Perry said, “He will say no to things like Common Core. He will say no to things like Race to the Top.” http://t.co/iPbgqbCiz9 #NCSEN

— LL1885 – A.P. Dillon (@LadyLiberty1885) October 26, 2014

Governor Rick Perry hit the stage last week to stump for NC Speaker of the House Thom Tillis in the NC Senate race.  While here, he fired up the crowd and while doing so, mentioned Common Core:

“He will go to Washington, D.C., and do everything he can to dismantle Obamacare,” Perry said. “He will say no to things like Common Core. He will say no to things like Race to the Top.” –News and Observer, Texas Governor Rick Perry Stumps For Thom Tillis at  Smithfield GOP Rally

Read more about Perry’s stop in NC at Truth In American Education. Yep, he brought in Common Core and yep, Governor Rebrand was up on stage with him. I don’t normally link to PolicyWatch, it’s painful.  I find it even more painful to link to something Chris ‘Blueprint NC’ Fitzsimon wrote, but he makes a point at the end of this short piece. Try to ignore Fitzsimon’s childish and ill-informed slam of Lt. Governor Forest and that “wacky” Constitution he attempts to smear in the opening paragraph. Just skip to the end:

Wonder what McCrory was thinking when Perry was speaking and when they both held Tillis’ hands high for the crowd? Does McCrory want Tillis to go to Washington stop things like Common Core that McCrory himself supports? – PolicyWatch

2016 is not going to be a lay-up for Governor McCrory. I see a growing enthusiasm gap. Common Core is just one part of it. Who he has surrounded himself with is another part, albeit a big part.

On a personal note, I’m speaking from the conservative mom angle here. You know those moms who canvas, phone call and bring in donations?  We’re not happy.

With two years to go, from what I am hearing from other moms, most of us are out already.  McCrory’s support of Common Core is a deal breaker. This support is highlighted by the Governor’s Commission pick being whole hog in favor of Common Core.

Governor McCrory has done much for business in this state. So don’t get me wrong here, I’m not totally unhappy with what he’s done thus far. Common Core as I said, is a deal breaker for many.

Rick Perry openly stands against Common Core. Look at the enthusiasm and support he is drawing.

Rick Perry Draws Larger Crowd than Hillary Clinton in North Carolina – 5k to 1.8k; and Hagan was in CHARLOTTE http://t.co/ivNcPiumKv #NCSEN

— LL1885 – A.P. Dillon (@LadyLiberty1885) October 27, 2014

That’s not a coincidence. That’s spine. That’s leadership.