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News Tip: NC Teachers Rally Could Have ‘Significant Impact’ on 2018 Elections, Expert Says

Thousands of North Carolina teachers marched for more higher pay and education spending Wednesday at the state capitol.

  • Quotes:
    "One big successful event does not qualify as a mass movement. But yesterday could be the start of something much bigger with significant impact in the 2018 election,” says Pope 'Mac' McCorkle, a professor of public policy at Duke University.

    “Television snippets from typical political debates inside legislative halls are easily forgettable for most people. Such visually rich, outdoors events as the teachers' ‘all-red’ protest tend to be far more effective in planting lasting memories in the minds of less partisan, average voters.”

    “Wednesday sent a mass message that education is getting short-changed in a way that is difficult for defensive words from insider politicians to refute."  

    Pope "Mac" McCorkle
     

  • Bio:
    Pope “Mac” McCorkle is a professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. He has served as an issues consultant to political candidates, state governments and various organizations for the last two decades. Since starting McCorkle Policy Consulting in 1994, he has worked for state and federal candidates in North Carolina as well as 28 other states.
    http://sanford.duke.edu/people/faculty/mccorkle-iii-pope
     
  • Archive video interview (different subject): (Comments begin at 1:43 mark)
    http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/n-c-voters-consider-clashing-messages-high-stakes-senate-race/

     
  • For additional comment, contact McCorkle at:
    mac.mccorkle@duke.edu

     
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    Media Contact:
    Steve Hartsoe

    steve.hartsoe@duke.edu