Pat McCrory and Jeb Bush speak in Asheville

Republican candidate for N.C. Governor Pat McCrory and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush are speaking July 19 in Asheville at a brunch hosted by the Women for McCrory coalition. The fundraiser starts at about 10 a.m. and is being held at the DoubleTree hotel in Biltmore (115 Hendersonville Road). This post contains live missives from the event via Twitter using the hashtag, #avlelect.

UPDATE:
Below, you’ll see the curated dispatches done by Xpress reporter Jake Frankel (unless otherwise noted).

10 a.m.  Rolling up to the Pat McCrory/Jeb Bush fundraiser at the DoubleTree Biltmore.

10:01 a.m.  There are about 20 protesters outside on Hendersonville Rd, holding signs that demand McCrory release his tax records.

10:07 a.m.  About 200 people in attendance, eating brunch.  Lots of prominent local Republicans here including Tim Moffitt, Henry Mitchell

10:10 a.m.  McCrory now offering remarks. NC has lost its luster in the last few years, we need to get things back on track.

10:12 a.m.  Despite extensive experience in NC politics, McCrory presents himself as Raleigh outsider.

10:14 a.m.  McCrory remarks are brief, now Jeb Bush: I love Pat. He’ll be a great governor of NC.

10:18 a.m.  Bush gets biggest applause when he changes the subject to national politics: We need a new President, he exclaims.

10:19 a.m.  Now taking ?s from attendees, Linda Southard asks what they will do about “Obamacare”.

10:21 a.m.  Bush: I hope GOP will offer a real healthcare alternative. Medicaid is the worst, not the best option. Shouldn’t be expanded

10:23 a.m.  McCrory: “Obamacare” is disfunctional. I’ll work regionally with other governors to find health care solutions.

10:24 a.m.  Now conversation is veering in to lots of different areas. Bush: U.S. needs to “reevaluate” its relationship with UN.”

10:26 a.m.  McCrory: The NC Racial Justice Act is poor legislation. It’s more about politics than justice.

10:28 a.m.  McCrory: Corp and income taxes in NC are “punishing” people. We need reform and we need to cut regulations.

10:33 a.m.  McCrory: Lottery marketing campaign in NC is “embarrassing”

10:37 a.m.  McCrory: Education funding should be based on what works. More $ doesn’t necessarily equal more results.

10:51 a.m. MaryCaitlinByrd Xpress reporter @ is covering Pat McCroy and Jeb Bush as they speak in #avl right now: http://t.co/nY5ziQBs

10:53 a.m.  Bush and McCrory wrap it up. Very friendly audience here for them. Some attendees paid as much as $500.

11:06 a.m.  Correct RT @APWhalen1980: .@ I’m guessing no 1 in the friendly audience asked McCrory why he wont release tax returns.

11:13 a.m.  McCrory nor Bush were asked about or discussed tax returns at the event

2:24 PM DavidForbes RT @: McCrory nor Bush were asked about or discussed tax returns at the event

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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