Michael Harrison, sitting in the front row of a recent gathering of volunteers for Mr. Cooper’s Democratic Senate campaign? Cooper’s high school classmate in the 1970s.
Cynthia Pitchford, making voter calls out of the cramped Nash County Democrats’ office? Cooper’s mother, a teacher, and considered her a mentor. Sean Gargan, voting early in Raleigh last week at the same polling place as the candidate?
Cooper’s family’s involvement with a local theater. Cooper, in line behind him, asked after Mr. Gargan’s wife: “Where’s Beth?” Mr.
Cooper has built such a strong rapport with North Carolina voters over 38 years in elective office, including two terms as governor, that many across this perennial swing state believe he has all but put away this year’s Senate race. He has led his Republican rival, Michael Whatley, the former Republican National Committee chairman, so consistently in polls that both parties pulled most of their advertising money weeks ago. He is seen as the likeliest Democrat to flip a Senate seat on Nov. 3, in a state that President Trump won three times and that both parties expected to be a battleground this year.
When Democratic canvassers hand fliers to voters, they immediately recognize Mr. Cooper’s face printed at the top, said State Representative Jordan Lopez of East Charlotte. Lopez, 28, who has been knocking on doors for Mr.
Cooper and other Democrats. Feeling good about North Carolina was hardly assured for Democrats at the start of the year. Although their party has held the governor’s office for most of the last 34 years, North Carolina has not elected a Democrat to the Senate since 2008.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
