Democratic National Committee Chair Howard Dean began his cross-country Voter Registration Tour in Raleigh, NC at the North Carolina Democratic Party HQ on July 25, 2008. Click the photo above to see pictures of Dean's speech and that of State Chair Jerry Meek.

Today, Pat McCrory is participating in an Americans for Prosperity event in which he’ll tout having “signed a pledge to support spending restraint and the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, which would limit the growth of revenue and spending to the sum of inflation plus population growth.” [News and Observer, 6/23/08] But a look at McCrory’s record in Charlotte reveals a different story – one of high taxes and high spending.

“Pat McCroy is trying to have it both ways,” said NCDP Chairman Jerry Meek. “His city has had the highest tax rate in the state for seven years running and now McCrory wants to be a fiscal conservative. That’s like drinking Slimfast and eating ribs.”

Did You Know…

The North Carolina Democratic Party congratulates Senator Barack Obama for winning enough delegates to become our party’s presumptive presidential nominee.

“This is a historic election,” said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek. “It’s not just because our presumptive nominee is the first African-American to do so. It is historic because North Carolinians have an opportunity to change the course of this country.”

“John McCain offers nothing but a third Bush term,” Meek said. “A McCain presidency means high gas prices, an even weaker economy, and no clear path to responsibly end the war in Iraq.”

We have witnessed a strong and vigorous primary with thousands of new, energetic and enthusiastic voters.

More than a half-million voters have participated in early voting. More than 80 percent of them chose to participate in the Democratic rather than Republican primary. Forty-percent of the early voters were African-American.

“This tells us that North Carolinians are willing to invest their hopes and dreams in our Party. And we don’t take that for granted,” said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek. “That’s why we’re committed to restoring the American Dream – to restoring faith that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can prosper in North Carolina.”

Annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Abuzz with Presidential Talk

By MIKE BAKER and GARY D. ROBERTSON Associated Press Writers

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Cheers, jeers and a smattering of boos bounced across the fairgrounds arena built for rodeos and minor-league hockey. Officially a political dinner, it sure seemed like a sporting event -- one with Democratic stars big enough to draw comparisons to the epic clashes between Duke and North Carolina.

When and Where is the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner being held?
The dinner will be held at the J.S. Dorton Arena on the N.C. State Fairgrounds in Raleigh on Friday, May 2, 2008.

When should I arrive at Dorton Arena?
We are strongly urging our dinner guests to arrive NO LATER than 6:30pm.

Doors open at 5:30 pm.

Due to a increased level of security, it may take far longer to gain entry to the venue than in past years.

When and where can I pick up my credentials or wristbands?
You can pick up your credentials at Dorton arena.

I did not receive my credentials in advance - what do I do?
Your credentials are being held by North Carolina Democratic Party staff, and can be picked up at the Registration and Ticketing Tent located at Dorton Arena. You will be ask to present a photo-ID at the Registration and Ticketing Tent when you arrive, so please be prepared. The Registration Tent will be open beginning at 10:00am on Friday morning.

I have purchased theater tickets, will the concession stands in Dorton be open?
Yes, the concession stands will be open and will have food and drink items available for purchase.

I have never been to an event with so much security. What will I need to know?
Besides a potential delay in gaining access to the venue, you should not be inconvenienced by the heightened security. Please wear your dinner credential or wrist band so that it is clearly visible. Also, women should be advised that an agent may conduct a visual search of the contents of their handbag or purse. Please carry as little as possible in your bag in order to make sure this process moves quickly.

Can I bring a camera?
Yes, you should feel free to bring a camera with you to the event.

How will I know where to go?
If you are confused about where to go when you arrive, please show one of our staff your ticket at the Registration and Ticketing Tent. They will direct you to the proper entrance.

Where should I park for the event?
Parking will be available on the N.C. State Fairgrounds and volunteers will be on hand to assist with directions. We do encourage everyone to carpool as much as possible as spaces will be limited.

Are there any events after the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner is over?
Yes, the Young Democrats of North Carolina have planned an event to be held at the Clarion Hotel immediately following JJ. You can find more information on their website at www.ydnc.org.