The Charlotte Observer took sharp aim at state House Speaker Thom Tillis (R) in an editorial Thursday, arguing that his constant fundraising road trips for his 2014 bid to unseat Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) compromise his service as speaker.
Tillis missed votes on 36 bills in the North Carolina House on Wednesday alone, according to the editorial.
From the Observer:
When Tillis announced his Senate bid, he said he would “raise money at the appropriate time.” “I don’t intend to campaign heavily and actively until after we get out of session,” he said.
It’s fine that Tillis is interested in higher office, and we don’t fault him for recognizing the need to raise millions. But the fiscal year started three weeks ago and the legislature still has not agreed on a budget. Tillis is missing sessions. His actions are raising questions of conflict of interest.
He has shown he can’t give his undivided attention to the N.C. House and the U.S. Senate at the same time. He should give up his Speaker’s gavel, resign from his House seat and give his full energy to his Senate bid, unencumbered by such distractions as running the state.
