Progress North Carolina, a liberal advocacy group, is going after Wake County school board candidate Heather Losurdo.
Progress NC Action has launched this website in which they call Losurdo "the queen of extreme" for various remarks she's posted on Facebook. The group accuses Losurdo's remarks of showing she has "extremist ideas," "anti-public school views" and "hate speech."
One remark they highlight is a Facebook post from Losurdo in which she uses the acronym "LMAO!!!," for "laughing my a-- off," in response to a 2010 post by her husband, Craig Losurdo: "The skunk has replaced the Eagle as the new symbol of the American Presidency. It is half black, half white, and everything it does stinks!"
In another 2010 exchange, Losurdo responds to a photo posted by her husband of a car with the bumper sticker, "Did you vote for Obama? Thanks a lot [expletive]." Another poster asks if the photo shows Heather Losurdo's car.
Heather Losurdo responded, according to the Facebook page: "It's not mine, but if I can find out who does that around here, you're damn skippy it's going on mine."
The website has several other statements that Gerrick Brenner, executive director of Progress NC, calls "racially loaded" and inappropriate for someone who aspires to be a community leader and role model to children.
"I think they really raise questions about her ability and willingness to build consensus to lead diverse communities and her sensitivity to different communities," Brenner said.
Losurdo doesn't deny making the Facebook comments. But she calls it inappropriate and "character assassination" for Progress NC to use statements made by her and her husband from before she was a candidate.
"It's shocking to me that people who disagree with me personally have chosen to attack me through my Facebook postings, and those of my husband," Losurdo said. "He's not the candidate. I am."
She said the remarks about Obama were in "poor taste" and that she regretted having made them.
"It was inappropriate," Losurdo said. "It was a joke. "It has nothing to do with the service that I'll provide to the residents of Wake County."
Losurdo said she can represent all the people in Wake County, including those who disagree with her.
Progress NC is not officially connected with any school board candidate or political party. But the group has been going after Republicans in its various endeavors.
CLARIFICATION
The website was created by Progress NC Action, the group formed by the parent organization to allow it to be involved in political races.
Comments
LOL!! Sure, that's what you
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 08:01 — woodstockLOL!! Sure, that's what you are doing. Seriously, who do you think you are fooling?
No way to be a spoiler...
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 09:49 — Bob_SconceThe only way Hill wins is if he gets 50.01% of the vote. It doesn't matter how many votes Jenn takes away from Heather. It's not possible to be a spoiler.
It's funny how you're laughing at the fact that WSCA doesn't have a big bank account and then are upset that they're not donating to Margiotta. Ron has a big bank account and his own organization; he'll win handily and doesn't need any more help.
To clarify, I am not "upset"
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 19:17 — woodstockTo clarify, I am not "upset" about anything. I am just pointing out the silliness of it all.
"Ron has a big bank account
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 11:27 — woodstock"Ron has a big bank account and his own organization; he'll win handily and doesn't need any more help."
And Mansfeld has a tiny, virtually nonexistent, bank account and no organization; she'll lose handily and there is not enough help available to change that. Additionally, WSCA endorsed her, yet has provided zero financial support. What does that tell you?
And, yes, she most certainly could be a spolier. She won't win, but a vote for her could help Hill retain his seat.
How?
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 14:48 — Bob_SconceA vote for her could help Hill retain his seat.
Garbage. You haven't spelled out the mechanics. And, you can't, because it doesn't make sense. Recall that Hill needs to get to 50.01%--a majority--to win. Let's say somebody votes for Jenn. Here are the three possibilities:
Your concern isn't that Hill will be elected -- you're worried that Losurdo won't. And, that could easily happen -- Jenn comes in second and wins in a head-to-head with Losurdo once Hill's former voters are forced to choose between an independent and what they perceive to be a far-right lunatic.
So, enough with this "a vote for Mansfield is a vote for Hill" crap. That would be true if the winner only needed a plurality; but it doesn't -- the winner has to have a majority.
That's exactly the scenario
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 06:13 — jeffrey1That's exactly the scenario that I am hoping for. Knock out the incumbent in the first vote, then Mansfield gets Hill's vote in the runoff.
Yes...
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 07:34 — Bob_SconceI suspect that's why Morse isn't publishing his poll results -- they must show Mansfield leading Hill, with Losurdo still under 50%. That's death to a Losurdo victory.
You are dreaming. Here is my
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 17:01 — woodstockYou are dreaming.
Here is my prediction for Oct. 11:
Losurdo 58%
Hill 35%
Mansfeld 7%
Interesting...
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 21:06 — Bob_SconceThey why do you spend so much effort worrying about Jenn's campaign?
A possibility?
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 17:18 — paulastamWoodstock, such an outcome could be possible if "illegals" could vote! :)
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
Please elaborate on your
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 14:33 — NoRalNerdPlease elaborate on your "spoiler" theory.
This is a run-off election. The only way you can be a "spoiler" is to come in first or second.
Mansfelder -- who will only
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 10:37 — woodstockMansfelder -- who will only get a single digit percentage of votes, -- can be a spoiler by preventing Losurdo from getting 50% + one votes. If it goes to a run off, more time, money and effort will be needed to accomplish the mission of defeating Hill.
So Losorda doesn't think she
Sat, 09/24/2011 - 16:02 — NoRalNerdSo Losorda doesn't think she can beat Hill in a run-off? That's interesting.
Otherwise, your concern isn't that Losorda is going to lose, it's that she'll actually have to WORK to win? Ah...now I understand.
Ok...
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 08:56 — Bob_SconceThat's the second time you're brought them up. What do the polls say? What questions were you asked?
I never heard of Progress
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 08:33 — woodstockI never heard of Progress NC. Is the N&O going to post the meandering politically motivated thoughts of every two-bit organization that claims a handful of members?
As for the comments, they were not even made by the candidate herself. But even if they were, so what? They are nothing to apologize for. Saying Obama "stinks" is hardly cause for anyone to get their panties in a wad. In my view, that tepid accusation is being kind considering he will likely go down in history as one of our nation's worst Presidents. And, it is certainly not "racially loaded" as the radicals at Progress NC disengenuously suggest. That's just more race-baiting from the Democrats.
So Heather L. has a potty mouth and a very edgy or politically
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 20:05 — paulastamincorrect sense of humor. She should fit in just fine with the GOP's Gang of 5 running our school system along partisan lines...
Paula, "Independent, Fair & Speaking Up for MY Kids."
OT - The candidate forum for
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 18:31 — DrActualFactualOT - The candidate forum for Districts 5 and 8 is airing right now for Cary viewers on channel 11.