Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Report the Following Report Contains Research on Mark Harris, a Republican Candidate in North Carolina’S 9Th District

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Report The following report contains research on Mark Harris, a Republican candidate in North Carolina’s 9th district. Research for this research book was conducted by the DCCC’s Research Department between May 2018 and June 2018. By accepting this report, you are accepting responsibility for all information and analysis included. Therefore, it is your responsibility to verify all claims against the original documentation before you make use of it. Make sure you understand the facts behind our conclusions before making any specific charges against anyone.

Mark Harris

Republican Candidate North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District

Research Book – 2018 Last Updated June 2018

Prepared by the DCCC Research Department

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 1

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...... 1 Thematics ...... 3 Harris Is Just Another Swamp Creature ...... 4 Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before North Carolinians ...... 14 Personal & Professional History ...... 41 Biography ...... 42 Personal Finance ...... 46 Churches & Nonprofit Involvement ...... 47 Political Career & Activity ...... 74 Ethics ...... 96 Relationships ...... 100 Donald Trump ...... 128 Issues ...... 132 Arts & Quality Of Life Issues ...... 133 Budget Issues ...... 136 Civil Rights & Liberties ...... 141 Consumer Protections & Regulations ...... 146 Crime & Public Safety Issues ...... 147 Economy & Jobs ...... 148 Education Issues ...... 150 Energy Issues ...... 153 Environmental Issues ...... 154 Foreign Policy Issues ...... 155 Gun Issues ...... 156 Health Care Issues ...... 160 Immigration & Border Issues ...... 165 LGBT Issues ...... 169 National Security & Terrorism ...... 189 State Issues ...... 190 Seniors’ Issues ...... 191

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 2

Tax Issues ...... 193 Veterans & Military Personnel Issues ...... 197 Women ...... 199 Appendix I – Personal Financial Disclosures ...... 212 Appendix II – Campaign Finance ...... 221 Appendix III – Paid Media Summary ...... 239

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 3

Thematics

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 4

Harris Is Just Another Swamp Creature

Significant Findings

 Harris has been a perennial candidate recruited by special interest groups to run for Congress. Republican political consultants recruited Harris to run for U.S. Senate, and GOP politicians and special interest groups supported him in his campaigns.

 In 2015 and 2016, Harris contributed to both state Sen. Newton’s campaign and state Sen. Bishop’s campaign after they endorsed him.

 In 2014, Harris’ campaign had to change language on their website after Politico reported that it was copied from another conservative U.S. Senate candidate’s website.

 In 2014, Harris defended a fellow pastor when he was recorded asking his congregants to contribute an offering for Harris, implying it could be used to support Harris’ campaign.

 Harris flouted regulations prohibiting political activity at his church hosting Republican precinct meetings and endorsing a political candidate from the pulpit.

 Harris campaigned against compromising with Democrats. Instead of compromising with Democrats, Harris said multiple times he wanted to impeach President Obama and called on Senator Hagan to resign for “dubious reasons.”

 Harris seemed to criticize Senator Burr when Burr called the 2013 government shutdown “the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.” Harris blamed the President for the shutdown and said he would have shut down the government to defund the Affordable Care Act.

Harris Was A Perennial Candidate Recruited By Special Interest Groups To Run For Congress

Republican Political Consultants Recruited Harris To Run For U.S. Senate

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Decided To Run After Consulting With “Political Pros”

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Decided To Run After Consulting With “Political Pros.” “But in hopes of broadening his appeal beyond his conservative Christian base, look for Harris to talk even more about the economy, out-of-touch leaders and ‘a federal government that continues to en-croach into daily lives.’ The Winston-Salem native said he decided to run after consulting with his wife and grown children - they had veto power - as well as the church’s lay leaders and some political pros.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris’ Exploratory Committee Asked Supporters To Donate $20,000 To Conduct A Poll. “The Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte is trying to build support for a U.S. Senate campaign through an effort to ‘draft’ him into the race. He’s currently conducting a 90-day ‘listening tour’ to gauge interest and wants supporters to donate $20,000 for a comprehensive poll. ‘We truly could use your help in covering the cost of this vital tool, which not only gives us a clear picture of where Mark stands, but also provides incredible insight for the most effective strategy to move us to victory,’ Harris’ advisers write in an email to supporters. ‘And if (he) is to run, Mark would officially announce publicly and statewide in early October.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 5

2013: Harris Flew Around North Carolina On Rep. Hayes’ Private Plane

2013: Harris Flew Around North Carolina On Rep. Hayes’ Private Plane. “Although Harris has never run for political office, he has put together an experienced team. He was flown around the state on a plane owned and piloted by former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes of Concord, the past state GOP chairman. His campaign strategist is veteran Tom Perdue, a Georgian whose wins include Republican Saxby Chambliss’ victory over Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia. The New York Times once described Perdue as ‘brilliant and ruthless.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Congressman Robin Hayes Was A Co-Chair Of Harris’ U.S. Senate Campaign. “A Charlotte pastor Thursday named a prominent North Carolina Republican to help lead his campaign into a still wide-open primary to pick a challenger to Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. The contest will continue to take shape this month when one of the state’s top lawmakers announces whether he’ll join the race. Rev. Mark Harris told more than 200 supporters in Forsyth County Thursday that former Congress-man Robin Hayes, who until this year led the state party, will co- chair his campaign.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/12/13]

Hayes On Harris: “A Man Of Principle.” “Rev. Mark Harris told more than 200 supporters in Forsyth County Thursday that former Congress-man Robin Hayes, who until this year led the state party, will co-chair his campaign. […] Hayes calls Harris ‘a man of principle’ who can appeal to the grassroots.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/12/13]

2013: Associated Press: “Hayes Is A Co-Chairman Of Harris’ Campaign And Has Close Political Ties To Harris Consultant Tom Perdue.” “U.S. Senate candidate the Rev. Mark Harris has hired a former chief of staff at the North Carolina Republican Party to run his day-to-day campaign. Harris announced Tuesday that Mike Rusher is his campaign manager. Rusher held the chief of staff post while Robin Hayes was state GOP chairman. Hayes is a co-chairman of Harris’ campaign and has close political ties to Harris consultant Tom Perdue.” [Associated Press, 9/24/13]

Election History

Harris Electoral History Year Office Candidates Results Harris Margin Mark Harris 48.54% 2018 U.S. House Republican Primary (NC-09) Robert Pittenger 46.22% +2.32% Clarence W. Goins, Jr. 5.24% Robert Pittenger 34.95% 2016 U.S. House Republican Primary (NC-09) Mark Harris 34.45% -0.5% Todd Johnson 30.60% Thom Tillis 45.68% Greg Brannon 27.15% Mark Harris 17.55% Heather Grant 4.70% 2014 U.S. Senate Republican Primary (NC) -28.13% Jim Snyder 1.93% Ted Alexander 1.89% Alex Lee Bradshaw 0.72% Edward Kryn 0.38% [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/5/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 6

The GOP Interest Groups & Establishment Supported Harris In His Campaigns

2018: The Republican Establishment Supported Harris After He Defeated Pittemger

2018: Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan Called Harris The Day After His Primary Win To Assure Him That He Would Get Campaign Money Heading Into His General Election For The 9th Congressional District. “Pittenger became the first congressional incumbent to lose this year when the Rev. Mark Harris narrowly defeated him Tuesday in a rematch of their 2016 race in the state’s south-central 9th District. […] But Harris said in an interview that he received calls Wednesday from top House Republicans on Capitol Hill, including outgoing Speaker Paul Ryan, assuring him there will be support. ’We recognize that we’ve got a major (fundraising) gap that we’ve got to close, and today’s Day 1 of that,’ he said.” [Associated Press, 5/9/18]

Mark Harris Was Named A “Contender” In The NRCC’s “Young Guns Program.” [GOPYoungGuns2018.com, accessed 6/27/18]

Harris’ Campaign Staff Were Former Employees Of Big-Name Republican Politicians

2013: Mark Rusher, The Former Chief Of Staff Of The North Carolina GOP And Berger Staffer, Joined Harris’ U.S. Senate Race As Harris’ Campaign Manager

2013: Mark Rusher, The Former Chief Of Staff Of The North Carolina GOP And Berger Staffer, Joined Harris’ U.S. Senate Race. “The Rev. Mark Harris won’t officially enter North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race until next week. But he has already snared another former official of the state Republican Party, Mark Rusher, to run his campaign. Rusher, former chief of staff for the state GOP, joins former state party Chairman Robin Hayes, who will co-chair the Harris campaign. […] Rusher headed the national GOP Victory Campaign in North Carolina in 2012. Before that, he was an aide to state Senate leader Phil Berger. The announcement of his position with the Harris campaign comes a day after Berger formally bowed out of the Senate race.” [News & Observer, 9/24/13]

Rusher Was Harris’ Campaign Manager. “U.S. Senate candidate the Rev. Mark Harris has hired a former chief of staff at the North Carolina Republican Party to run his day-to-day campaign. Harris announced Tuesday that Mike Rusher is his campaign manager. Rusher held the chief of staff post while Robin Hayes was state GOP chairman. Hayes is a co-chairman of Harris’ campaign and has close political ties to Harris consultant Tom Perdue.” [Associated Press, 9/24/13]

Harris’ Exploratory Committee Hired Tracy Bengston, A Former Staffer For Dan Forest And Joyce Krawiec, To Be Their Political Director

Harris’ Exploratory Committee Hired Tracy Bengston, A Former Staffer For Dan Forest And Joyce Krawiec, To Be Their Political Director. “The effort to draft Rev. Mark Harris is beginning to look more like a campaign. The committee to draft the Charlotte Republican for the U.S. Senate on Wednesday announced the hiring of a new political director. Tracy Bengston of Davidson worked as scheduler for Republican Dan Forest’s 2012 campaign for lieutenant governor. This month she managed Joyce Krawiec’s campaign for vice chair of the state GOP. Harris is pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church and president of the Baptist State Convention.” [News & Observer, 6/26/13]

