New Generation

John Edwards left faint political footprints in North Carolina. But his 1998 campaign manager, Josh Stein, represents the rising generation of Democratic leaders. Josh ran a smart and energetic campaign to beat a veteran Democrat, Jack Nichols, for the Wake County Senate seat.

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Josh Stein landed the last major endorsement and one of the biggest -- the Independent Weekly.

This brings the number of groups that have endorsed Josh to an impressive 14! For a contested open seat, this run is remarkable. Thanks for your help in making this happen.

The Independent wrote Josh possessed an "exceptionally strong progressive record of accomplishment" and "experience and demonstrated skill getting bills passed." Josh "would be a terrific state legislator."

"[W]e endorse Josh Stein, an attorney from Raleigh who directs the Consumer Protection Division at the N.C. Attorney General's office. There, he has tackled predatory lending, telemarketing and identity theft, bringing relevant bills to the General Assembly and getting them passed. Stein also ran John Edwards' Senate campaign in 1997 and was one of his legal aides in Washington, D.C. Stein cites his top priorities as improving education, reforming the health care system—that includes expanding health insurance for kids and fixing the mental health mess—and managing growth in a way that preserves the environment and quality of life. He has a long list of endorsements, from the AFL-CIO to Equality NC. We're excited by Stein's energy, drive and commitment to progressive goals. We hope to see him accomplish those goals in the General Assembly for a long time."

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Josh Stein endorsed by Leading Environmental Organization
The Conservation Council of North Carolina CCNC PAC
becomes the twelfth civic organization to endorse candidacy

Raleigh, NC – Josh Stein rounded out an already dominating list of endorsements when the Conservation Council of North Carolina PAC (CCNC) pledged its support of his candidacy for State Senate District 16 – downtown Raleigh and Wake County. CCNC is the only environmental group to endorse in this race.

Brownie Newman of CCNC stated,

"Josh Stein is one of the best candidates running for the North Carolina Legislature in 2008. He will be a strong, effective leader for our air, land and water resources and a champion for clean, renewable energy. We are proud to endorse his campaign."

Josh has been very vocal about the need to preserve our resources and Wake County’s excellent quality of life. CCNC PAC’s endorsement reflects this commitment. Stein said of the endorsement, “After four droughts in nine years, it is clear we have to promote water conservation and find new solutions to our water shortages. Additionally, we have to make sure that Wake County remains a wonderful place to call home 10, 20, 30 years down the road. I am proud to have the support of the Conservation Council of North Carolina, and I am eager to work with them to clean our air and water and preserve open space.”

Josh and the number of civic organizations that have rallied in unprecedented fashion to his campaign share a basic commitment – a dedication to public service. The people who keep our families safe from harm, teach our children, protect our resources, advocate for working families, and promote equality and opportunity for all have joined Josh Stein’s candidacy to bring proven and progressive leadership to the State Senate.

The complete list of organizations endorsing Stein’s candidacy is as follows: Conservation Council of North Carolina, American Federation of Teachers - NC, Raleigh Police Protective Association, Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association, Raleigh-Wake Citizen’s Association, the Teamsters Union, State Employees Association of North Carolina, Equality NC, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, AFL-CIO of North Carolina, and the Triangle Labor Council.

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Josh Stein is the choice of teachers, police, and fire fighters
AFT-NC, RPPA, and RPFFA add to growing support of Josh Stein for state Senate

Raleigh, NC – The professionals who teach our children and keep our families safe from harm have endorsed Josh Stein’s candidacy for state Senate in District 16. The American Federation of Teachers – North Carolina (AFT-NC), the Raleigh Police Protective Association (RPPA), and the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association (RPFFA) officially provided their support to Stein’s campaign to bring proven leadership and progressive values to the North Carolina General Assembly.

A former teacher, Josh was honored by the endorsement of the AFT-NC.  As a husband and father whose first concern is the safety of his family, he was equally honored by the endorsement of RPPA and the RPFFA.
“We all look up to our teachers, our police officers, and our fire fighters as heroes. They selflessly give of their time to educate our children and of their own safety to ensure ours.  It truly is in an honor to have the support of these professional organizations,” said Stein.

These public servants recognize and appreciate Josh’s career of serving the public and believe that he will provide forward-thinking leadership in the state Senate.

Dianne Jackson, President, American Federation of Teachers – North Carolina:

"Josh Stein will make a great Senator for public school teachers and for our students.  He and his wife both attended North Carolina public schools, and so do their children. He understands that we have to improve education by recruiting and retaining great teachers, making sure all children come to school ready to learn, and ensuring that college is affordable. We are proud to endorse Josh for Senate District 16."

