NC House Speaker Thom Tillis to Announce Run for Senate
The potential for Tillis to run has been rumored for some time, enough so that a Super PAC, Grow NC Strong, recently filed paperwork in anticipation of his announcement.
The announcement will likely wet the appetites of Democrats in DC ready to pounce on recent scandals that have plagued his office, including multiple staffers that had inappropriate romantic relationships with lobbyists which resulted in resignations and negative media coverage for the Republican.
There have also been ethics questions regarding raising federal dollars from special interest groups to finance his campaign with legislation currently before the House for consideration.
All of this may add up to a contentious battle between the moderate Tillis and more conservative members of the Republican party that may consider running.
The Democrats have had their fair share of scandals in North Carolina recently with Democratic Party’s executive director, Jay Parmley, admitting to sexually harassing one of his male staffers and accusations that he had infected someone with HIV. Now with a Republican running for the Senate seat that is similarly overrun with scandals, there is potential that the Democrats and current occupant, Senator Kay Hagan, would stand to benefit.
NC State Senator Phil Berger, U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, and Ambassador Jim Cain are all also rumored to be considering running for the seat.
More: NC House Speaker Thom Tillis to Announce Run for Senate
Ses also Opinion: North Carolina Lawmakers Shame State, Heywood Jabloeme, LGF
I think that the GOP has the potential for another Virginia on their hands.