North Carolina Governor’s Losing Streak to Democratic Rival Widens in New Poll
McCrory Slips Against Cooper Amid Backlash to Divisive ‘Bathroom Bill’
Voters in North Carolina appear to be turning on embattled Republican Governor Pat McCrory. A poll published today by Elon University shows his Democratic rival, state Attorney General Roy Cooper, pulling ahead 48-42 among registered voters – a six point lead. Only 37 percent of voters approve of the job McCory is doing, with another 49 percent saying they disapprove of his job performance. A second poll released April 12 and conducted by WRAL-TV/SurveyUSA finds a similar gap, with a 47-43 lead for Cooper.
37% approve of @PatMcCroryNC; this is lowest approval rating for the governor observed by @ElonPoll since April 2014 pic.twitter.com/0Lluequs7W
— Elon Poll (@elonpoll) April 19, 2016
McCrory has been rattled in recent weeks by intense public outcry following his signing of controversial bill HB2, banning transgender citizens from using public restrooms that conform to their gender identity. Numerous entertainers, among them Pearl Jam, Boston, Ringo Starr, and Bruce Springsteen have canceled appearances in North Carolina in protest, along with many business canceling or reconsidering plans to expand into the state.
As pressure to resolve the situation mounts on North Carolina state leaders, citizens are struggling with the practical repercussions. In Wake County North Carolina alone, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau reports as much as $3.2 million in lost business as a result of HB2.
Some comments via Twitter:
I doubt anyone is confused about why this just happened: #NCGov– (SurveyUSA): Atty Gen Roy Cooper (D) 47%; Gov Pat McCrory (R) 43%
— Howie Klein (@downwithtyranny) April 14, 2016
Elect @RoyCooperNC to unseat Pat McCrory. Cooper focuses on the common good. McCrory believes in Transgender Bathroom Hysteria. #UniteBlue
— Jesse Stark (@StopNuclearWar) April 18, 2016
@PatMcCroryNC This governor is a disgrace! #WeAreNotThis #RepealHB2
— WeAreNotThis (@Robyn780) April 19, 2016
@PatMcCroryNC STEP UP AND SAVE OUR STATE. IS THIS REALLY WORTH THE MILLIONS WE ARE LOSING?!
— Matt Buckley (@BonaBucks) April 19, 2016
Â
Image: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Christopher Q. Stone via Wikimedia

Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.
![]() |