On a telephone town hall today, North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis said he’s “aligned with Leader McConnell” on his suggestion that states should “use the bankruptcy route” — putting economic recovery and essential services like firefighters, law enforcement, and schools at risk.
Tillis’ support for McConnell’s reckless proposal comes after the Majority Leader’s affiliated super PAC already spent more than $3 million trying to protect his reelection and is scheduled to dump more than $21 million — the largest investment in any state in the country. His opponent, decorated veteran Cal Cunningham, outraised Tillis by nearly $2.3 million in the first quarter, and a recent public poll showed Tillis behind by seven points.
“While Senator Tillis just told states like North Carolina to go bankrupt, he had no problem handing over a $50 billion slush fund to giant corporations,” said DSCC spokesperson Helen Kalla. “Senator Tillis doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to his party leaders in Washington, even when they’d put funds for essential services and first responders at risk during a pandemic.”
Tillis and Senate Republicans have already blocked a Democratic proposal to provide $150 billion more for state and local government and tribal relief in the most recent coronavirus package. Another vulnerable incumbent, Arizona Senator Martha McSally, refused to oppose McConnell’s stance, while none of the other vulnerable GOP incumbents have spoken out. Meanwhile, governors of both parties have swiftly condemned McConnell’s bankruptcy plan.
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