Republican Politicians And Leaders Of GOP Interest Groups Campaigned For Harris

2017: Harris Campaigned With Huckabee At A Country Club

2017: Harris Campaigned With Huckabee At A Country Club. “Mark Harris is running against Rep. Robert

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 7

Pittenger (R-9) in the upcoming republican primary. This week he was with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee at Rolling Hills Country Club to discuss his candidacy.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

2017: Huckabee On Harris: “(There Is) No Social Pathology That A Pastor Couldn’t Put A Name And Face To.” “Huckabee told The Enquirer-Journal on Tuesday he decided to support Harris’ bid for the nomination because he was impressed with his race in 2016. He said Harris has ‘real convictions he’s willing to be bold about.’ Harris stood with Huckabee when he ran and Huckabee said there was never a doubt for him about supporting Harris. He said that as a pastor, Harris has a great perspective on serving people and that members of the clergy witness the full perspective of human life, through birth, loss, joy sorrow and death more than anyone else. ‘(There is) no social pathology that a pastor couldn’t put a name and face to,’ Huckabee said.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

2013: FRC’s Tony Perkins Arranged For Harris To Meet And Seek Support From Sen. Cruz

2013: Family Research Council President Tony Perkins Arranged For Harris To Meet And Seek Support From Cruz. “Republican Mark Harris recently met with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as he looks for support for his U.S. Senate bid in North Carolina. […] Spokesman Mike Rusher said Harris and Cruz met in Washington on a recent campaign trip. It was arranged with the help of Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, a social con-servative advocacy group. Perkins counts Cruz and Harris as allies.” [News & Observer, 11/21/13]

2013: Harris Met With Cruz And Sought His Support For His U.S. Senate Race. “Republican Mark Harris recently met with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as he looks for support for his U.S. Senate bid in North Carolina. The meeting, confirmed by Harris’ campaign Thursday, shows how the Charlotte pastor is reaching out to tea party leaders as he challenges rival Thom Tillis in the Republican primary and seeks to fend off lesser-known anti- Republican establishment candidates.” [News & Observer, 11/21/13]

2015 & 2016: Harris Contributed To Buck Newton’s Campaign And Dan Bishop’s Campaign After They Endorsed Him

2015 & 2016: Harris Contributed $1,227.44 To The Citizens For Buck Newton Campaign Committee. On July 24, 2015, Harris contributed $250 to the Citizens For Buck Newton campaign committee. On February 8, 2016 and on March 9, 2016, Harris contributed $727.44 and $250 to the Citizens For Buck Newton campaign committee respectively. [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/11/18]

2014: State Sen. Newton Endorsed Harris Because He “Will Stand Firm For Conservative Principles And Our Values.” “The Harris campaign said that Republican state Sens. Buck Newton of Wilson, Warren Daniel of Morganton, and Dan Soucek of Boone have endorsed the Charlotte pastor in the crowded GOP U.S. Senate primary. ’Mark is exactly the kind of person we need,’ Newton said in a statement. ‘He will stand firm for conservative principles and our values.’” [News & Observer, 3/11/14]

2016: Harris Contributed $798.62 To The Bishop For Senate Campaign Committee. On September 16, 2016 and on October 12, 2016, Harris contributed $548.62 and $250 to the Bishop For Senate Committee respectively. [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/11/18]

2017: Harris Contributed $550 To The Bishop For Senate Committee. [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/11/18]

2016: State Rep. Bishop Endorsed Harris. “Harris spokesman Mark Knoop alleges Pittenger has a pattern of fudging endorsements. […] The Pittenger campaign also listed state Rep. Dan Bishop as a supporter and took that down after Bishop, who has endorsed Harris, complained, Knoop said.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/6/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 8

Harris Attended The North Carolina Lieutenant Governor’s “Invitation-Only” Retreat

2015: Harris Attended Forest’s “Black Mountain Weekend” – An Invitation-Only, Christian Retreat For Men

2015: Harris Attended Forest’s “Black Mountain Weekend” Invitation-Only, Christian Retreat For Men. “Lt. Gov. Dan Forest will journey into North Carolina’s western mountains this weekend to lead his third annual, invitation-only Christian retreat known as ‘Black Mountain Weekend.’ Forest started the event in 2014, bringing together a couple hundred men at a mountain conference center. […] An event calendar on the Republican Party’s 11th District website features an invitation to the 2015 retreat from Mark Harris, the Charlotte pastor who has run for Congress and helped lead the fight to ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina. Contacted by email, Harris responded that he had a ‘phenomenal’ time last year and planned to take his two sons to this year’s retreat ‘to head up to the beautiful location of Black Mountain and enjoy being together with men and Brothers in Christ from all over the state.’” [News & Observer, 9/9/16]

Harris Has Repeatedly Exhbitied Poor Judgment

Harris’ Campaign Website Was Plagiarized

Harris’ Campaign Changed Language On Their Website After Politico Reported That It Was Copied From Another Conservative U.S. Senate Candidate’s Website

2014: Harris’ Campaign Changed Language On Their Website After Politico Reported That It Was Copied From Another Conservative U.S. Senate Candidate’s Website. “U.S. Senate candidate Mark Harris recently amended his campaign website after a report that certain passages replicated a Georgia Senate candidate’s site. Harris’s website had portions describing his stance on issues that were nearly identical to those of an-other conservative candidate - Rep. Phil Gingrey, a Senate candidate in Georgia. First reported by Politico, the identical language appeared in various areas of two sites, including in statements that discussed jobs and the economy.” [News & Observer, 4/24/14]

Politico Found That Parts Of Harris’ Website Was Nearly Exactly The Same As Gingrey’s Website. “U.S. Senate candidate Mark Harris recently amended his campaign website after a report that certain passages replicated a Georgia Senate candidate’s site. Harris’s website had portions describing his stance on issues that were nearly identical to those of an-other conservative candidate - Rep. Phil Gingrey, a Senate candidate in Georgia. […] Parts of the websites were nearly exactly the same, with some phrases modified to reflect that one candidate was running in North Carolina and the other in Georgia, Politico found.” [News & Observer, 4/24/14]

Perdue: “There Was No Plagiarism Intended… It Was A Total Accident.” “U.S. Senate candidate Mark Harris recently amended his campaign website after a report that certain passages replicated a Georgia Senate candidate’s site. […] Republican consultant Tom Perdue, who is working for Harris and oversaw the writing of his website, said that a group of five college students had pulled information for his statements together based on issue statements of current politicians, including governors and senators. He blamed himself for the similarities, saying they were a result of his not reading over the statements closely enough. ’There was no plagiarism intended,’ Perdue said. ‘It was a total accident.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/26/14]

2013: Perdue Was Harris’ Campaign Strategist. “Although Harris has never run for political office, he has put together an experienced team. He was flown around the state on a plane owned and piloted by former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes of Concord, the past state GOP chairman. His campaign strategist is veteran Tom Perdue, a Georgian whose wins include Republican Saxby Chambliss’ victory over Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia. The New York Times once described Perdue as ‘brilliant and ruthless.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 9

Perdue Was A GOP Consultant From Atlanta And Formerly The Chief Strategist For The State’s Republican Chairman. “It was around the first of April that Harris met with GOP consultant Tom Perdue of Atlanta, onetime chief strategist for former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, now the state’s Republican chairman. Last week Perdue helped orchestrate the meeting at a Hampton Inn in Charlotte. He said he’s helping gauge the strength of any grassroots movement for a Harris candidacy. That was the message he left with those who attended. ’Go write your neighbors and coworkers and see if there is a groundswell of people who want a godly man like this to run for public office,’ Perdue recalled.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

Harris Skirted Campaign Finance Rules

2014: A Pastor Was Recorded Asking His Congregants To Contribute An Offering For Harris, Implying It Could Be Used To Support Harris’ Campaign

2014: A Pastor Was Recorded Asking His Congregants To Contribute An Offering For Harris, Implying It Could Be Used To Support Harris’ Campaign. “In the case of Harris' appearance at Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, that line seems to have been blurry. A video posted by the church of Harris' sermon shows how difficult it can be to separate the preacher from the politician. ‘Now, I want you to do this also – we're going to take an offering, all right? We're going to take an offering for Dr. Harris, for his coming and preaching, also for whatever you want to do otherwise for supporting him in this campaign,’ Rev. Bill Saylor said. ‘I hope you will think about it. He has some materials in his car. If you would like to get more materials and pass them out and thereby get better known in this area, and then when the primaries come, you and all of your friends can vote for him. Amen?’” [WRAL.com, 4/29/14]

2014: Saylor: “We're Going To Take An Offering For Dr. Harris, For His Coming And Preaching, Also For Whatever You Want To Do Otherwise For Supporting Him In This Campaign.” “In the case of Harris' appearance at Blackwelder Park Baptist Church, that line seems to have been blurry. A video posted by the church of Harris' sermon shows how difficult it can be to separate the preacher from the politician. ‘Now, I want you to do this also – we're going to take an offering, all right? We're going to take an offering for Dr. Harris, for his coming and preaching, also for whatever you want to do otherwise for supporting him in this campaign,’ Rev. Bill Saylor said. ‘I hope you will think about it. He has some materials in his car. If you would like to get more materials and pass them out and thereby get better known in this area, and then when the primaries come, you and all of your friends can vote for him. Amen?’” [WRAL.com, 4/29/14]

Harris Did Not Report Any Contributions From Offerings To The FEC. “A video posted by the church of Harris' sermon shows how difficult it can be to separate the preacher from the politician. ‘Now, I want you to do this also – we're going to take an offering, all right? We're going to take an offering for Dr. Harris, for his coming and preaching, also for whatever you want to do otherwise for supporting him in this campaign,’ Rev. Bill Saylor said. […] A review of Harris' most recent campaign finance statement seems to show he has not reported any of the church offerings as campaign donations. Harris said Monday that the collections were not big sources of revenue for him.” [WRAL.com, 4/29/14]

