by The Charlotte Post Editorial Board

FILE PHOTO The Post endorses former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg for the Democratic presidential nomination.

North Carolina’s March 3 primary is part of the Super Tuesday stakes that will help shape the future November contestants for federal and state offices across the country. Voters in 14 states will be asked to cast ballots for candidates who have pledged to represent the national interest, and to that end, we encourage North Carolinians to take seriously the process of electing leaders.

Because our representatives in Washington make policy that affect each and every one of us, not to mention the entire planet, we offer our endorsements.

President

We believe former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg is best suited to represent the Democrats in November. In a field of ideologues on the liberal branch of the party, we’re impressed with Mr. Bloomberg’s measured approach on improving the economic condition of everyday Americans, whether it’s expansion of health care choices or education reform. While his billionaire worth and new-to-Democratic politics status is fodder for his opponents, we feel voters are more concerned with substance and energy – something Mr. Bloomberg adds to this race.



While U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ wins in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada are causing moderates to freak out, Democrats are far from picking a challenger to President Donald Trump. We’re satisfied that Mr. Bloomberg can expand the coalition – African Americans and Latinos, women and college-educated voters – needed to win the nomination, starting with the Tar Heel State. A moderate has the best chance of beating President Trump, and Mr. Bloomberg fits the bill.



U.S. Senate

Democrats Cal Cunningham and Erica Smith lack name recognition, which is problematic. On the other hand, incumbent Thom Tillis isn’t exactly a household name, either, even in Mecklenburg, his home county. We like Mr. Cunningham, a former state senator and military veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.



In a state that tends to lean moderate to hard-right conservative, Mr. Cunningham hasn’t strayed far from the moderate lane, which lends to awkward moments when he’s challenged on some issues. So far, he’s been effective at drawing contrasts between Sen. Tillis and himself, which isn’t very difficult considering the self-inflicted gaffes the incumbent has unleashed.



That said, we endorse Cal Cunningham.



12th Congressional District

Incumbent Alma Adams has made a name for herself as a versatile lawmaker who has proven a leading champion for education, human services and health.



Her work as co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus has opened new funding and business opportunities for historically black colleges that were nearly impossible to comprehend a decade ago. She’s advocated for bills that would improve maternal and prenatal health and close the gaps on death rates for black mothers and babies.



As the representative of a burgeoning urban district, Rep. Adams has done a fine job of delivering and supporting legislation that benefit Charlotte. We wholeheartedly endorse her nomination for re-election.



9th Congressional District

Cynthia Wallace, chair of the district’s Democratic Party, has our endorsement to represent a redrawn area that includes the Charlotte suburbs and Sandhills to the east. Miss Wallace, a financial services vice president, is campaigning on a platform of infrastructure, raising the federal minimum wage and improved education access. Although the Democratic contender has an uphill race in a district that has leaned Republican since the 1960s, Miss Wallace is best suited to carry the banner in 2020.

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