You might think that, now that election season is over, people would stop sending out negative attack mailers about politicians, but that’s not the case when it comes to those who oppose Rep. Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford). His critics sent out a holiday-themed attack ad to High Point residents portraying Brockman as the Grinch and criticizing him for missed votes that they say have helped Republicans get their way.
In the attack flyers, Brockman is described as the Grinch who is stealing power from the Democrats, with images to accompany the ad.
The flyer was paid for and mailed out by an environmental protection group – the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation.
In large letters, the flyer states, “Cecil Brockman: The Grinch,” and adds “YOU’RE A MEAN ONE, MR. BROCKMAN.”
“Instead of spreading holiday cheer,” it states, Brockman “is playing Mr. Grinch and helping Republicans steal power.”
In December, after Brockman missed a vote on Senate Bill 382 — seen by many as a wide-ranging wholesale Republican power grab by the General Assembly – the critics of Brockman were very loud and pointed in their criticism. His vote would not have hindered the Republican win on the matter but Brockman has been criticized many times before for not showing up for important votes.
“When we needed Brockman to show up to work and block extreme Republican efforts to take power from Governor-elect Josh Stein,” the flyer states, “he was nowhere to be found.”
It adds, “This holiday season, Cecil Brockman gave Republicans the gift they wanted – more power and more control. NC lawmakers sapped power from governor, attorney general, other incoming Democrats.”
It also states that Brockman is the Grinch who “turned his back on us,” and adds, “He has missed nearly a third of his votes during the current legislative term, which began in January 2023, according to data posted by the NC General Assembly.”
The highly critical flyer also notes that Brockman was one of only five Democrats to vote for the Republican-crafted budget in 2023.
The mailer encourages recipients to call Brockman at 919-133-5825 and “Tell him to show up to work!”
In a public statement in mid-December, after coming under attack for missing the vote on Bill 382 and other actions he came under fire for, Brockman said that Democratic Party leaders were “spreading lies” within his community.
“I genuinely question the strategy of the Democratic establishment who prefer to scapegoat a member of their own party to shift the heat off themselves for an outcome they failed to change,” he stated.
In that public statement, he also said, “For those in our party who desire to keep my name in their mouths, let me make it plain and clear for you: Over these next two years, you need me. I do not need you.”
He added, “It is not easy to forgive or forget the vile, disgusting lies you all have peddled. Watch your mouth when talking about me, and remember your neighbors are watching and listening, especially those in the African-American community.”
Things are bad, they have started eating their own now. It might just be a good time for Cecil to switch parties and save himself now.
While reading the article, I was pro Brockman until I got to the end and read his race card comment, “especially those in the African-American community.” Brockman was trying to shutdown a concern by his party with the race card. Shame on you, Brockman. So, Brockman, show up and vote, that’s why you were elected. If I were part of your African-American community, I would expect nothing less. Do not insult your constitutes by assuming that they do not care if you do not show up for work.