Harris Acknowledged That He Was Being Invited To Preach At Churches More Frequently After He Announced His Race For Senate. “A video posted by the church of Harris' sermon shows how difficult it can be to separate the preacher from the politician. ‘Now, I want you to do this also – we're going to take an offering, all right? We're going to take an offering for Dr. Harris, for his coming and preaching, also for whatever you want to do otherwise for supporting him in this campaign,’ Rev. Bill Saylor said. […] Harris said that he has long spoken to other congregations, but he acknowledged he has gotten more invitations this spring as other pastors learn he is on the road, speaking from one end of the state to the other.” [WRAL.com, 4/29/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 10

Harris Flouted Regulations Prohibiting Political Activity At His Church

Charlotte Observer: Harris Hosted Republican Precinct Meetings At His Church

Charlotte Observer: Harris Hosted Republican Precinct Meetings At His Church. “Last year Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, campaigned heavily for Amendment One, which recognizes marriage between a man and a woman as the only valid union recognized in the state. He has hosted Republican precinct meetings at his church and last year brought in a number of prom-inent conservative speakers, including former presidential candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huck-abee and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

2012: Harris Participated In “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” Where He Publicly Backed Candidates For Political Office From The Pulpit To Protest Federal Law And Attempt To Instigate A Lawsuit

2012: Harris Participated In “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” Where He Publicly Backed Candidates For Political Office From The Pulpit To Protest Federal Law And Attempt To Instigate A Lawsuit. “Baptist Pastor Mark Harris stood before his flock in North Carolina on Sunday and joined hundreds of other religious leaders in deliberately breaking the law in an election-year campaign that tests the role of churches in politics. By publicly backing candidates for political office from the pulpit, Harris and nearly 1,500 other preachers at services across the United States were flouting a law they see as an incursion on freedom of religion and speech. Under the U.S. tax code, non-profit organizations such as churches may express views on any issue, but they jeopardize their favorable tax-exempt status if they speak for or against any political candidate. ‘Pulpit Freedom Sunday’ has been staged annually since 2008 by a group called the Alliance Defending Freedom. Its aim is to provoke a challenge from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service in order to file a lawsuit and have its argument out in court.” [Reuters, 10/7/12]

2012: Harris Endorsed Supreme Court Justice Candidate Newby From The Pulpit. “Also in 2012, Harris endorsed a North Carolina Republican, Supreme Court Justice candidate Paul Newby, from the pulpit. ’As a pastor,’ he said, ‘I have never shied away from bringing the Bible to the culture.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

Harris Was Hyper-Partisan – And Would Be Part Of The Dysfunction In Washington

Harris Campaigned Against Compromising With Democrats

Harris Released Advertisements That Criticized Republicans And Pittenger For Compromising With Democrats

2016: Harris Released A TV Ad That Criticized Pittenger For His Votes To “Cut Deals That Raised The Debt, Gave Illegals Amnesty, Funded Obamacare And Planned Parenthood, Yet Cut Military Funding.” “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris and Todd Johnson, a former Union County commissioner, are hoping GOP voters angry with the Republican-controlled Congress will take out their frustrations on Pittenger, a Charlotte businessman who is running for his third term. In a TV ad that began running last week on cable channels in Charlotte and Fayetteville, Harris in-cluded Pittenger among ‘Republicans bowing to Obama,’ and charged that the congressman had part-nered with the Democratic president and former GOP House Speaker John Boehner to ‘cut deals that raised the debt, gave illegals amnesty, funded Obamacare and Planned Parenthood, yet cut military funding.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/21/16]

2016: Harris Narrated And Released A Radio Ad That Criticized Republicans That “Bow Down To President Obama On Every Issue.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, who hopes to unseat two-term U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in a June 7 GOP primary, is taking aim in a new radio ad at Republicans in Congress who ‘bow down to President Obama on every issue.’ Harris, who narrates the 60-second ad now running on stations in Charlotte and Fayetteville, never mentions Pittenger by name.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/16/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 11

Harris Said Republicans Had Caved To Democratic Demands On “Amnesty For Illegals To Obamacare.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, who hopes to unseat two-term U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in a June 7 GOP primary, is taking aim in a new radio ad at Republicans in Congress who ‘bow down to President Obama on every issue.’ Harris, who narrates the 60-second ad now running on stations in Charlotte and Fayetteville, never mentions Pittenger by name. But it’s clear the 9th District incumbent is his target. Saying Republicans in Washington have caved to the Democratic president on everything from ‘am-nesty for illegals to Obamacare,’ Harris says it’s time for a ‘consistent conservative’ like him to rep-resent the recently redrawn district, which now stretches from south Charlotte to Bladen County.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/16/16]

Harris Aired His Radio Ad On WBT (1110 AM) And WBCN (1660 AM) In Charlotte And WFNC (640 AM) In Fayetteville. “The Rev. Mark Harris, who hopes to unseat two-term U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in a June 7 GOP primary, is taking aim in a new radio ad at Republicans in Congress who ‘bow down to President Obama on every issue.’ […] Harris’ radio ad is airing on three conservative talk stations: WBT (1110 AM) and WBCN (1660 AM) in Charlotte and WFNC (640 AM) in Fayetteville.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/16/16]

Instead Of Campaign On Working With Democrats, Harris Said He Wanted To Impeach Certain Democrats And Called On Senator Hagan To Resigned For “Dubious Reasons”

2014: Harris Said That President Obama Had To “Change His Tone” Or He Would Be Impeached When Republicans Won A Majority Of The House And Senate

2014: Harris On Impeachment: “You Will See This President Either Change His Tone, Change His Actions Or Face The Full Double Action Of The U.S. House And The U.S. Senate.” “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris, a U.S. Senate contender, recently criticized Congress for not taking ac-tion to impeach Obama. According to the Hendersonville Lightning, Harris stopped short of using the ‘i’ word but his message was clear. ’I know from a practical standpoint the reason that they haven’t is because Harry Reid and the United States Senate would not even pick it up and move it forward,’ Harris said at a Republican men’s club meeting, the publication reported. ‘But I would tell you if we manage to take back the U.S. Senate this fall, then I truly believe you will see this president either change his tone, change his actions or face the full double action of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. We can’t live inside this lawlessness.’” [News & Observer, 3/5/14]

2014: Harris: “When We Get A Majority In The United States Senate The President Will Be Held In Check Or He Will Be Impeached.” “Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, said he’s surprised the House hasn’t begun im-peachment proceedings. ’When we get a majority in the United States Senate the president will be held in check or he will be impeached,’ Harris said.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/14]

2014: Harris: “It Would Send A Great Signal If We Would Call Up Some Of These Federal Judges For Impeachment … Who Continue To Refuse To Understand Their Role Is Not To Legislate”

2014: Harris: “It Would Send A Great Signal If We Would Call Up Some Of These Federal Judges For Impeachment From The Bench Who Continue To Refuse To Understand Their Role Is Not To Legislate.” “Harris said he wants to be a voice bringing an end to the lawlessness that has overtaken society. Convinced the lawlessness starts ‘at the top and is moving down,’ Harris said it is a problem when the president takes office and determines which laws he is going to execute and which laws he will not. ‘I believe that we need men and women of strength and courage who are going to be willing to stand with a backbone and call into account this administration and its leaders who are determined to con-tinue to operate outside the framework of the United States Constitution,’ Harris said. ‘It would send a great signal if we would call up some of these federal judges for impeachment from the bench who continue to refuse to understand their role is not to legislate from the bench.’” [Salisbury Post, 3/26/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 12

2013: Harris Called On Hagan To Resign For “Dubious Reason”

2013: Harris Called On Hagan To Resign, Accusing Her Of Knowing That North Carolinians Would Be Forced Off Of Their Health Insurance Plans. “A Republican rival is suggesting U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan should resign immediately, saying the Democrat knew the federal health care law would force people from their health coverage. But Hagan’s spokes-woman said Charlotte pastor Mark Harris’ accusation is not true. […] ‘Based on her office’s terrible admission of lying and misleading the people of our state, knowingly making a promise to the citizens that she is supposed to represent, we call for Kay Hagan’s resignation, effective immediately.’” [News & Observer, 11/15/13]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Mark Harris Calls For Kay Hagan To Resign, Citing Dubious Reason.” [News & Observer, 11/15/13]

2013: Harris Blamed Democrats For The Government Shutdown And Criticized Senator Burr For Indicating Otherwise

2013: Harris Blamed The Government Shutdown On President Obama And Leader Reid

2013: Harris On The Government Shutdown: Democrats “Have Completely Abdicated Their Responsibilities And Are Allowing This President To Launch A Politically Motivated Attack.” “Harris blasted President Barack Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Hagan for lack of leadership during the shutdown, now in its second week. Hagan and other Senate Democrats ‘have completely abdicated their responsibilities and are allowing this president to launch a politically motivated attack’ on Republicans and taxpayers,’ Harris said.” [Associated Press, 10/11/13]

2013: Harris On The Government Shutdown: “America Has Arrived At This Obama-Reid Government Shutdown Entirely Because Of The Lack Of Leadership In Washington D.C.” “Although the government shutdown was precipitated by the GOP-controlled House’s decision not to pass the continuing resolution funding the government - in an effort to defund the new health care program - Harris placed the blame on the Democrats. He said the Democrats had refused various House proposals to fund various popular portions of the government. He also said the Democrats had failed to pass a budget, relying instead on continuing res-olutions to temporarily fund the government. ’America has arrived at this Obama-Reid government shutdown entirely because of the lack of lead-ership in Washington D.C.’ Harris said.” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris: “If The President Himself Chooses To Shut Down The Government, That Would Be His Decision, (And) That Would Be A Shame.” “Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who plans to formally join the race Oct. 2, says he also supports ef-fort to kill the federal health care law, much of which takes effect next week. ’I do think that this is an opportunity to stop Obamacare,’ he said. ‘The solution doesn’t have to be to shut down the government. ... If the president himself chooses to shut down the government, that would be his decision, (and) that would be a shame. ’I do think there are ideas on the table that would avoid a shutdown and avoid funding Obamacare.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/23/13]

