’ experience in the political arena was on display at last Saturday’s NC-11 GOP candidate forum. Bennett showed pretty well…though a bit scripted. Madison Cawthorn played his youth as a positive—scored points insisting the asked-to-leave press should be allowed to remain for the forum. (Note: sponsor asking press to leave was not a smooth move.) Other candidates also had their moments. It was interesting to hear Davis talk about pushing the reduction in primary winning percentage from 40 (+1) to 30 (+1). Personally not a fan of that change. Yet to make up my mind—still reviewing the candidates’ positions and bona fides.
Wayne King has served Congressman Meadows across the district for years and will serve the district well.
Wayne King is also the most dishonest candidate to ever run for office. He told the event staff at the last debate he could not attend because he had a prior commitment with his son…. admirable. Until you find out that he bought a campaign table at a gun show that same day, while the debate was being held.
Also tells folks that he has “stood with Trump since day one.” Well, the article in the Shelby Star, his local newspaper (note: not in NC-11), right before the 2016 RNC is TITLED “Shelby Delegates Have No Love for Trump.” He went as a Cruz delegate and said over and over again that he would not vote for Trump on the second ballot, should it go there.
Wayne King is a dishonest snake. And anyone who has worked with him for more than ten years will tell you that.
Bennett is a RINO. Davis is the conservative candidate.
Not according to his voting record. Davis is a tax and spend RINO. He also voted against the wishes of the people to repeal HB2, his response to this is “we have to reach out to the lgbtq” Davis also refused to answer on State Funded abortions.
Yond, back up your statement. There is no evidence, in fact Bennett is the Conservative. Davis is typical your POLITICIAN.
Lynda Bennett’s support from Debbie Meadows and Polly Jordan just got turbocharged with endorsements from their husbands. I thought Congressman Meadows would hold back during the primary, but maybe private polling showed the need for help.
Republicans in the 11th should support Jim Davis. I have never met Mr. Davis but mutual friends assure me
that he is a REPUBLICAN and can be counted on to support the team when issues arise. Mark Meadows is a maverick
who never supported the party except when it help the democrats. Enough of the Johnny Come Lately s who use the party for their own
personal agendas.
THE PARTY SHOULD SUPPORT PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT THE PARTY.
While we in the 11th appreciate you telling us who we “should” vote for – we are capable of making our own educated decisions. I am supporting Madison Cawthorne. I spent nearly 3 hours at the candidate forum have personally met the top 6 candidates, attending events & I am supporting Madison, because we need young leadership in the House. We need a Republican that can fight the “squad” & AOC! Madison is a true conservative and I pray that voters who actually live here take the time to watch the forum tape, if they did not attend, or attend events and see how Madison is the leader we need!