“Laurie Buckhout has no interest in actually working to improve the lives of Eastern North Carolina residents. After spending a decade in Virginia, she moved to North Carolina to run for office. Laurie is an anti-abortion extremist, insurrection apologist, and transplant opportunist only looking out for herself. In November, voters will see through her desperate ploy and re-elect Don Davis, a common-sense, bipartisan and trusted hometown community leader,” said DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene.
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To: Interested Parties From: Lauryn Fanguen
Date: March 5, 2024
Subject: The Case Against Laurie Buckhout
This is the story of a hometown leader versus an opportunistic transplant who is only out for herself.
Don Davis is a trusted voice in East North Carolina with a track record of delivering results. He was born and raised in Snow Hill and became the youngest mayor of his hometown at just 29 years old. Davis is a man of faith, Air Force veteran, and former state legislator who built a reputation in the state Capitol as someone willing to work across the aisle to get things done. His dedication to East North Carolinians remains steadfast in Congress, where he’s been a champion for education – including Historically Black Colleges and Universities – farmers, expanding jobs training programs, and veterans.
Laurie Buckhout is the NRCC’s latest industry plant. North Carolinians are right to wonder where this wolf in sheep’s clothing came from – and it’s not The Tar Heel State.
Buckhout has deep ties to Virginia and conveniently moved to North Carolina two short years before running for this seat. She’s a dangerous, far-right, out-of-touch insurrection sympathizer who wants to ban abortion. Buckhout will live wherever, support whatever, and promote policies to hurt whomever she thinks she has to in order to advance her career.
Don Davis will continue to put East North Carolina first. Laurie Buckhout puts herself first.
Buckhout: Not From North Carolina, Not For North Carolina
If voters see Laurie Buckhout in their community, chances are, that’s her first time there. Buckhout grew up in Virginia, attended college in Virginia, and lived there for a decade before her sudden decision to stop by North Carolina. She’ll tout being a business leader, but neglect to mention that her business is based in Virginia. She only recently moved to North Carolina in 2021 when she bought a multi-million dollar home. This stark contrast with Don Davis, who East North Carolinians grew up with, know, and trust, explains why Buckhout’s policy positions and extremism are so out of step with Davis’ neighbors and constituents.
Buckhout is an Anti-Abortion Extremist Who Wants to Control Women
Laurie Buckhout wants to ban abortion for North Carolina women. She was “honored” to be endorsed by SBA List, the largest anti-choice organization in the country. SBA’s mission is to “end abortion,” including by supporting national abortion restrictions. Buckhout has already confirmed that if elected, she would vote for an abortion ban in Congress – which should come as no surprise since she was handpicked by the same Republican leadership that wants a national abortion ban with no exceptions. The majority of North Carolinians oppose abortion bans and Laurie Buckhout’s extreme views on abortion are out of touch with North Carolinians.
Only Out For Herself, Buckhout is Reckless and Dangerous
Laurie Buckhout’s appetite for lawlessness is not something East North Carolinians will overlook. She was charged with driving under the influence and pled guilty to reckless driving. As if her own lawbreaking wasn’t enough, years later Buckhout was supportive of the January 6th insurrectionists, downplayingthe actions of the violent lawbreakers that ultimately killed five police officers. Buckhout also promoted false claims about the 2020 election results, similar to Trump’s claims, that incited violence and undermined our democracy.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
HEADLINE: Buckhout pleaded guilty to reckless driving after initial DUI charge reduced [The Daily Advance, 02/06/24]
“North Carolina 1st Congressional District candidate Laurie Buckhout pleaded guilty to reckless driving in Georgia nearly 4½ years ago after initially being charged with driving under the influence, according to online court records.”
“Retired Army Col. Laurie Buckhout and businesswoman Sandy Smith cling to the former president as each tries to win a U.S. House seat long held by Democrats.”
HEADLINE: After breaking with his party on some key votes, Don Davis looks to 2024 [Spectrum News 1, 12/12/23]
HEADLINE: Congressman Don Davis introduces bipartisan bill to tackle rural America’s flooding challenges [WCTI, 08/23/23]
HEADLINE: Congressman visits Greenville, talks about veterans resources with local, state leaders [WNCT, 01/22/24]
HEADLINE: Don Davis presenting million dollar grant check for accessible care [WITN, 11/21/23]
PATH TO VICTORY
Democrats have consistently won North Carolina’s First Congressional District for over a century. Even with the new Republican-gerrymandered lines, President Biden carried this district. Cook Political Report currently has this district as a Toss-Up. The state’s growing suburban populations, diverse communities and women are demographics that have routinely rejected Trump and MAGA extremism. According to 2020 census data, this district’s voting age population is over 41% Black, making this a key constituency needed to win this seat.
Laurie Buckhout is an opportunistic politician desperately trying to blend in with East North Carolinians while everything she stands for would leave working families behind. North Carolinians know who is going to be a champion for their rights and the local economy and they know that it’s not a far-right extremist like Laurie Buckhout. From her extreme stance of abortion, willingness to spread dangerous conspiracy theories for political gain, and apparent willingness to commit a crime, voters know that Buckhout is in it for herself. Running against the local community leader Don Davis is no small feat. He has a track record of delivering results for seniors, veterans, and working-class families. This November, East North Carolina will reject Laurie Buckhout and send her packing back to Virginia.
