State parties adjust to limits on gatherings

NC GOP Chairman Michael Whatley. Photo: A.P. Dillon, North State Journal

RALEIGH – Functions of the state’s political parties will be altered in the next several months. Following Gov. Roy Cooper’s executive order on Saturday that closed schools and banned mass gatherings, both Democrats and Republicans are making adjustments to their schedules.

N.C. Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Goodwin announced that the party headquarters will close to the public until May 1 and staff will limit in-person meetings. Goodwin also said party events of 100 or more will be postponed.

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N.C. Republican Party Chairman Michael Whatley said that remaining county and district conventions will be done virtually and that the party is outlining processes to make them successful. Whatley said the goal is to keep most of the same schedule as possible, including the state convention in May.

Whatley added, “President Trump’s leadership in combating the coronavirus pandemic has been both unprecedented and responsible. His administration’s bold response efforts and the relief given to small businesses demonstrate the president’s willingness to take swift and aggressive action to make sure Americans across the country are receiving the help they need at this time.”