ppp• Burying the lede, the Democratic firm Public Policy Polling shouts, “Hillary’s Back!” while also noting that former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton still loses to most Republicans in their latest survey of North Carolina voters. The only Republicans Clinton defeats are Jeb Bush, 46/43, and John Kasich, 44/42. Oh, and Donald Trump’s support has risen to 31 percent.

 

• State Sen. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, one of the leading advocates in the General Assembly for Medicaid reform, announced he would seek a fourth term.

 

• Former state Sen. Gene McLaurin, D-Rowan, said he would not challenge incumbent Tom McInnis for the 25th senate district and instead work to raise money for Attorney General Roy Cooper’s campaign to defeat incumbent GOP Gov. Pat McCrory.

 

• The governor has shifted operation of his Twitter and Facebook accounts to his campaign.

 

• Cooper’s Democratic opponent, Durham attorney Ken Spaulding, continues to challenge the four-term AG to debates before the March 15 primary.

 

• Republican Jim Duncan, who’s challenging Rep. Renee Ellmers in the 2nd Congresssional District primary, explains why at National Review Online.

 

• U.S. Coast Guard veteran Chris Hardin joins Kenn Kopf in challenging U.S. Rep. Mark Walker in the 6th Congressional District Republican primary.