2013: Harris Blamed The Government Shutdown On “Stalemating By The President And (Democratic Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid.” “Harris didn’t retreat from remarks he made last week that took a hard line on Washington’s current budget impasse. Asked Wednesday about the federal shutdown, he blamed what he called ‘stalemating by the president and (Democratic Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

Harris On Burr’s Assessment That Shutting Down The Government Was “The Dumbest Idea I’ve Ever Heard;” “I’m Not Running Against Richard Burr. I’m Not Answering For Richard Burr”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 13

Harris On Burr’s Assessment That Shutting Down The Government Was “The Dumbest Idea I’ve Ever Heard;” “I’m Not Running Against Richard Burr. I’m Not Answering For Richard Burr.” “Asked Wednesday about the federal shutdown, he blamed what he called ‘stalemating by the president and (Democratic Senate Majority Leader) Harry Reid.’ Harris said he supports efforts by House Republicans to pass a series of bills that would fund por-tions of the government. Asked about GOP Sen. Richard Burr’s comment that the brinksmanship strategy was ‘the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard,’ Harris said, ‘I’m not running against Richard Burr. I’m not answering for Richard Burr.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

Burr Called The Demand To Defund The ACA In Order To Avoid A Government Shutdown “The Dumbest Idea I’d Ever Heard Of.” “Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who plans to formally join the race Oct. 2, says he also supports ef-fort to kill the federal health care law, much of which takes effect next week. ’I do think that this is an opportunity to stop Obamacare,’ he said. ‘The solution doesn’t have to be to shut down the government. ... If the president himself chooses to shut down the government, that would be his decision, (and) that would be a shame.’ […] Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has called the demand to defund the health care law in order to avoid a government shutdown a ‘dumb idea.’ ’I said it was the dumbest idea I’d ever heard of,’ he told the Huffington Post. ‘I still think it’s a dumb idea because you can’t defund Obamacare.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/23/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 14

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before North Carolinians

Significant Findings

 In 2002, Harris argued that Augusta should not allow an adult bookstore to open up in the city for fear that it would attract “young military servicemen” who would commit “sex crimes.”

 Harris founded his political career on Amendment One and HB2. As recently as 2018, Harris said he wanted to overturn the Supreme Court’s marriage equality ruling. He also repeatedly said that gay marriage was bad for children and that homosexuality was a sin and a choice.

 In 2014, Harris said he wanted legal challenges regarding state same-sex marriage bans to go all the way through the courts after losing the legal battle, wasting taxpayer money on a lost cause.

 Harris created the policy that kicked Baptist churches out of the North Carolina Baptist State convention for welcoming gay congregants.

 Harris led his congregation in successfully protesting liquor licensing in downtown Augusta.

 Harris said he would have shut down the government to defund the Affordable Care Act and would have voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a replacement. In 2018, Harris said, “As a conservative let me be very clear my first vote would be a clean repeal bill…100% it's not in the constitution. We don't bear the responsibility for providing health care.”

 Harris’ campaign spokesperson said that he supported the Republican Tax Scam bill, which gave corporations and special interests tax breaks while middle class Americans paid more in taxes.

 In 2018, Roll Call and the News & Observer reported that Harris frequently preached about how women needed to submit to their husbands, and Harris stood by his comments. Harris said God instructed women to submit to their husbands and that women rebelled against God when they rebelled against their husbands. He also told women to “get over this inequality thing because that’s not the point of submission.”

 In 2018, ABC News and the Charlotte Observer reported on Harris’ sermon referring to women as “helpers” and questioning whether women working was a “healthy pursuit for society.” After the reporters, 41 Charlotte-area women pastors and faith leaders signed a declaration admonishing Harris for his “sexist sermon,” prompting Harris to argue his comments were out of context.

 Harris said no fault divorce, video games, and violence in the media caused mass shootings and refused to consider any gun safety legislation.

 Harris expressed concerns about women working, arguing, “my fear is that 20, 40 and even 50 years from now daughters all over this nation will have the same wound, the same anger, and the same disconnect, and the desperate need to connect, because mom wasn’t there.”

 Harris said he supported legislation that threatened Social Security and Medicare.

 In 2018, Harris called the validity of Medicare benefits into question.

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 15

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before Respecting Veterans And Servicemen And Women

Harris Argued That Augusta Should Not Allow An Adult Bookstore To Open Up In The City For Fear That It Would Attract “Young Military Servicemen” Who Would Commit “Sex Crimes”

2002: Harris Argued That Augusta Should Not Allow An Adult Bookstore To Open Up Within City Limits Because It Would Attract “Young Military Servicemen” From Fort Gordon

2002: Harris Argued That Augusta Should Not Allow An Adult Bookstore To Open Up Within City Limits For Fear That It Would Attract “Young Military Servicemen” From Fort Gordon. Mark Harris: “A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angie Harrygin, on behalf of ASP. Inc., requesting a Special Exception for the purpose of establishing an adult book and video store, per Section 22-2 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County.” […] Mark Harris: “We are here today, and I’m here today, because we understand that the decision you’re about to make could lead to the destruction of innocent lives. All of these reports are the same, gentlemen. They all say that clientele, in fact, the American Center for Law and Justice reports, and I quote, if an historical record, whether you look at boomtowns, cow towns, frontier towns, or seaports, the clientele, for the most part, has been young, single, transient, mobile males. And you and I know that we hold a responsibility. Right down from Fort Gordon, our U.S. military base. Why in the world would we set up a place such as this right at the fingertips of our young military servicemen?” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

Harris On The Adult Bookstore: “The Clientele, For The Most Part, Has Been…Mobile Males…Why In The World Would We Set Up A Place Such As This Right At The Fingertips Of Our Young Military Servicemen?” Mark Harris: “A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angie Harrygin, on behalf of ASP. Inc., requesting a Special Exception for the purpose of establishing an adult book and video store, per Section 22-2 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County.” […] All of these reports are the same, gentlemen. They all say that clientele, in fact, the American Center for Law and Justice reports, and I quote, if an historical record, whether you look at boomtowns, cow towns, frontier towns, or seaports, the clientele, for the most part, has been young, single, transient, mobile males. And you and I know that we hold a responsibility. Right down from Fort Gordon, our U.S. military base. Why in the world would we set up a place such as this right at the fingertips of our young military servicemen?” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

Harris Said That “Sex Crimes Were Committed Six Times More Often” In Cities With Adult Bookstores, Implying That The Military Service Members Would Be Committing These Crimes

Harris Said That “Sex Crimes Were Committed Six Times More Often” In Cities With Adult Bookstores. “A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angie Harrygin, on behalf of ASP. Inc., requesting a Special Exception for the purpose of establishing an adult book and video store, per Section 22-2 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County.” […] Mark Harris: “You can look at L.A. You can look at Whittier, California. You can look at Islip, New York. You can look at Phoenix, Arizona. You can look at Austin, Texas. All of these are in these reports that I have with me today. And in every case, including Phoenix, Arizona, sex crimes were committed six times more often in these areas with these adult bookstores and video centers.” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

Harris: “Assault Complaints Were 142.3% Higher Where Police Were Posted, With One Or More Of These Adult Businesses.” Mark Harris: “Assault complaints were 142.3% higher where police were posted, with one or more of these adult businesses. […] All of these reports are the same, gentlemen. They all say that clientele, in fact, the American Center for Law and Justice reports, and I quote, if an historical record, whether you look at boomtowns, cow towns, frontier towns, or seaports, the clientele, for the most part, has been young, single, transient, mobile males. And you and I know that we hold a responsibility. Right down from Fort

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 16

Gordon, our U.S. military base. Why in the world would we set up a place such as this right at the fingertips of our young military servicemen?” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before Proper Stewardship Of Taxpayers’ Money

2014: Harris Said He Wanted Legal Challenges Regarding State Same-Sex Marriage Bans To Go All The Way Through The Courts After Losing The Legal Battle, Wasting Taxpayer Money

2014: Harris On Legal Challenges To The Same-Sex Marriage Ban: “It Becomes Much More Difficult For These Constitutional Amendments To Be Able To Stand Up… We’ll Have To Go Through The Process.” “Likewise, legal experts said the high court’s decision not to intervene in the marriage rulings in Virginia and four other states leaves North Carolina opponents little time or grounds for mounting a late de-fense. Thus, a July decision by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down the Virginia ban ap-plies to the Carolinas, too. A federal judge in Greensboro who is hearing two of the legal challenges to the state’s marriage laws seemed to be leaning that way Monday afternoon. […] ‘I think everybody’s a little bit in shock, people on both sides,’ said Mark Harris, who helped run the Amendment One campaign and later ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. ’Admittedly it becomes much more difficult for these constitutional amendments to be able to stand up,’ Harris said. ‘But we’ll have to go through the process. ...’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/6/14]

2014: Harris On Marriage Equality: “My Hope And Prayer Is That We Will See Judges In This Country Continue To Uphold The Right Of Citizens To Make Those Decisions And Make Those Stands.” “All three participants said the federal government should reduce its influence over public education, calling it a responsibility of the states. They all said they supported North Carolina’s constitutional amendment banning gay marriage that voters approved in 2012. Harris, a Baptist minister who was a chief supporter of the amendment, criticized federal judges for striking down similar amendment in other states. ’My hope and prayer is that we will see judges in this country continue to uphold the right of citizens to make those decisions and make those stands,’ Harris said, adding that he would support federal action defending the rights of states on gay marriage should judges continue to overturn those amend-ments.” [Associated Press, 1/31/14]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before Protecting North Carolina Businesses

