Politics, Parties, Candidates
Here's a look at documents from politicians, candidates and interested parties
Featured Stories
What North Carolinians are Reading - DC Insider Michael Whatley Has Spent His Career in DC Getting Rich at the Expense of North Carolinians
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Feb. 12, 2026:
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WHAT NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE READING: DC Insider Michael Whatley Has Spent His Career in DC Getting Rich at the Expense of North Carolinians
On the first day of early voting, North Carolinians are reading about how DC insider and Big Oil lobbyist Michael Whatley has spent his entire career enriching himself and his special interest buddies. As North Carolinians head to the polls, they are learning all about the "stocks [Whatley] holds in pharmaceutical, oil, technology and
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Feb. 12, 2026:
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WHAT NORTH CAROLINIANS ARE READING: DC Insider Michael Whatley Has Spent His Career in DC Getting Rich at the Expense of North Carolinians
On the first day of early voting, North Carolinians are reading about how DC insider and Big Oil lobbyist Michael Whatley has spent his entire career enriching himself and his special interest buddies. As North Carolinians head to the polls, they are learning all about the "stocks [Whatley] holds in pharmaceutical, oil, technology andother companies" as he tries to go back to DC where he can vote on issues that impact his bottom line.
Read More:
N&O: Republicans fight to keep NC's Senate seat. Can any of them beat Cooper? (https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/article314646465.html)
Danielle Battaglia | February 12, 2026
* He began as a law clerk in Charlotte before taking a job in Washington at the second Bush administration's Department of Energy and then became chief of staff for Sen. Elizabeth Dole. Following his stint working for Dole, he worked as an oil lobbyist.
* In 2024, he was tasked with chairing the national party through the presidential election, where he made more than $714,000 that year, his Senate financial disclosure report states. Combined with other income in 2024, Whatley made over $1 million. That does not include stocks he holds in pharmaceutical, oil, technology and other companies.
* Whatley's campaign website offers no information about his campaign platform nor any upcoming events.
* "You can't find where Whatley stands on anything," said Don Brown, one of the other Republican candidates.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/what-north-carolinians-are-reading-dc-insider-michael-whatley-has-spent-his-career-in-dc-getting-rich-at-the-expense-of-north-carolinians/
N.C. Democratic Party: Whatley Bankrolled By Donors "Linked To Health Care Fraud," Once Again Putting His Bottom Line Before North Carolinians
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news:
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Whatley Bankrolled By Donors "Linked To Health Care Fraud," Once Again Putting His Bottom Line Before North Carolinians
New reporting from American Journal News reveals DC insider Michael Whatley's campaign is being fueled by donors in the health care industry accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud, the latest example of Whatley putting his bottom line before North Carolinians.
Whatley already supported spiking costs for North Carolinians by pushing for the toxic GOP budget that rips Medicaid
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news:
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Whatley Bankrolled By Donors "Linked To Health Care Fraud," Once Again Putting His Bottom Line Before North Carolinians
New reporting from American Journal News reveals DC insider Michael Whatley's campaign is being fueled by donors in the health care industry accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud, the latest example of Whatley putting his bottom line before North Carolinians.
Whatley already supported spiking costs for North Carolinians by pushing for the toxic GOP budget that rips Medicaidaway from hundreds of thousands of North Carolinians, falsely claiming it would limit fraud. Now, his campaign is being bankrolled by donors accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud.
After he was caught last week advocating for policies that benefit his bottom line, Whatley has proven once again that he is only looking out for himself - not North Carolina families.
Read More:
American Journal News: Whatley accepted $21K from donors linked to health care fraud (https://americanjournalnews.com/whatley-accepted-21k-from-donors-linked-to-health-care-fraud/)
Jesse Valentine | February 11, 2026
* New campaign finance disclosures show that Republican Michael Whatley has accepted thousands of dollars in donations from individuals accused of Medicaid and Medicare fraud. He previously lauded efforts to crack down on such crimes.
* Included in the haul was $7,000 from Dr. Lenny Peters of High Point, NC. Peters is a physician and the founder of Bethany Medical, a health care provider with several offices in the central part of the state.
* Last month, state and federal prosecutors accused Bethany Medical of routinely billing Medicare and Medicaid for unnecessary urine drug tests. They said that Peters personally enforced this practice.
* Whatley received another $7,000 from Brian Colleran of Akron, OH. Colleran's wife, Gretchen, also contributed $7,000. Colleran is an executive who manages several nursing and rehabilitation facilities. He is also a prolific Republican donor.
