The “frustration” in the “contentious” North Carolina GOP primary in North Carolina is mounting as Republicans continue “finger pointing” after Trump’s endorsement. 

• On Capital Tonight, political analysts say that Trump’s endorsement is “the biggest advantage your campaign could have,” and “as good as gold” for Republican voters. One even said McCrory “could face a similar fate” to failed candidate Tim Pawlenty who lost to a more conservative opponent.
•  But among some Republicans, Trump’s pick has “stirred concern.” They see Budd as the “losing horse” in “an expectedly fierce general election.” 
• A senior adviser for Budd shot back, saying they’re confident and slighted the McCrory campaign: “McCrory’s donors need to recognize that donating to the McCrory campaign now makes about as much sense as buying stock in the Titanic after she hit the iceberg.”
• The growing tension may even cause Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell to get involved, “not[ing]on Monday that he would intervene in primaries ‘if necessary.’” 
• The NC GOP, who was “forced to scramble” at the convention, “did not respond to The Hill’s request for comment.”

“The Republican infighting continues to escalate in North Carolina, with candidates solely focused on undermining each other to prove their loyalty to party leaders instead of the issues impacting North Carolina,” said Kate Frauenfelder, NCDP spokeswoman. 

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