2012: Harris Successfully Worked To Pass An Amendment To North Carolina’s Constitution Banning Same-Sex Marriage, Which He Attributed To The Work Of Baptists Across The State

2012: Harris On Passage Of Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “This Was An Issue Of Standing On The Principle Of God’s Word …And I Believe That Message Has Gotten Across”

2012: Harris On Passage Of Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “This Was An Issue Of Standing On The Principle Of God’s Word …And I Believe That Message Has Gotten Across.” “It goes into effect Jan. 1. North Carolina has had a law banning same-sex marriages for 16 years. Turnout, fueled largely by the marriage debate, was the largest for a primary in decades, election offi-cials said. ’This was an issue of standing on the principle of God’s word that marriage is between one man and one woman, and I believe that message has gotten across,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and a leader in the state campaign for passage.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/8/12]

Harris: “The Only Winner Tonight Is Marriage.” “It goes into effect Jan. 1. North Carolina has had a law banning same-sex marriages for 16 years. Turnout, fueled largely by the marriage debate, was the largest for a primary in decades, election offi-cials said. […] Harris, though, said the issue has never been about discrimination. ’I believe North Carolinians took the took the amendment at face value, and they voted as such,’ he said. ‘The only winner tonight is marriage.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/8/12]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 17

2012: Harris Said That The NAACP Was Out Of Touch With Its Supporters Because It Decided To Work To Defeat The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage

2012: Harris Said That The NAACP Was Out Of Touch With Its Supporters Because It Decided To Work To Defeat The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage. “On Saturday, the NAACP met in Durham and said it will work to defeat the same-sex ban. Harris, who said amendment supporters already include numerous black churches across the state, said the NAACP’s action shows that it is out of touch with its roots.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/12]

Harris Said Same-Sex Marriages Were Not Good For Children

2013: Harris: “The Reason For That Marriage Amendment Was Protecting Traditional Marriage Because Of What It Means To Children.” “Harris said he doesn’t see his gay-marriage position as negative for his campaign, even as other states have permitted same-sex marriage since the referendum. ’The reason for that marriage amendment was protecting traditional marriage because of what it means to children,’ Harris said, pointing to unidentified studies that have concluded that children benefit from having a mother and father in their lives. Traditional marriage, he added, is ‘a principle upon which I stand.’” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

2013: Harris On Keeping Same-Sex Marriage Illegal: “Every Child Needs A Mother And A Father. Children Flourish When They Have A Mom And A Dad.” “The Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte said the family- based arguments now emanating from same-sex marriage supporters come from ‘a very different perspective than what I hold and that the vast majority of North Carolinians hold.’ ’Every child needs a mother and a father. Children flourish when they have a mom and a dad,’ said Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and president of the State Baptist Convention. ’North Carolina, with a 61 percent vote, had one of the strongest marriage amendments in the country put on the books, and that was just 14 months ago.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/9/13]

Harris Said Same-Sex Marriages Were Not Good For Children. “On the day he was elected to lead the state’s Baptist convention, the Rev. Mark Harris fielded a threatening voice mail that gave him a quick glimpse of the approaching battle over same-sex marriage in North Carolina. […] Same-sex marriages, he said, aren’t good for children. ‘I just believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ideal,’ he said. ‘It is such a unique union, and it is absolutely essential to the future of humanity.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Harris: “Marriage Between A Man And A Woman” Was “Absolutely Essential To The Future Of Humanity”

2013: Harris Said “Traditional Marriage” Was “A Principle Upon Which I Stand.” “Harris said he doesn’t see his gay-marriage position as negative for his campaign, even as other states have permitted same-sex marriage since the referendum. ’The reason for that marriage amendment was protecting traditional marriage because of what it means to children,’ Harris said, pointing to unidentified studies that have concluded that children benefit from having a mother and father in their lives. Traditional marriage, he added, is ‘a principle upon which I stand.’” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

2011: Harris: “Marriage Between A Man And A Woman” Was “Absolutely Essential To The Future Of Humanity.” “On the day he was elected to lead the state’s Baptist convention, the Rev. Mark Harris fielded a threatening voice mail that gave him a quick glimpse of the approaching battle over same-sex marriage in North Carolina. […] Same-sex marriages, he said, aren’t good for children. ‘I just believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ideal,’ he said. ‘It is such a unique union, and it is absolutely essential to the future of humanity.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 18

Harris Rallied For HB2 And Urged Legislators Against Repealing The Law

2016: Harris Participated In A Press Conference Urging Lawmakers Against Repealing HB2

2016: Harris Participated In A Press Conference Urging Lawmakers Against Repealing HB2. “Despite last- minute appeals, North Carolina lawmakers could repeal the state’s so-called ‘bathroom bill’ on Wednesday, putting an end to a nearly year-long legal, cultural and economic battle Lawmakers are scheduled to convene another special session at 10 a.m. to consider repeal of House Bill 2, the law that limits LGBT protections and requires transgender people to use the restroom corresponding to the gender on their birth certificate. […] A group of Charlotte pastors held a news conference outside Charlotte’s Government Center Tuesday. Mark Harris, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Charlotte, urged lawmakers not to repeal HB2. ’We urge them to stand strong,’ he said. Harris criticized Mayor Jennifer Roberts and the City Council for passing the ordinance in the first place.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/20/16]

2016: Harris Spoke At A Rally For HB2. “Charlotteans descended on Raleigh Monday morning by bus, car and carpool to join rallies for and against House Bill 2. Some joined people at the microphone. The Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, was getting ready to address a crowd of bill supporters outside the legislative building. ’I felt it was important for these folks and legislators to understand where all this started,’ Harris said by phone, referring to the Charlotte ordinance that extended anti-discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/25/16]

2016: Harris: “HB2 Is Now Law, And It In No Way Discriminates Against Anyone…This Is What Had Worked In North Carolina For A Long Time.” “Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, blamed the Charlotte City Council and Mayor Jen-nifer Roberts for going too far in passing the city ordinance HB2 was designed to kill. Until the city pushed the ordinance, Harris said, ‘people did feel like everybody had equal protection. ... There was never a true case made of untold numbers of people hurt or in any way mistreated.’ Harris argued that HB2 mirrors federal laws on discrimination, which list various protected categories but not sexual orientation. ’HB2 is now law, and it in no way discriminates against anyone,’ he said. ‘This is what had worked in North Carolina for a long time.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/5/16]

2016: Harris On HB2: I “Have Been A Supporter Of It From The Beginning…Not Only A Supporter Of It, I’ve Worked Hard To Get It There, And I Don’t Mind Taking A Stand”

2016: Harris On HB2: I “Have Been A Supporter Of It From The Beginning…Not Only A Supporter Of It, I’ve Worked Hard To Get It There, And I Don’t Mind Taking A Stand.” “Harris supported House Bill 2, the controversial state law passed March 23 that limits transgender people’s restroom access and rewrites North Carolina’s nondiscrimination policies. He was a leader of the citizens’ group Don’t Do It Charlotte, which lobbied the city council against passing an ordinance allowing transgender individuals to use the restrooms matching their gender iden-tity. ‘I have been a supporter of it from the beginning,’ he said, ‘not only a supporter of it, I’ve worked hard to get it there, and I don’t mind taking a stand.’” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

Harris Argued That The Charlotte City Ordinance Endangered Children In Bathrooms

2015: Harris: “Even If There Is No Ill Will (On The Part Of The Transgender Person Using The Restroom), You Run The Risk Of Your Child Being Exposed To A Biological Male In A Women’s Restroom.” “As the Charlotte City Council prepares for a March 2 vote to extend protections to gay, lesbian and transgender residents, some religious leaders are opposing the measure, saying the non-discrimination proposal would infringe on their own freedom. […] Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, said that part of the proposal concerns him the most. ’Even if there is no ill will (on the part of the transgender person using the restroom), you run the risk of your child being exposed to a biological male in a women’s restroom,’ said Harris, who ran for U.S. Senate last year. ‘That’s not good public policy.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/15]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 19

2015: Harris: “The Obvious Danger Is A Guy With A Skirt And A Wig Would Go Into A (Women’s) Bathroom.” “As for transgender people using the bathroom they feel most comfortable using, said the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, ‘the obvious danger is a guy with a skirt and a wig would go into a (women’s) bathroom.’ Harris, who is scheduled to speak at Monday’s rally opposing the ordinance change, said the proposal is bad policy on several levels.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/24/15]

Harris Called The NCAA An “Immoral Sports Organizations” For Opposing HB2

2016: Harris: “Never Sacrifice The Privacy…Of Young Girls By Forcing Them To Use The Bathroom…With Grown Men Just To Satisfy … Greedy Businesses, Immoral Sports Organizations.” “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris made a similar argument Tuesday afternoon during a press conference outside the Government Center. Harris is a Republican and former candidate for Congress and the U.S. Senate. Once the HB2 repeal session ended with HB2 still intact, the NC Values Coalition praised the stalemate. ’We continue to encourage our leaders to never sacrifice the privacy, safety, or freedom of young girls by forcing them to use the bathroom, shower, or change clothes with grown men just to satisfy the demands of greedy businesses, immoral sports organizations, or angry mobs,’ the Raleigh-based con-servative advocacy group said. ‘Nor should they sacrifice the freedom of everyone to live and work according to their beliefs.’” [Charlotte Business Journal, 12/21/16]

2016: The NCAA Did Not Host Tournament Games In North Carolina Because Of The “Bathroom Bill.” “But no NCAA tournament games will be held in North Carolina this season because of the state’s ‘bathroom bill.’ In September, the NCAA announced it was moving previously awarded championship events from North Carolina during the 2016-17 academic year.” [CNN, 3/17/17]

