North Carolina

May 03, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Today, the Obama campaign announced that it will air new two-minute ads in Indiana and North Carolina entitled "Minute." The ads will air predominantly during the evening news on Monday, but will play in some markets as soon as Sunday evening.

Barack Obama: Photo by Barack Obama campaign

In the new spots, Obama makes his closing argument to Indiana and North Carolina voters, outlining his plans to put an end to the divisive, calculated politics in Washington. In the ads, Obama continues to speak out against a gas tax holiday, which is nothing more than Washington politics as usual at its worst.    » read more »

4/29/2008 -- North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today announced his endorsement of Hillary Clinton for president.

"I am supporting Hillary Clinton because she has a passion for improving the lives of all Americans. She will be a president who stands up for people across North Carolina – and this country – every day in the White House,” said Governor Easley.

North Carolina Governor Mike Easley: Photo by Kevin Tsui (CC)

“I know she will get to work immediately making education and the economy her top priorities for our nation. She is ready to lead our country and has the ability to deliver."    » read more »

April 26, 2008 -- Chicago, IL - Obama campaign Communications Director Robert Gibbs released the following statement on Presidential debates.

"We have participated in 21 nationally televised debates, the most in primary history, including four exclusively with Senator Clinton. Senator Clinton refused an earlier invitation that had been accepted to debate in North Carolina.

Over the next 10 days, we believe it's important to talk directly to the voters of Indiana and North Carolina about fixing our economy, cutting the cost of health care and ending a war in Iraq that never should have been authorized in the first place," Obama campaign spokesperson Robert Gibbs said.

Source: Barack Obama campaign

April 21, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Lance O. Eakes, 25, of Apex, North Carolina, died April 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.

   » read more »

April 15, 2008 -- Lesson learned from Virginia Tech shooting one year ago must be put into practice in NC Raleigh: On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the deadliest school shooting in U.S. history, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper today called on lawmakers to prohibit people who have been involuntarily committed from purchasing guns.

Spent 9mm shells, North Carolina: Photo by Carl M. (CC)    » read more »

Job Development Investment Grant Helps Sutter Street Manufacturing Open In Hickory

4/14/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley announced today that Sutter Street Manufacturing, a subsidiary of the national home furnishings retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc., will open a product development, regional distribution and upholstered manufacturing facility in Hickory. The company will create 820 jobs during the next five years and invest $2.7 million. A North Carolina Job Development Investment Grant helped make the project possible.    » read more »

Energy Bill Savings Will Pay Projects’ Costs In Less Than Two Years

4/8/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today released the recipients of the state’s first Energy Efficiency Reserve Fund grants to implement 58 power-saving projects at 10 state agencies, 15 University of North Carolina campuses and six community colleges. The $5 million being spent on the projects will save about $3.2 million a year in utility costs. The energy saved is equal to the amount needed to power 4,028 homes for a year.    » read more »

April 08, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Staff Sgt. Emanuel Pickett, 34, of Teachey, North Carolina, died April 6 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked with indirect fire.

He was assigned to the 1132nd Military Police Company, North Carolina Army National Guard, Rocky Mount, N.C.

Source: DoD

Universal Pictures Movie Featuring Oscar Winners George Clooney, Renee Zellweger, Boosts State Economy

4/4/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today praised the work of state and regional film officials for their role in the production of the feature movie, Leatherheads, opening nationwide today, which was largely filmed on location in North Carolina.

George Clooney and Renée Zellweger in South Carolina: Photo by Melanie McDermott (CC)    » read more »

March 24, 2008 -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died March 22 in Baghdad, Iraq, from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.

They were assigned to the 237th Military Police Company, New Hampshire National Guard.

Killed were:

Sgt. Thomas C. Ray, II, 40, of Weaverville, North Carolina.

Sgt. David S. Stelmat, 27, of Littleton, New Hampshire.

Sgt. David B. Williams, 26, of Tarboro, North Carolina.

Source: DoD

Hillary Clinton announces A New $2.5 Billion Per Year Workforce Training Program

3/27/2008 -- In North Carolina today, Hillary Clinton launched a six-day tour to discuss her solutions to ensure shared prosperity in these tough economic times. Hillary will travel to North Carolina, Indiana, and Pennsylvania as part of the “Solutions For The American Economy” tour and will highlight ways that state and local leaders have found solutions to economic challenges.    » read more »

Atlanta, Ga., March 26, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Region 4, as part of the Southeast Diesel Collaborative, today announced the availability of approximately $3.6 Million in grants to fund projects within the Southeast to demonstrate effective emission control technologies and strategies, methods or approaches to reducing diesel emissions. EPA expects to fund between five and ten grants ranging from $250,000 and $750,000. However, EPA reserves the option to fund a project at an amount lower than $250,000 if the proposed project involves retrofitting or upgrading an applicant’s entire fleet.    » read more »

Overseas telemarketers use credit card offers to steal your personal information

March 18, 2008 -- Raleigh: Scammers are using robo calls that promise better rates on credit cards to try to steal your identity and run up charges in your name, North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper warned today.

“These scammers are out to steal your information and your money, not help you get a better credit card,” Cooper said. “If you get one of these calls, hang up and call my office instead."    » read more »

Smith Led Clinton Victories in California, Texas

3/17/2008 -- The Clinton Campaign today announced that Averell "Ace" Smith will serve as North Carolina State Director.

Smith led the Clinton Campaign to victories in the critical states of California and Texas earlier this year.

"We are going to wage an aggressive, grassroots campaign and work hard for every vote across North Carolina," Smith said.

Source: Hillary Clinton campaign

Six Western North Carolina Communities Will Benefit from Federal ARC Funds

3/17/2008 -- Raleigh - North Carolina Governor Mike Easley today announced that six western North Carolina communities are eligible for total of $1.58 million in grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission to help expand their public water supplies. The six towns; Lenoir, Valdese, Tryon, Marshall, Mars Hill and Blowing Rock, were chosen because they are among those in the state that are facing the most severe water shortages.    » read more »