The Democratic Party is "verging on crazy" and all of its candidates must own that, North Carolina Republican U.S. Senate candidate Michael Whatley told Newsmax on Thursday.
Appearing on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," the former Republican National Committee chair argued that Democrats have moved sharply to the left, pointing to the Democratic Socialists of America's newly unveiled platform and progressive Senate candidates calling for new party leadership.
"When [Senate Minority Leader] Chuck Schumer and [former House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi are no longer liberal enough, then you have a party that is verging on crazy," Whatley said. "We need to make sure that people understand what this party stands for, what the Democrats stand for. My opponent, [former Gov.] Roy Cooper, [is] right out there flag waving for this party right now. This is not what North Carolina needs."
Whatley made the remarks after being asked about Michigan Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has criticized Schumer and voiced support for Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., as a potential Senate leader.
The Republican nominee contended that Democrats across the country should be tied to what he described as the party's increasingly progressive agenda.
"I think Roy Cooper is going to have the identical voting record of Abdul El-Sayed," Whatley said. "I think he would have the exact same voting record as Texas State Rep. James Talarico. He is going to be in the middle of that mob right now."
Whatley also criticized Cooper's record as North Carolina governor, accusing him of prioritizing criminals over law-abiding citizens.
"When they talk about ending all prisons, Roy Cooper already let all the prisoners out," Whatley said, referring to inmates released during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"When they talk about raising taxes, he is right there with them wanting to raise taxes, vetoing tax cuts as governor. This is a guy who is going to fight harder for criminals and illegal aliens."
Cooper has defended his actions during the pandemic, saying inmate releases complied with state law and public health guidance.
Democrats have also rejected Republican efforts to broadly characterize the party by the views of its most progressive members.
Whatley, who recently completed a tour of all 100 North Carolina counties, said voters consistently told him they want a senator focused on public safety, economic growth, and national security.
"People want a fighter for North Carolina," he said. "People want somebody who's going to go in there and fight for them so that they can make more, they can keep more, keep their kids and communities safe, and make sure that our military has the support and supplies that they need."
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