NCAE rep: McLaurin ‘clear choice’ in NC Senate race
ROCKINGHAM — Gene McLaurin, North Carolina state senator, has won the endorsement of the North Carolina Association of Educators in his re-election bid. The NCAE is the largest organization representing educators and public school employees in North Carolina.
Gene McLaurin
“NCAE believes Sen. Gene McLaurin has been a true friend to public education in this state,” said Jennifer Byrd, NCAE local affiliate president for Richmond County. “His commitment to raising teacher pay to at least the national average and reducing class sizes makes him the clear choice in this election.”
Senate District 25 is a crucial battleground in the 2014 legislative races. Both political parties consider it to be a priority race this November. McLaurin, a first-term senator and former Rockingham mayor, is running for re-election against Republican Tom McInnis, a member of the Richmond County Board of Education.
Senate District 25 includes all of Anson, Richmond, Scotland and Stanly counties as well as part of Rowan County. The general election will be on Nov. 4 and early voting will begin on Oct. 23.
“Sen. McLaurin has come to Stanly County and met with students and spoken in classrooms about North Carolina government and civic service. He and his office have worked hand in hand with teachers to address their concerns at the state level,” said Melissa Belk, NCAE local affiliate president for Stanly County. “Sen. McLaurin fully supports public schools, their staffs, and their communities. NCAE proudly endorses Senator McLaurin for the November election.”
Tom McInnis
“I’m honored to have earned the support of so many dedicated educators,” said McLaurin, “I pledge to continue to make public education a top priority.”
McLaurin previously has been endorsed by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters.
From Capitol Hill, Republicans U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson have endorsed McInnis, owner of the Iron Horse Auction Co. McInnis also has garnered the support of the Auctioneers Association of North Carolina.
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