Some Charlotte City Council Democrats Criticized for “Yes” Vote on RNC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – We should learn in the next couple of days whether Charlotte is awarded the 2020 Republican National Convention. Some Democrats on City Council are feeling the heat for voting in favor of hosting the RNC.

“It’s disappointing. It’s disappointing that this City Council, that is a majority Democrats, did this,” says Ray McKinnon, with New South Progressives.

McKinnon is upset after members of his own party helped green-light Charlotte’s RIC bid. He says members of New South Progressives will remember come election time.

“I think what they’re banking on is that when it comes time for the primary next time, that we will have forgotten about their decisions,” McKinnon says.

UNC Charlotte political science professor Eric Heberlig says the criticism is a reality in our current political environment.

“They’re under pressure not to be seen as endorsing anything related to Trump,” Heberlig says.

Of the four democrats who voted, “Yes,” Julie Eislet, James Mitchell, and Greg Phipps have all served more than one term.

“I think the long-term members of council face less risk. Their name recognition is higher, they’ve built up relationships in the city, they have fundraising networks, volunteer networks,” Heberlig says.

Freshman council member Larken Egleston could face more pressure. He argued Monday you can’t judge all Republicans based on President Trump’s actions.

“We must lead by example, and make tough decisions, which will often be unpopular. We are not elected to constantly protect the odds of our own re-election,” Egleston said.

Heberlig says voters might not even remember.

“It’s over a year until the next city council race, so it’s going to be awhile,” he says.