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I always hear NC is referred to as a Democratic/Liberal state, I just don't see it at all.
NC is a moderate state--about as Purple as they come. We did go, by the thinnest margin, for Obama in 2008, so technically we are "Blue" on the most recent Presidential map, but then in 2010, during the "Tea Party" proliferation (talk about political reactionaries!), the NC Legislature was taken over by pretty hard-line Republicans. Our governor is a moderate, not particulalry popular Democrat who's in serious political trouble for this year. But, up until 2010, NC's statehouse had always been run by Democrats (albeit conservative Dems). Our current Senatorial and Congressional representation is split 50-50 (well, 7-6 in the House) but gerrymandering by the current statehouse may throw that to 10-3 R/D after November.
We are one of the biggest "swing states" in this election and that's why the Democratic convention will be in Charlotte.
NC is somewhat schizophrenic. The more urban, more educated areas tend to go Democratic, but the more rural areas (which constitute 80% of them) go Republican except the large minotiy-majority areas in the Northeast part of the state (by and large). A lot of folks are moderates, but the current polarization in politics by both parties makes it hard to find anyone to vote for that isn't a "lesser of two evils".
Here is a map of the 2008 Presidential outcome by county. This may give you an idea of where the more conservative and more liberal areas are.
As you can see, the area north and west of CLT is very "bedrock conservative", the Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte areas are Democratic, as are Asheville and the two other college towns in the mountains. Otherwise, the "blue" counties in the east are generally very poor, rural counties with large minority populations.
NC is a moderate state--about as Purple as they come. We did go, by the thinnest margin, for Obama in 2008, so technically we are "Blue" on the most recent Presidential map, but then in 2010, during the "Tea Party" proliferation (talk about political reactionaries!), the NC Legislature was taken over by pretty hard-line Republicans. Our governor is a moderate, not particulalry popular Democrat who's in serious political trouble for this year. But, up until 2010, NC's statehouse had always been run by Democrats (albeit conservative Dems). Our current Senatorial and Congressional representation is split 50-50 (well, 7-6 in the House) but gerrymandering by the current statehouse may throw that to 10-3 R/D after November.
We are one of the biggest "swing states" in this election and that's why the Democratic convention will be in Charlotte.
NC is somewhat schizophrenic. The more urban, more educated areas tend to go Democratic, but the more rural areas (which constitute 80% of them) go Republican except the large minotiy-majority areas in the Northeast part of the state (by and large). A lot of folks are moderates, but the current polarization in politics by both parties makes it hard to find anyone to vote for that isn't a "lesser of two evils".
Here is a map of the 2008 Presidential outcome by county. This may give you an idea of where the more conservative and more liberal areas are.
As you can see, the area north and west of CLT is very "bedrock conservative", the Triangle, Triad, and Charlotte areas are Democratic, as are Asheville and the two other college towns in the mountains. Otherwise, the "blue" counties in the east are generally very poor, rural counties with large minority populations.
Large cities age generally democrat despite ethnic makeup. I would likely never vote for a democrat president, but I will voted for any persuasion on the city or state level. I simply vote for the one that supports the programs that I support, ie. light rail. On the other hand, I am not a huge fan of federal government control. I believe that many conservatives would vote for a democrat at the local level. The fact that Charlotte has a majority of democrat voters doesn't mean that it is a hotbed for liberalism. I speak as a proud non party affiliate.
Back to the issue, the best things about Charlotte and metro are: uptown (always getting better), Elizabeth, Southend, Dilworth, Selwin, Myers Park, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Pineville, Matthews, and Ballantyne. Charlotte has some wonderful communities.
Back to the issue, the best things about Charlotte and metro are: uptown (always getting better), Elizabeth, Southend, Dilworth, Selwin, Myers Park, Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, Pineville, Matthews, and Ballantyne. Charlotte has some wonderful communities.
I do agree about the uptown area. I mainly stay on the outskirts, but the few times I've been downtown (Ex. I do speedstreet each year) I've really enjoyed myself.
I can only compare my salary here in Charlotte to N.Y. I am in the medical profession. I have worked in four medical offices in and around Charlotte. The doctors here charged much more than in N.Y. and booked more patients, yet my pay was cut in half and my living expenses were just as high as back east. I had to drive everywhere so my gas cost had tripled. my kids were bored to death as the schools are way behind here from what they are used to, and sports seem to take priority over math and science{ ie Weddington } We lived in a so called great area. I did all the research. All shiny and new with nothing to do. We are back home in N.Y. and thriving. I'll chalk it up to a learning experience but my kids lost three years they will never get back.
I can only compare my salary here in Charlotte to N.Y. I am in the medical profession. I have worked in four medical offices in and around Charlotte. The doctors here charged much more than in N.Y. and booked more patients, yet my pay was cut in half and my living expenses were just as high as back east. I had to drive everywhere so my gas cost had tripled. my kids were bored to death as the schools are way behind here from what they are used to, and sports seem to take priority over math and science{ ie Weddington } We lived in a so called great area. I did all the research. All shiny and new with nothing to do. We are back home in N.Y. and thriving. I'll chalk it up to a learning experience but my kids lost three years they will never get back.
When I arrived at JFK last week the immigration officer said"Welcome back to the U.S."
I can only compare my salary here in Charlotte to N.Y. I am in the medical profession. I have worked in four medical offices in and around Charlotte. The doctors here charged much more than in N.Y. and booked more patients, yet my pay was cut in half and my living expenses were just as high as back east. I had to drive everywhere so my gas cost had tripled. my kids were bored to death as the schools are way behind here from what they are used to, and sports seem to take priority over math and science{ ie Weddington } We lived in a so called great area. I did all the research. All shiny and new with nothing to do. We are back home in N.Y. and thriving. I'll chalk it up to a learning experience but my kids lost three years they will never get back.
Lol, thanks for letting us know how "bad" we have it here....can't fool me though, I know better . Your story is garbage!
I've never heard someone say "move back East" from Charlotte.
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