Rick Armstrong, President, Raleigh Police Protective Association:

“On behalf of the Raleigh Police Protective Association, I am pleased to announce our endorsement of Josh Stein for North Carolina Senate. We know that Josh will be a strong champion for the rights of police officers and public safety. We are proud to support his campaign."

Keith Wilder, President, Raleigh Professional Fire Fighters Association:

“Josh Stein, for NC Senate District 16, is the obvious choice for the Raleigh Professional Fire Fighter’s Association. He will fight for those of us who are committed to keeping our communities safe and who seek the right to bargain collectively. We know where Josh stands... it's on the Senate floor advocating on behalf of working families and the community at large.”

Additional endorsements of Stein’s candidacy include Raleigh-Wake Citizens’ Association, SEANC, Equality NC, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, AFL-CIO, and the Triangle Labor Council.

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Josh Stein adds three more endorsements to impressive roster of support
RWCA, SEANC, and ENC all join Stein’s surging campaign for NC Senate.

Raleigh, NC - Josh Stein pulled off an impressive hat trick this week receiving endorsements from organizations sharing Josh’s dedication to public service, equality, and justice. The Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association (RWCA), the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), and Equality NC (ENC) all publically announced their support for Stein’s candidacy for state Senate District 16.

Stein – honored by the endorsement of three respected organizations all dedicated to fairness, equality and justice – stated, “These endorsements mean so much to me personally and to our mounting prospects to elect progressive leadership to the state Senate. The members of these organizations are committed advocates for working families, equality, and justice. I share their commitment, and I am proud to have their support.”

RWCA M-PAC Chair Larry Dickens said:

“RWCA M-PAC is pleased to endorse Josh Stein for NC Senate District 16 in the May 6 primary. Based on Josh’s background and accomplishments, we believe that Josh will effectively represent minority citizens of Raleigh and Wake County in the important areas of employment/business opportunities, quality education, affordable health care and safe/healthy neighborhoods. With the high growth of identity theft and his having spearheaded the North Carolina Identity Theft Protection Act, Josh’s expertise will make this Act even stronger for all citizens of North Carolina.”

Kevin LeCount, SEANC political director, said:

"Josh Stein, as a state employee, has a unique understanding of the issues and concerns central to his fellow state employees. I have no doubt that with his experience and dedication to public service he will be an effective leader in the state Senate for his constituents and for SEANC members. We are proud to support him."

ENC Executive Director Ian Palmquist said:

"Josh Stein will be a strong and effective advocate for justice and equality in the NC Senate. His commitment and experience will be an asset for the 16th senate district and the state."

Additional endorsements of Stein’s candidacy include NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina, NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, AFL-CIO, and the Triangle Labor Council.

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Cary Mayor and Smart Growth Leader Harold Weinbrecht Endorses Josh Stein

“I am proud to endorse Josh and encourage my supporters to vote for him on May 6th."

Mayor Weinbrecht recognizes in Josh a leader who shares his own dedication to public service and his concerns about the future of Cary, Wake County, and North Carolina stating, “Josh is precisely the type of leader Cary citizens need in the General Assembly. His commitment to working for the people of Cary and his dedication as a public servant who understands critical issues will be a tremendous benefit to us and the state.”

Cary residents deal with the issues central to this election on a daily basis. Mayor Weinbrecht voiced his strong confidence that Josh is the right leader to tackle these issues in the General Assembly stating, “Josh promises to be an advocate for issues crucial to Cary's quality of life including great schools, an aggressive transportation policy, and the need for strong water conservation. His record of success combating unwanted telemarketing and identity theft shows that he can stand up to special interests to get the work of the people done.”

Stein, honored by the endorsement of a prominent local leader who has a unique understanding of the challenges facing our region, said, “I am tremendously encouraged to have Mayor Weinbrecht’s support. We share a dedication to public service, and I look forward to working with Mayor Weinbrecht to address the challenges facing our community and our state as your state Senator.”

Josh Stein was raised in the Triangle and cares passionately about Wake County’s future. He resides in Raleigh with his wife Anna and their three young children. For the past 7 years Josh has been Director of the Consumer Protection Division of Attorney General Roy Cooper.

Mayor Weinbrecht's full statement:

"Josh is precisely the type of leader Cary citizens need in the General Assembly. His commitment to working for the people of Cary and his dedication as a public servant who understands critical issues will be a tremendous benefit to us and the state. He promises to be an advocate for issues crucial to our quality of life including great schools, an aggressive transportation policy, and the need for strong water conservation. His record of success combating unwanted telemarketing and identity theft shows that he can stand up to special interests to get the work of the people done. I am proud to endorse Josh and encourage my supporters to vote for him on May 6th."