* In 2017, Brian and his co-executives paid $19.5 million to settle fraud complaints against three of their facilities. Federal prosecutors said the facilities falsified Medicare claims and named Colleran as the architect of the scheme.
* Last year, Whatley defended Republicans' cut of $1 trillion from Medicaid, arguing that it was necessary to root out fraud in the program and improve efficiency.
* Health policy experts disagreed with this analysis. They say the rate of fraud in Medicaid is nominal and committed mostly by health care providers, like those supporting Whatley, not enrollees.
* The Medicaid cut is expected to force 650,000 North Carolinians to lose their health coverage.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/new-whatley-bankrolled-by-donors-linked-to-health-care-fraud-once-again-putting-his-bottom-line-before-north-carolinians/
N.C. Democratic Party: Michael Whatley Refuses To Answer For Cheering On Policies That Spiked His Stocks
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Michael Whatley Refuses To Answer For Cheering On Policies That Spiked His Stocks
In a new video, DC insider Michael Whatley refused to answer questions about last week's reporting from POLITICO that revealed he praised policies that benefitted his bottom line. Whatley cheered on the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela, and after Trump's pledge to increase oil production, Whatley's stocks in major oil companies spiked by up to $63,000 in a single weekend.
"Michael
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 14 -- The North Carolina Democratic Party issued the following news on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Michael Whatley Refuses To Answer For Cheering On Policies That Spiked His Stocks
In a new video, DC insider Michael Whatley refused to answer questions about last week's reporting from POLITICO that revealed he praised policies that benefitted his bottom line. Whatley cheered on the Trump administration's actions in Venezuela, and after Trump's pledge to increase oil production, Whatley's stocks in major oil companies spiked by up to $63,000 in a single weekend.
"MichaelWhatley can't hide from the fact that he got caught pushing for policies that enrich himself - and he knows that if he goes back to DC, he can benefit his bottom line even more," said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. "Whatley is only looking out for himself, not North Carolina working families who are trying to make ends meet."
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Original text here: https://www.ncdp.org/media/new-video-michael-whatley-refuses-to-answer-for-cheering-on-policies-that-spiked-his-stocks/
DNC: RFK Jr.'s One-Year Performance Review - Endangering Americans' Health
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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RFK Jr.'s One-Year Performance Review: Endangering Americans' Health
Today marks one year since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary, and his first year has been a disaster for our public health system. Since his confirmation, RFK Jr. installed his hand-picked panel of vaccine skeptics, actively undermined decades of established medical science, gutted world-leading research programs, including over $500 million in vaccine research, and sowed
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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RFK Jr.'s One-Year Performance Review: Endangering Americans' Health
Today marks one year since Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Health and Human Services Secretary, and his first year has been a disaster for our public health system. Since his confirmation, RFK Jr. installed his hand-picked panel of vaccine skeptics, actively undermined decades of established medical science, gutted world-leading research programs, including over $500 million in vaccine research, and soweddoubt among parents and families regarding the safety of widely-accepted medicine -- including by falsely claiming that Tylenol causes autism and calling women who take it during pregnancy "irresponsible." And yet, RFK Jr. himself has said, "I don't think people should be taking medical advice from me."
Most recently, the U.S. has experienced a record number of measles cases under RFK Jr.'s leadership, with outbreaks worsening across the country. He has downplayed the severity of the measles outbreaks and spread several lies about the efficacy of the measles vaccine. More than 900 measles cases in the U.S. have been reported this year alone, and the U.S. is now expected to lose its measles elimination status if it fails to prove that it can stop the spread of measles. Meanwhile, Democrats are holding RFK Jr. accountable for his lies, with Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Ron Wyden releasing a new report today that details RFK Jr's disastrous tenure.
In response, DNC Rapid Response Director Kendall Witmer released the following statement:
"Donald Trump and RFK Jr. promised to 'Make America Healthy Again.' Instead, during his first year, RFK Jr. has worked tirelessly to turn the clock back decades as he undermines established medical science, cuts lifesaving research, and puts the health and safety of children and families at risk. He has undermined Americans' ability to access vaccines and subverted life-saving vaccine advancements. RFK Jr. has gambled with our public health system, sowing doubt and confusion among parents and families and exposing communities to dangerous outbreaks. RFK Jr. has no business making decisions about Americans' health care -- he's said so himself."
