Whatley: Backing Me Means Trump Agenda

0:00It's March 26th. This is Durham News Today, powered by AI. Republican Senate candidate Michael Wutley told the crowd at the conservative political action conference in Texas that supporting him means backing. President Donald Trump's agenda. The 56-year-old former Republican National Committee Chairman spoke for about 13 minutes in a sit-down interview, highlighting his race, against Democrat Roy Cooper to replace retiring Senator Tom Tillis. Here this week, polls show the 68-year-old former governor leading Wutley by eight points, though many voters still don't know much. About the Republican Tillis stepped aside last summer after clashing with Trump over a bill that could hurt North Carolina's Medicaid. A Cooper victory would flip the seat for Democrats, who haven't held it since early 2015, making this swing-state contest crucial with. Republicans holding slim majorities in Congress. Wutley slammed Democrats for pushing open borders in weak policies, while pitching his plans to boost the economy, protect communities, and strengthen military bases in the state.

1:04He zeroed in on Cooper, calling him part of the will-crow despite claims of moderation, and blamed him for being soft on crime. Whatly pointed to inmates released under a court order during the COVID pandemic, including one now charged with murdering a Ukrainian refugee in. Charlotte. Accused Cooper of hiding the list and lying about violent offenders. Cooper's campaign fired back, noting his record as Attorney General, prosecuting criminals and as governor, signing tough crime walls. With gas prices rising and troops deploying from Fort Bragg amid tensions in the Middle East, this heated exchange underscores the high stakes as the race heats up.