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Stein "well suited for legislative duty."
"The up-and-comer is Josh Stein, the 41-year-old scion of a Chapel Hill political family who earned high marks in Raleigh as John Edwards' campaign manager in the 1998 U.S. Senate race and, for the last seven years, as N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper's consumer protection chief...

As Cooper's spear-carrier, Stein has worked the legislative hallways on behalf of such progressive victories as the ban on payday lending and the do-not-call list for telemarketers. His nice-guy personality and drive suggest he'd be well-suited to legislative duty."

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Josh Stein Receives NARAL Endorsement
For his dedication to public service and commitment to a woman’s right to choose, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina formally endorses and pledges support to Josh Stein, candidate for state Senate

Raleigh, NC – Recognizing a lifetime of support and advocacy for a woman’s right to choose, NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina officially endorsed Josh Stein’s candidacy today for the North Carolina Senate (District 16 – Downtown Raleigh and western Wake County). NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina is the first organization to endorse for this seat.

Melissa Reed, the Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina said, “It is an honor to associate our organization with Josh’s campaign and provide him with the support of our membership. Our aim is to elect leaders who will protect a woman’s right to choose and advocate for fundamental women’s health issues. We firmly believe that Josh Stein is precisely that type of leader.”

This endorsement, the first to be given in the campaign for Senate District 16, builds on the momentum Stein has established with his active grassroots campaign and broad base of support. Stein is encouraged by and proud to receive the endorsement.

“I have been dedicated to public service my entire life,” Stein stated. “As your state Senator, I will protect a woman’s right to choose and address vital concerns to women’s reproductive health.”

Josh Stein is a Triangle native and cares passionately about Wake County’s future. He resides in Raleigh with his wife Anna and their three young children. For the past 7 years Josh has been Director of the Consumer Protection Division of Attorney General Roy Cooper.

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Stein Goes First in Senate Race
Josh Stein has decided to spill the beans first.

The Democratic candidate for state Senate District 16 released his fundraising numbers for the final quarter of 2007 this morning. Stein said that he raised more than $133,000 from more than 400 contributors.

Some of his donors include former House Majority Leader Phil Baddour, Democratic pollster Dean Debnam, former Senate candidate D.G. Martin and Capitol Broadcasting head Jim Goodmon.

"We are energized by this influx of support and by the great response Josh is getting as he meets with voters, sharing concerns and identifying progressive solutions," said campaign spokesman Jason Sulham in a statement.

No word yet from Stein's primary opponent, Jack Nichols.

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Josh Stein's Fast Start
Josh Stein has always moved fast. And worked hard. He was the first hire in John Edwards’ 1998 Senate campaign – a novice who had never worked in politics before. By the time the primary rolled around, he was the campaign manager. And a great one. I know, because I worked with him every day for 18 months.

Josh went to Washington on Edwards’ staff, then came back to Raleigh. He started a family and went to work for AG Roy Cooper on consumer issues. Now he’s running for the State Senate seat being vacated by Janet Cowell. And he raised nearly $60,000 in the first ten-day reporting period.

Stein is moving fast and working hard. He’ll be tough to beat.

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Triangle Politics:
Published: Sep 29, 2007 12:30 AM
Modified: Sep 29, 2007 03:10 AM
DAN HOLLY AND DAVID BRACKEN, Staff Writers

GETTING A HEAD START: Not enough to digest for the 2007 elections? Well, how  about some news for 2008? Josh Stein has launched his candidacy for state Senate in District 16. This  month, he filed his statement of organization to make his candidacy  official. He's "very pleased" to report that he raised $57,300 in the campaign's first  10 days. Stein, a 41-year-old Raleigh resident, is head of the consumer protection  division in the N.C. Attorney General's Office.

"Cowell's [open] seat drawing dollars. We hear that Josh Stein, declared Democratic candidate for Senator Janet Cowell's seat has already raised over $50,000 to win the nomination. Potential candidate, Nina Szlosberg, dropped out of the race, as we reported recently. Former Wake Commissioner Jack Nichols is also reportedly interested in running, but Stein has the momentum." (emphasis added)

Under the Dome:
STEIN TO RUN FOR SENATE
Submitted by ryanteaguebeckwith on August 28, 2007 - 1:18pm.

Josh Stein plans to run for the state Senate next year. The head of the consumer protection division in the attorney general's   office, Stein said he will seek the seat held by Janet Cowell, who is running for the Democratic nomination for state treasurer, Rob Christensen reports.

Stein, a 40-year old Harvard-educated attorney, is no political neophyte. He managed John Edwards' successful Senate campaign in 1998 and then served in  Washington as Edwards' deputy chief of staff and legal counsel. Previously, he worked for the Self-Help Credit Union in Durham, where he   handled real estate development in low-income areas for the non profit group.