Harris Led His Congregation In Successfully Protesting Liquor Licensing In Downtown Augusta

2000: Harris Led 100 Curtis Baptist Congregants To Successfully Protest Against A Local Restaurant’s Proposed Liquor License At The Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee Meeting

2000: Harris Led 100 Curtis Baptist Congregants To Successfully Protest Against A Local Restaurant’s Proposed Liquor License At The Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee Meeting. “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. Although the Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee recommended that the city deny the application, Judy Tyler of Augusta will get a second chance at the full commission meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. […] Once a license is granted to run a dance hall or sell liquor on Sundays, then Mrs. Tyler and other proprietors can do as they please, said Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist. The church is not singling her out, he said. ‘If Sacred Heart (Cultural Center) filed for a liquor license down there tomorrow or if another applies, we will be down there’ at the commission. ” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Augusta Chronicle: Harris: “Curtis Believes In The Vision Of A Family-Friendly Downtown … Approving ‘Another Liquor License Is Sending The Wrong Message.’” “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. […] Curtis believes in the vision of a family-friendly downtown where people would like to eat and shop, but approving ‘another liquor license is sending the wrong message,’ Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 20

dance hall opens and sells liquor on Sundays, then the area’s safety would be compromised, he said. ‘What a tragedy it would be to see someone with a few too many run a stop-light and crash into a family. We don’t like to think about those things, but we don’t need another liq-uor license this close to our school and church,’Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Tyler: “I Can’t Pay That Type Of Lease If I Can’t Serve Alcohol” At Her Proposed Restaurant. “She attributes the church’s opposition to a misunderstanding about the wording of the license applica-tion. While it says ‘dance hall,’ it doesn’t mean ‘honky-tonk,’ she said. Mrs. Tyler, a former member of Curtis Baptist, planned to open Off Broadway Dining and Dance at 1285 Broad St. around mid-October. The site is about a block from the church, 1326 Broad St. That’s far enough away from the church, its day care and elementary school to more than satisfy legal re-quirements, she said. Rather than a honky-tonk, the garden-themed restaurant would be available for fine dining, large meetings, catering and wedding receptions, she said. ‘I can’t pay that type of lease if I can’t serve al-cohol.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Tyler, The Proposed Restaurant Owner, Said She Believed That Curtis Baptist Opposed Her Restaurant Because They Misunderstood Her Intentions, Thinking That She Was Opening A “Honky-Tonk.” “She attributes the church’s opposition to a misunderstanding about the wording of the license applica-tion. While it says ‘dance hall,’ it doesn’t mean ‘honky-tonk,’ she said. Mrs. Tyler, a former member of Curtis Baptist, planned to open Off Broadway Dining and Dance at 1285 Broad St. around mid-October. The site is about a block from the church, 1326 Broad St. That’s far enough away from the church, its day care and elementary school to more than satisfy legal re-quirements, she said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

2001: A Local Superior Court Overturned The Augusta Commission’s Denial Of A Liquor And Dancing License That Harris And His Church Promoted. “Superior Court Judge Albert M. Pickett overturned that decision Monday, ruling the Augusta Commis-sion ‘grossly abused its discretion’ by denying the license applications. […] Ms. Tyler said the decision marked the first development in her favor during what has been more than a five-month battle between her, the nearby church and the commission. She said her reaction when she learned of the ruling through a Tuesday article in The Augusta Chronicle was one of relief. ‘When I saw that in the paper (Tuesday) morning, I just felt like somebody put a pin in me and all the air and pressure went out,’ she said. But attorneys say Ms. Tyler will have to wait a week to 30 days to determine whether commissioners will appeal the judge’s decision.” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/14/01]

The Judge Overturned The Augusta Commission’s Decision, Ruling They “Grossly Abused Its Discretion” In Denying The Liquor License. “Superior Court Judge Albert M. Pickett overturned that decision Monday, ruling the Augusta Commis-sion ‘grossly abused its discretion’ by denying the license applications. […] Ms. Tyler said the decision marked the first development in her favor during what has been more than a five-month battle between her, the nearby church and the commission. She said her reaction when she learned of the ruling through a Tuesday article in The Augusta Chronicle was one of relief. ‘When I saw that in the paper (Tuesday) morning, I just felt like somebody put a pin in me and all the air and pressure went out,’ she said. But attorneys say Ms. Tyler will have to wait a week to 30 days to determine whether commissioners will appeal the judge’s decision.” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/14/01]

2000: Harris On Protesting The Liquor License Of A Local Restaurant: “It’s About Respect…Respect For A Church And Its Ministry That Has Been Here Making A Difference For 125 Years.” “The vote, which brought loud applause from the pro-church crowd, effectively killed Ms. Tyler’s plans to open an upscale restaurant, complete with lounge and dance hall. The commission later voted 6-4 to allow her to sell beer and wine Monday through Saturday. Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist Church, said the fight was never about power or prestige; it was about principle. ’It’s about respect,’ the Rev. Harris told the commission. ‘Respect for a church and its ministry that has been here making a dif ference for 125 years.’ The Rev. Harris said he was disappointed the commission gave Ms. Tyler a beer and wine license. He said there is already plenty of alcohol available downtown. Ms. Tyler’s restaurant, he said, is too close to Curtis Baptist School and its 450 students and to a church that brings hundreds of families to the downtown area every Sunday.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/18/00]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 21

Harris: “That Mobilized Our People And Helped The City Know That Curtis Is Alive. We Are About Biblical Principles, Evangelizing And Impacting Our Community. That Was The Key To Setting The Stage.” “A few months after accepting the pulpit at Curtis, developers announced they wanted to open a bar across the street from the church. ’That mobilized our people and helped the city know that Curtis is alive. We are about biblical princi-ples, evangelizing and impacting our community. That was the key to setting the stage,’ said Dr. Har-ris, who urged his members to join him at Augusta Commission meetings to voice their opinions about the bar.” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/5/05]

Harris Advocated For Incorporating Religion In Government, Mixing Church And State

Harris Said That His Interpretation Of The Constitution Allowed For Local And State Governments To Establish Religions And Prevented The Federal Government From Interfering

2015: Harris Said That His Interpretation Of The Constitution Allowed For Local And State Governments To Establish Sanctioned Religions And Prevented The Federal Government From Interfering. “Harris argued that the Constitution prevented Congress from establishing a religion, but not states or local governments, noting that his interpretation of the Constitution was that it actually protected citi-zens to be able to have God in their public lives free from interference by the federal government. ‘The majority of America has been solidly against anything that has represented the divorce of this nation from its Godly heritage,’ said Harris.” [Pilot, 2/7/15]

2015: Harris Said That The Constitution Did Not Prevent State And Local Governments From Establishing A Government-Endorsed Religion. “Harris argued that the Constitution prevented Congress from establishing a religion, but not states or local governments, noting that his interpretation of the Constitution was that it actually protected citi-zens to be able to have God in their public lives free from interference by the federal government. ‘The majority of America has been solidly against anything that has represented the divorce of this nation from its Godly heritage,’ said Harris.” [Pilot, 2/7/15]

2015: Harris: “The Majority Of America Has Been Solidly Against Anything That Has Represented The Divorce Of This Nation From Its Godly Heritage.” “Harris argued that the Constitution prevented Congress from establishing a religion, but not states or local governments, noting that his interpretation of the Constitution was that it actually protected citi-zens to be able to have God in their public lives free from interference by the federal government. ‘The majority of America has been solidly against anything that has represented the divorce of this nation from its Godly heritage,’ said Harris.” [Pilot, 2/7/15]

2018: Harris Expressed Disappointment Over Government Officials Offering “‘Token’ Prayers To A Nameless God” Instead Of “Devout And Often Lengthy Prayers To A Personal God”

2018: Harris Expressed Disappointment Over Government Officials Offering “‘Token’ Prayers To A Nameless God” Instead Of “Devout And Often Lengthy Prayers To A Personal God.” “Perhaps more than any other of our God given rights that our founding fathers recognized, freedom of religion has been the one most trampled on. A quick tour of Washington DC easily proves that God and the Bible were a vital part of government. Bible verses are engraved in our official federal buildings and monuments, and for the first two hundred years of our country's history prayer was often invoked at official government meetings - and not just ‘token’ prayers to a nameless God, but devout and often lengthy prayers to a personal God (Congress still opens with a prayer from the Chaplain.) The first amendment reads: ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...’ but time after time government ‘authorities’ have made a routine of ‘prohibiting the free exercise thereof...’” [MarkHarrisForCongress.com, accessed 6/13/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 22

2010: Harris: “Any Decline Of Great Britain And America Will Be In Step With A Growing Independence From God”

2010: Harris: “Any Decline Of Great Britain And America Will Be In Step With A Growing Independence From God.” Harris, a leader in the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, also quoted Psalm 33: ‘Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.’ ‘Anybody who looks at the United States or looks at countries like Great Britain, which have been governed by a succession of godly (officials), will see why I personally believe that that’s why these nations have been so blessed,’ Harris added. ‘And any decline of Great Britain and America will be in step with a growing independence from God.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/24/10]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before North Carolina Workers & Working Families

Harris Said He Would Have Shut Down The Government To Defund The Affordable Care Act And Would Have Voted To Repeal The Affordable Care Act Without A Replacement

Harris Said He Would Have Shut Down The Government To Defund The Affordable Care Act