During his confirmation hearing, RFK Jr. affirmed that "I'll support vaccines" and "vaccines have a critical role in health care." However, since he was confirmed, he has taken numerous steps to undermine access to life-saving vaccines. First, RFK Jr. limited who can get COVID-19 vaccines by revoking emergency use status of the vaccines. Then, his hand-picked CDC vaccine advisory panel voted to revise its years-old recommendations to give the MMRV vaccine to children under 4 years old. At the end of last year, the same panel voted to end the universal recommendation for Hepatitis B vaccines for newborns. Last month, the CDC upended the childhood vaccination schedule by reducing the recommended number of diseases American children are vaccinated against from 17 to 11. And as recently as this week, the FDA notified the drug company Moderna that it would not review its new mRNA flu vaccine, which has the potential to reduce the risk of severe illness and save lives.
RFK Jr. and Trump have similarly spread unsubstantiated claims linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism in children. They blamed pregnant women for complications and erroneously warned them not to use Tylenol, instead encouraging them to "tough it out," despite experts saying that Tylenol is the safest option during pregnancy.
Former CDC officials have sounded the alarm on RFK Jr.'s handling of HHS, saying that he has denied scientific evidence behind vaccines; spread dangerous misinformation at HHS; directed CDC officials to "only work with the political appointees" and "not to speak or work with the career scientists"; and said that CDC employees were horrible people who were "killing children."
Nearly 60% of Americans disapprove of RFK Jr.'s actions as health secretary, and a new poll found that nearly 90% of Americans believe that vaccines are essential for public health. Further, 60% are concerned that vaccines are becoming more inaccessible for those who want them as a result of changes in recommendations from the federal government.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/rfk-jr-s-one-year-performance-review-endangering-americans-health/
DNC: GOP Megadonor Lobbied Trump Administration to Block Opening of Gordie Howe Bridge
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 12, 2026:
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GOP Megadonor Lobbied Trump Administration to Block Opening of Gordie Howe Bridge
According to new reports, Matthew Moroun, a Republican megadonor and owner of the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday. Following the meeting, Donald Trump threatened to shut down the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is a competitor of Moroun's Ambassador Bridge.
For years, the Morouns have aggressively objected to the
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 12, 2026:
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GOP Megadonor Lobbied Trump Administration to Block Opening of Gordie Howe Bridge
According to new reports, Matthew Moroun, a Republican megadonor and owner of the Ambassador Bridge that connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Monday. Following the meeting, Donald Trump threatened to shut down the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is a competitor of Moroun's Ambassador Bridge.
For years, the Morouns have aggressively objected to theconstruction of the Gordie Howe bridge, including spending over $30 million on a ballot initiative to block the construction of the bridge. The Morouns have given over $1 million to the RNC in recent years.
Detroit's automakers have long supported the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge to expedite the delivery of auto parts and create thousands of high-paying union jobs in Michigan. Trump himself admitted how important the bridge is for Michigan and the American economy, calling it a "vital economic link" connecting Michigan and its biggest trading partner.
In response, DNC Spokesperson Albert Fujii released the following statement:
"This is corruption, plain and simple. Donald Trump threw Michigan workers and companies under the bus, all because a Republican megadonor didn't want another competitor threatening his bottom line. Opening the Gordie Howe Bridge will grow Michigan's economy and bring jobs to Michiganders struggling under Trump's failed economy. It's time Michigan Republicans grew a spine and did what's right for workers, not their megadonors."
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/gop-megadonor-lobbied-trump-administration-to-block-opening-of-gordie-howe-bridge/
DNC: Democrats Stand United in Demanding Concrete Fixes to ICE in Wake of Tragedy and Violence in Minneapolis
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Democrats Stand United in Demanding Concrete Fixes to ICE in Wake of Tragedy and Violence in Minneapolis
After Republicans failed to join Democrats on putting in place commonsense reforms to rein in ICE, Democrats stood united in demanding accountability for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti and caused widespread chaos in Minneapolis at the direction of Donald Trump, JD Vance, Kristi Noem,
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WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Democrats Stand United in Demanding Concrete Fixes to ICE in Wake of Tragedy and Violence in Minneapolis
After Republicans failed to join Democrats on putting in place commonsense reforms to rein in ICE, Democrats stood united in demanding accountability for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after federal immigration agents shot and killed Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti and caused widespread chaos in Minneapolis at the direction of Donald Trump, JD Vance, Kristi Noem,and Stephen Miller.
