The Daily Haymaker

#NCGA: Time to flatline CONs

Posted on September 22, 2015 by Brant Clifton

We hear a lot of lip service from Republicans in Raleigh about the beauty of the free market. However, it took a lot of grassroots heat to get them to

#ncpol: Lil’ Tricia and the $750 “tip”

Posted on September 22, 2015September 22, 2015 by Brant Clifton

During recent debate on the state budget, state Rep. Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg) got a lot of drive-by media play for this particular gem: A $750 tip ???? What profession

NC-02: Well, THAT didn’t take long.

Posted on September 22, 2015September 22, 2015 by Brant Clifton

In an earlier post, we mused about how long it would take for “Pastor Randy” to show up in this congressional campaign. For those of you not familiar with that

#campaign2016: Josh Stein FINALLY comes out

Posted on September 21, 2015September 22, 2015 by Brant Clifton

Yes, ladies and gentlemen. The WORST kept secret in Raleigh — and believe me there are a lot of contenders for that title — was splashed across the headlines this

NC-02: #ASKHERWHY (Go ahead. Ask Her.)

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Brant Clifton

It appears filing for office will be moved up to DECEMBER and the primaries will take place in MARCH. That will likely ensure the political fireworks get off to an

#NC-02: A few thoughts on the RINO hunt

Posted on September 19, 2015 by Brant Clifton

Well, this ad popped up during the most recent televised GOP presidential debate — making it clear that North Carolina’s Second Congressional District GOP primary will be just as much

#ncga: Limited government and the GOP formally separate

Posted on September 17, 2015September 17, 2015 by Brant Clifton

We’ve heard some tough talk. Everyone is beating their chest getting ready for the upcoming elections. But the chest-beaters are apparently ready to send to the governor a budget that

Kevin McCarthy? Seriously?

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Brant Clifton

We’re seeing all kinds of trial balloons about the rebels seeking to oust John Boehner reportedly warming to the idea of Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Seriously? As Majority Leader, McCarthy (R-CA)

#NCSEN: Two choices NOT NAMED Richard Burr

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Brant Clifton

Former judge Paul Wright, who has run unsuccessfully for governor and Congress, has announced he will be challenge incumbent Republican Richard Burr for renomination in 2016. Now, we have another

NC-02: And THEN there were four …

Posted on September 15, 2015 by Brant Clifton

The GOP primary for the Second congressional district is looking to get even more crowded. The political class is abuzz with the prospect of a new high-profile entry into the