2013: Harris: “Would Not Support Raising The Debt Limit Without A Plan In Place That Would Reduce Government Spending, Lower Taxes And Grant The American People… Waiver From Obamacare.” “Republican Senate candidate Mark Harris aligned himself with congressional conservatives Thursday in the battle over the government shutdown, the president’s health care plan, and raising the federal debt limit. ’I would not support raising the debt limit without a plan in place that would reduce government spending, lower taxes and grant the American people the same waiver from Obamacare that has been granted to (Sen.) Kay Hagan,’ he said referring to the new health care law.” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris On The Government Shutdown: “I Do Think That This Is An Opportunity To Stop Obamacare … There Are Ideas On The Table That Would Avoid A Shutdown And Avoid Funding Obamacare.” “Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who plans to formally join the race Oct. 2, says he also supports ef-fort to kill the federal health care law, much of which takes effect next week. ’I do think that this is an opportunity to stop Obamacare,’ he said. ‘The solution doesn’t have to be to shut down the government. ... If the president himself chooses to shut down the government, that would be his decision, (and) that would be a shame. ’I do think there are ideas on the table that would avoid a shutdown and avoid funding Obamacare.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/23/13]

Harris On The ACA: “My First Vote Would Be A Clean Repeal Bill” Because The Constitution Does Not Give The Federal Government Authority To Run Health Care Programs

2018: Harris On The Affordable Care Act: “My First Vote Would Be A Clean Repeal Bill.” “Mark Thomas: ‘You want to repeal and replace. Why should it be replaced and as a conservative who wants to make government smaller and as someone who says they print the constitution. How would replacing obamacare make government smaller and where in the constitution does that the federal government have the authority to run any kind of health care program in the first place?’ Mark Harris: ‘As a conservative let me be very clear my first vote would be a clean repeal bill. That was what I would have supported had the opportunity presented itself.’” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

Mark Harris On The Federal Government & Health Care: “It's Not In The Constitution. We Don't Bear The Responsibility For Providing Health Care.” “As a conservative let me be very clear my first vote would be a clean repeal bill. That was what I would have supported had the opportunity presented itself. […] Is we talked about that I talked about that when I ran for senate in 2014 in the Republican primary. And those were things it is Republicans we felt that we could put in place that would make a difference. Listen I agree with the 100% it's not in the constitution. We don't bear the responsibility for providing health care.” [WBTRadio.com,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 23

2/23/18]

2014: Harris: “We’ve Got To Deal With Obamacare And Honestly, It Needs To Be Repealed…The Free Market Must Be What Drives The Economic Engine Of Our Country And Our Economy”

2014: Harris: “We’ve Got To Deal With Obamacare And Honestly, It Needs To Be Repealed…The Free Market Must Be What Drives The Economic Engine Of Our Country And Our Economy.” Mark Harris: “So I think the Constitution and recognizing its importance again. I think we’ve got to deal with Obamacare and honestly, it needs to be repealed. I think there needs to be free market solutions put in its place such as expanding health savings accounts, such as allowing people to purchase their health insurance across state lines, and putting an end to the frivolous lawsuits that drive up the cost of health care in this country each and every year, those are all free market solutions that understand that the free market must be what drives the economic engine of our country and our economy.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

Harris Said That He Would Repeal The Affordable Care Act Because It Cannot Be Fixed

2014: Harris On The Affordable Care Act: “It Can’t Be Fixed…There Is No Other Answer But To Repeal It.” “Five of the six Republican candidates for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Kay Hagan called for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act, saying that it is unconstitutional and will ruin the nation’s health care. ’It can’t be fixed,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte, a Winston-Salem native. ‘There is no other answer but to repeal it.’” [Winston-Salem Journal, 1/15/14]

2014: Harris On The Affordable Care Act: “Repeal And Replace. The Law Cannot Be Fixed. Pass A Healthcare Bill That Stands Strong On Free Market Principles.” “Obamacare - Repeal and replace. The law cannot be fixed. Pass a healthcare bill that stands strong on free market principles. President Obama’s solution to our healthcare problem resulted in the ‘Lie of the Year.’” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

2013: Harris Said He Planned To Go To Washington To Repeal The Affordable Care Act. “He said he did not think his role as a leading opponent of gay marriages would hurt his candidacy. ’I am not going up to Washington to pass legislation that limits homosexuals,’ Harris said. ‘But I am going up there to see changes in our nation such as repealing Obamacare, such as getting spending un-der control, and dealing with this national debt ’I don’t think that hurts, because I think that marriage amendment passed by 61 percent here in the state.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For … Ending Obamacare.” “Harris, the outgoing president of the state Baptist Convention, said he would campaign as a staunch advocate for lowering taxes, reducing government, ending Obamacare and protecting gun rights, that he would back measures that he believes would improve ‘traditional moral values.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Harris On The Affordable Care Act: “A Disastrous Piece Of Legislation.” “In remarks to supporters, Harris promised to push for smaller government. ’Our federal government is too large, it taxes us too much, it wastes too much of our money and has intruded too deeply into our lives,’ he said. ’And our federal government -- listen to me -- has no business controlling our health care.’ He called the Affordable Care Act, much of which took effect this week, ‘a disastrous piece of legis-lation.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

Harris Said He Would Have Voted To Defund The Affordable Care Act

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 24

tripled in some cases. This is unacceptable. The majority of North Carolinians have consistently favored repealing Obamacare and so do I. If I am elected, I will vote to repeal it and defund it at every opportunity. This egregious law has done nothing to improve healthcare for Americans or even North Carolinians. I support common sense, free market solutions to our healthcare system that do not involve creating a bigger, more bloated federal government.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

2013: Associated Press: Harris Said He Would Have Defunded The Affordable Care Act. “As for the partial government shutdown, Harris blamed the president and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for stonewalling efforts for compromise with House Republicans on changes to the new health care law. He said he would have supported House legislation to defund or delay the health care changes.” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Supports Effort To Kill The Federal Health Care Law.” “Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who plans to formally join the race Oct. 2, says he also supports ef-fort to kill the federal health care law, much of which takes effect next week. ’I do think that this is an opportunity to stop Obamacare,’ he said. ‘The solution doesn’t have to be to shut down the government. ... If the president himself chooses to shut down the government, that would be his decision, (and) that would be a shame. ’I do think there are ideas on the table that would avoid a shutdown and avoid funding Obamacare.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/23/13]

Harris’ Campaign Spokesperson Said That Harris Supported The Republican Tax Bill

2018: Harris’ Campaign Spokesperson Said That Harris Supported The Republican Tax Bill. “Andy Yates, a spokesman for Republican Mark Harris, the former Charlotte pastor challenging Pit-tenger in the May primary, said Harris likes the tax bill - but not Congress. ’It’s great that Congress has been able to accomplish one thing in the last year,’ Yates said. ‘They can take a victory lap for the one thing they accomplished.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/25/18]

Harris’ Spokesperson: “It’s Great That Congress Has Been Able To Accomplish One Thing In The Last Year…They Can Take A Victory Lap For The One Thing They Accomplished.” “Andy Yates, a spokesman for Republican Mark Harris, the former Charlotte pastor challenging Pit-tenger in the May primary, said Harris likes the tax bill - but not Congress. ’It’s great that Congress has been able to accomplish one thing in the last year,’ Yates said. ‘They can take a victory lap for the one thing they accomplished.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/25/18]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Benefitted The Wealthy, Corporations, And Special Interests…

Washington Post: Final Tax Bill Included A “Significant Tax Break For The Very Wealthy” And “A Massive Tax Cut For Corporations.” “A new tax cut for the rich: The final plan lowers the top tax rate for top earners. Under current law, the highest rate is 39.6 percent for married couples earning over $470,700. The GOP bill would drop that to 37 percent and raise the threshold at which that top rate kicks in, to $500,000 for individuals and $600,000 for married couples. This amounts to a significant tax break for the very wealthy, a departure from repeated claims by Trump and his top officials that the bill would not benefit the rich. […] A massive tax cut for corporations “A massive tax cut for corporations: Starting on Jan. 1, 2018, big businesses’ tax rate would fall from 35 percent to just 21 percent, the largest one-time rate cut in U.S. history for the nation’s largest companies.” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]

…While Millions Of Americans Would Pay More In Taxes

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 25

first years of the new tax provisions. If not for the sunset for the tax changes for individuals, we likely would have rated Gillibrand’s statement False or perhaps Mostly False. Middle-income taxpayers will either benefit or see no change in their tax liability through 2025. But her claim could hold up after the bill’s individual provisions expire that year. There’s no guarantee a future Congress will extend those parts of the bill.” [Politifact, 12/22/17]

Tax Policy Center: In 2018, 5 Percent Of Taxpayers Would Pay More In Taxes Under The GOP Tax Bill, But Would Increase To 53 Percent Of Taxpayers In 2027. “Some taxpayers would pay more in taxes under the proposal in 2018 and 2025 than under current law: about 5 percent of taxpayers in 2018 and 9 percent in 2025. In 2027, however, taxes would increase for 53 percent of taxpayers compared with current law.” [Tax Policy Center, 12/18/17]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Increased The Federal Debt – And Republicans Planned To Pay For It With Cuts To Medicare And Social Security

Official CBO Estimate Found That The Final Tax Bill Would Increase The Federal Deficit By $1.9 Trillion. “The GOP's signature tax law is projected to increase the national debt by $1.9 trillion between 2018 and 2028, according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the tax law would cost the government $2.3 trillion in revenues, but economic growth would offset that figure by about $461 billion. At 11 years, the report covers a slightly longer time period than the usual 10-year projections, but even accounting for just the first decade, the figure remains around $1.9 trillion.” [The Hill, 4/9/18]

HEADLINE: The Hill: “GOP Tax Law Will Add $1.9 Trillion To Debt: CBO.” [The Hill, 4/9/18]

