• The first poll of the 2016 election season (consider that) from Public Policy Polling finds Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in solid shape, leading likely Attorney General Roy Cooper, a likely Democratic rival, 46 percent to 39 percent. In a possible match between incumbent GOP U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and outgoing Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan, Burr has the edge, 46-43. Burr also leads other possible challengers, state Treasurer Janet Cowell and former Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, by 6 points. McCrory has double-digit leads against Cowell and Foxx.
• It’s never too early for recently elected members of Congress to collect campaign contributions. Bloomberg News reports that GOP Sen.-elect Thom Tillis already has received funding from the political action committees of Honeywell International, the American Bankers Association, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. All three PACs supported Hagan’s unsuccessful re-election campaign.
• Rep.-elect David Rouzer, R-7th District, lands a subcommittee chairmanship. The Johnston County Republican will head the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, which oversees inspection, promotion, and marketing of livestock and agricultural commodities.
• Along with his recent appointment to the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee, Rep. George Holding, R-13th, was named co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.
