GOP chair: DNC union jobs a 'slap' at NC

October 18, 2011

The Charlotte (NC) Observer

By Jim Morrill

The Republican Party's national chairman this morning accused President Obama of "shipping union jobs outside North Carolina" for the Democratic National Convention.

"Its a slap in the face to the people of North Carolina," said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus.

Priebus made the comments in a conference call with reporters on the occasion of Obama's arrival in Asheville to push his latest jobs package. The president is starting a bus tour that will take him to Miller's Creek, Jamestown and Greensboro before heading to Virginia.

Obama carried both states in 2008 and both are expected to be battlegrounds next year.

Priebus, joined by N.C. GOP Chairman Robin Hayes, dismissed the bus as a campaign stunt.

"It's amazing that he always finds himself in battleground states," Priebus said. "It's the only place in America he seems to care about."

Asked about the impact of the convention in Charlotte, both he and Hayes hit the issue of union jobs. Republican mayoral candidate Scott Stone has tried to make convention jobs an issue in his race against Democratic Mayor Anthony Foxx.

The city's contract with the Democratic National Convention Committee says, "To the extent permitted by law, to the extent, if any, such labor is available in the region ... all services, goods, equipment, supplies and materials to be provided or procured ... shall be performed or supplied by firms covered by current union collective bargaining agreements."

Dan Murrey, executive director of the host committee, has said "We intend to make sure Charlotte businesses get every dollar possible."

He has said a new vendor directory will help match local businesses to convention contracts, or help those businesses partner with outside companies.

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