Democrats have been clear that the status quo cannot continue. ICE's abuses are happening not just in Minnesota but in communities around the country. Americans want ICE to follow the same standards that local and state law enforcement agencies already follow. Trump and Republicans in Congress failed to send legislative text to Democrats to reach a solution.
In response, DNC Chair Ken Martin released the following statement:
"Donald Trump and Republicans want to ignore the millions of people in Minnesota and around the country who bravely stood up to ICE's lawless brutality and allow Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller to continue their campaign of terror. Trump's masked federal agents killed two Minnesotans in cold blood, locked up toddlers and preschoolers, and brutalized a state for months. Americans agree: The cruelty cannot continue.
"Democrats believe in safe communities, free from the violence and chaos that Trump and his ICE agents brought to Minnesota, and we are united in demanding accountability for Renee and Alex and everybody else who has been hurt or had their rights trampled on. It's time for real reforms to rein in ICE and stop the government overreach. The status quo cannot continue -- Republicans must work with Democrats to get this done."
Approval of ICE has continued to tumble in recent weeks as 65% of Americans say ICE has gone too far, up 11 points from June, and 62% of Americans, including 68% of independents, say ICE's actions are making America less safe. And 63% of voters disapprove of ICE, a 6-point increase from 3 weeks ago. Navigator polling shows net approval of ICE down to -22 from -8 in June 2025.
Most Americans say the shooting of Pretti was not justified and that the Trump administration has not given an honest account of the shooting. An overwhelming 80% of voters, including a majority of Republicans, say there should be an independent investigation.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/democrats-stand-united-in-demanding-concrete-fixes-to-ice-in-wake-of-tragedy-and-violence-in-minneapolis/
DNC: Brooke Rollins' One-Year Performance Review - American Farmers and Families Are Worse Off
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Brooke Rollins' One-Year Performance Review: American Farmers and Families Are Worse Off
Today marks one year since Brooke Rollins was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture, and her first year has been a catastrophe for American farmers and families. Since her confirmation, she has overseen massive cuts to the USDA, as well as the largest cut to SNAP in history, stripping food assistance from millions of Americans and hungry kids.
Donald Trump's reckless trade war has devastated
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 -- The Democratic National Committee posted the following news release on Feb. 13, 2026:
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Brooke Rollins' One-Year Performance Review: American Farmers and Families Are Worse Off
Today marks one year since Brooke Rollins was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture, and her first year has been a catastrophe for American farmers and families. Since her confirmation, she has overseen massive cuts to the USDA, as well as the largest cut to SNAP in history, stripping food assistance from millions of Americans and hungry kids.
Donald Trump's reckless trade war has devastatedAmerican farmers and rural communities, sending grocery prices soaring for working families and causing family farms to go bankrupt at the fastest pace in five years alongside record-high farm debt. Farmer sentiment plummeted in January amid concerns about the economy, and farmers are facing the widest gap between operating costs and yield profits in 10 years.
In response, DNC Deputy Executive Director Libby Schneider released the following statement:
"Brooke Rollins and Donald Trump have failed rural communities and America's farmers. Family farms are on the brink of bankruptcy as they struggle to sell their crops, and families are stretching their budgets to make ends meet as prices at the grocery store continue to soar. Rollins rolled over as Donald Trump wrecked the rural economy with his reckless trade war, and she looked the other way when the administration made massive cuts to SNAP in exchange for tax cuts to their billionaire backers. Americans deserve more."
Trump and Rollins have claimed that the U.S. is moving to a "golden age for our farmers." Here's the truth: Trump's reckless trade war has been a blow to farmers, locking them out of markets completely. As Argentina undercut U.S. farmers in the global marketplace, Trump promised to bail out Argentina to the tune of tens of billions of dollars. Then, after months of delays and excuses, Trump and Rollins announced a Band-Aid bailout for farmers that will fail to make farmers whole on their losses and won't address the long-term damage Trump has done.
Americans paid $310 more in groceries during Trump's first year in office compared to the previous year, and nearly all Americans -- 92% -- cut back on spending in 2025, particularly on groceries and everyday necessities to make ends meet. As grocery prices soar, Rollins told Americans they could eat "a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, a corn tortilla, and one other thing" to afford the administration's new food pyramid.
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Original text here: https://democrats.org/news/brooke-rollins-one-year-performance-review-american-farmers-and-families-are-worse-off/
