Roy Cooper Thanks Supporters During Victory Rally
RALEIGH, NC – Governor-elect Roy Cooper says trying to repeal controversial House Bill 2 will be one of his top priorities when he takes office. But he could face challenges from Republicans who control the General Assembly.
Cooper and his supporters celebrated with a victory party Tuesday night.
His supporters say education and the economy are important, but there’s one key issue they say propelled him to victory – opposition controversial House Bill 2.
And it’s what they want want him to tackle first.
“I really think HB2 needs to go. It has really hindered our economy, and we just want to have a good chance to bring jobs back to North Carolina,” says supporter Kirk Kovach.
Cooper told supporters he hopes to begin work to rebuild the state’s reputation.
“With your help, we can leave the politics of cynicism and fear in the rear view mirror,” Cooper told the crowd.
Opposition from Republicans will be a major challenge though in repealing HB2 and making other changes.
They control veto-proof majorities in both chambers.
“Hopefully he can get some things done if they don’t override vetos. But it’s just good I think to have him at the helm for North Carolina,” Kovach says.
Cooper says he will work to bridge the gap.
“We don’t have to give up on our principals to put our divisive ideology aside. When we fight, we will fight hard,” he told the crowd.
Supporters say it will take a genuine effort on Cooper’s part to prove he has the will to get things done.
“I think it’s really going to have to be a symbolic move first that he’s going to have to show the people that he’s standing for them, and then once he’s showed them that, in two years I think you’ll see Democrats start to take back some of the state legislature,” says supporter Dante Pittman.