After Passing A Tax Bill That Added Trillions To The Deficit, Speaker Ryan Said Medicare And Medicaid Would Need To Be “Reformed” In Order To Decrease The Deficit. “With his dream of tax reform now realized, Ryan is hoping to make progress on two other issues he’s targeted during his two-decade career in Washington: entitlement and welfare reform. ‘We’re going to have to get back next year at entitlement reform, which is how you tackle the debt and the deficit,’ Ryan, a former Budget Committee chairman, said in a recent interview this month on the Ross Kaminsky radio talk show. Medicare and Medicaid are the ‘big drivers of debt,’ Ryan said, suggesting Republicans could once again use the budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster. Medicare is the ‘biggest entitlement that’s got to have reform,’ Ryan added.” [The Hill, 12/27/17]

HEADLINE: After Tax Overhaul, GOP Sets Sights on Medicare, Social Security [US News, 12/7/17]

HEADLINE: Ryan says Republicans to target welfare, Medicare, Medicaid spending in 2018 [Washington Post, 12/6/17]

HEADLINE: Paul Ryan Pushes to Keep Overhaul of Safety-Net Programs on GOP Agenda [Wall Street Journal, 2/4/18]

AP: “A Wide Range Of Economists And Nonpartisan Analysts Have Warned That The Bill Will Likely Escalate Federal Debt, Intensify Pressure To Cut Spending On Social Programs And Further Widen America’s Troubling Income Inequality.” “The tax overhaul of 2017 amounts to a high-stakes gamble by Republicans in Congress: That slashing taxes for corporations and wealthy individuals will accelerate growth and assure greater prosperity for Americans for years to come. The risks are considerable. A wide range of economists and nonpartisan analysts have warned that the bill will likely escalate federal debt, intensify pressure to cut spending on social programs and further widen America’s troubling income inequality.” [Associated Press, 12/17/17]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Would Increase Incentives To Move Jobs Overseas

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 26

Tax Experts Said The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Increased Incentives For Companies To Move Jobs Overseas. “What happened to the workers in Clinton, tax experts say, will probably happen to more Americans if the Republican tax overhaul becomes law. The legislation fails to eliminate long-standing incentives for companies to move overseas and, in some cases, may even increase them, they say. ‘This bill is potentially more dangerous than our current system,’ said Stephen Shay, a senior lecturer at Harvard Law School and former Treasury Department international tax expert in the Obama administration. ‘It creates a real incentive to shift real activity offshore.’” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Would Lead To More Expensive Health Insurance; 13 Million More Uninsured

Final Tax Bill Eliminated Central Affordable Care Act Provision, Leading To 13 Million Fewer Americans With Insurance. “The individual mandate is part of the Affordable Care Act, and removing it was a top priority for Trump and congressional Republicans. The Congressional Budget Office projects the change will increase insurance premiums and lead to 13 million fewer Americans with insurance in a decade, while also cutting government spending by more than $300 billion over that period.” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]

GOP Tax Bill Would Cause Health Insurance Premiums To Rise, And Could Lead Insurers To Drop Out Of Regional Markets. “The final GOP plan will repeal the Affordable Care Act’s individual insurance mandate, which would allow young and healthy people to leave the insurance pool, forcing insurers to compensate by raising prices due to the higher costs of insuring only less-healthy people. Not only would premiums likely rise, but many insurers could drop out of regional markets.” [Newsweek, 12/18/17]

HEADLINE: Republican Tax Plan Will Make Health Insurance More Expensive [Newsweek, 12/18/17]

Harris Said He Wanted Public Schools To Compete With Charter And Private Schools

2017: Harris Cited Opportunity Scholarship, A Program That Provided Students A Scholarship To Attend Private School, As A Means To Force Public Schools To Compete With Private And Charter Schools

2017: Harris Cited Opportunity Scholarship, A Program That Provided Students A Scholarship To Attend Private School, As A Means To Force Public Schools To Compete With Private And Charter Schools. “Harris invoked efforts in North Carolina like the Opportunity Scholarship, which provides up to $4,200 a year for a child to attend a private school, as ways that DeVos can promote education and force public schools to compete with charter and private schools.” [Star-News, 2/5/17]

2014: Harris: “I Believe School Vouchers Offer Parents The Choices They That Should Have When Making Educational Decisions For Their Children”

2014: Harris: “I Believe School Vouchers Offer Parents The Choices They That Should Have When Making Educational Decisions For Their Children.” “I strongly oppose Common Core, as I believe education functions best when handled at the local level, where parents and teachers have a direct say in what is in the best interest of students. Our children our too important to be left at the mercy of federal bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. I believe school vouchers offer parents the choices they that should have when making educational decisions for their children.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Harris Said He Was Against Increasing The Minimum Wage

Harris Made Clear That He Supported The Prohibition Against Raising The Minimum Wage That Was Included In HB2

2016: Harris Said The “Heart Of HB2” Was Preventing Cities Governments From Increasing The Minimum

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 27

Wage Above The State-Level. Mark Harris: “People need to understand what is in HB2, and we’ve got to get passed all the, as complicated as people have tried to make it, and understand the major clauses of HB2 were about three things: one, it kept cities from adding any new protected classes to non-discrimination ordinances, so that was simply going to allow people across the state who were doing business in Charlotte to expect the same things in doing business in Greensboro, the same things doing business in Raleigh. Number two it prohibited any local minimum wage increase beyond what is set by the state again that is just a uniformity, making sure everybody is on the same playing field in North Carolina. Third, in all restrooms across the state, people would use the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex. That is the heart of HB2. Those three things.” [TheSteveNobleShow.com, 8/3/16]

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That He Opposed Increasing The Minimum Wage

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That He Opposed Increasing The Minimum Wage. “Do you support the minimum wage and favor an increase? […] Mark Harris is concerned that a minimum wage hike would eliminate entry-level positions and op-poses an increase. He does not support abolishing it.” [News & Observer, 4/26/14]

2014: Harris On The Minimum Wage: “The Market Ought To Be What Sets The Wage…The Free Market Has To Be What Drives The Economic Engine, Period”

2014: Harris On The Minimum Wage: “The Market Ought To Be What Sets The Wage…The Free Market Has To Be What Drives The Economic Engine, Period.” “The candidates debated at Davidson College on subjects that included immigration, gridlock in Washington, Obamacare, federal education standards and gun rights. […] Harris expressed similar views, and said he thinks the federal government needs to do less to regulate things such as the minimum wage. ’The market ought to be what sets the wage,’ Harris said. ‘The free market has to be what drives the economic engine, period.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/22/14]

2014: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Regulate The Minimum Wage. “The candidates debated at Davidson College on subjects that included immigration, gridlock in Washington, Obamacare, federal education standards and gun rights. […] Harris expressed similar views, and said he thinks the federal government needs to do less to regulate things such as the minimum wage. ’The market ought to be what sets the wage,’ Harris said. ‘The free market has to be what drives the economic engine, period.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/22/14]

Harris Said That He Did Not Support Abolishing The Minimum Wage. “Do you support the minimum wage and favor an increase? […] Mark Harris is concerned that a minimum wage hike would eliminate entry- level positions and op-poses an increase. He does not support abolishing it.” [News & Observer, 4/26/14]

Harris Said No Fault Divorce, Video Games, And Violence In The Media Caused Mass Shootings And Refused To Consider Any Gun Safety Legislation

Harris Said That No Fault Divorce Becoming A Part Of Our Culture Caused Our Society To Be Sick, Which In Turn Caused Mass Shootings

2018: Harris On Mass Shootings: “Those Are The Symptoms And We're Seeing An Sick Society Today Being Played Out.” “You go back and you look at the mass shootings that have happened. Over the last number of years those mass killings all seem to have about three things in common: one there was a breakdown of the family to there was some kind of addiction to violent video games and three there was some form of mental illness that was found there. I realize it fired Democrat friends on the left loves to take every tragedy in turning into an opportunity for a new law particularly for gun control but the reality is that those are the symptoms and we're seeing an sick society today being played out. I think that the state does have a vested interest in trying to promote the importance of marriage and promoting the importance of family. And and I also feel like that you know. We're

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 28

still seeing the results to be honest with you of a decision in early seventies and and that was quite an interesting time if you go back and Trace it from the decision of no fault divorce becoming part of our culture and society which was a smack down on the institution of marriage.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

2018: Harris On Mass Shootings: “We're Still Seeing The Results To Be Honest With You Of A Decision In Early Seventies … Of No Fault Divorce Becoming Part Of Our Culture And Society.” “You go back and you look at the mass shootings that have happened. Over the last number of years those mass killings all seem to have about three things in common: one there was a breakdown of the family to there was some kind of addiction to violent video games and three there was some form of mental illness that was found there. I realize it fired Democrat friends on the left loves to take every tragedy in turning into an opportunity for a new law particularly for gun control but the reality is that those are the symptoms and we're seeing an sick society today being played out. I think that the state does have a vested interest in trying to promote the importance of marriage and promoting the importance of family. And and I also feel like that you know. We're still seeing the results to be honest with you of a decision in early seventies and and that was quite an interesting time if you go back and trace it from the decision of no fault divorce becoming part of our culture and society which was a smack down on the institution of marriage.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

Harris Repeatedly Blamed The Breakdown Of Families, Mental Illness, Violent Video Games, And Violence In The Media For Mass Shootings

2018: Harris: On Mass Shootings: “Mass Killings All Seem To Have About Three Things In Common: One There Was A Breakdown Of The Family… Addiction To Violent Video Games And …Mental Illness.” “I wanna get back get to the point that the role that government has in the issue of marriage is that we have seen over the last forty years is a break down in the family structure in this country that we continue to pay a price for. Even as we have this conversation were coming off another mass shooting. That is just taken place recently as we're recording this conversation today and we've seen seventeen high school student skilled. You go back and you look at the mass shootings that have happened. Over the last number of years those mass killings all seem to have about three things in common: one there was a breakdown of the family to there was some kind of addiction to violent video games and three there was some form of mental illness that was found there.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

2017: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said “The Breakdown Of Families, Mental Illness And An ‘Addiction’ To Violent Video Games” Caused Mass Shootings. “A day after 17 people died in a mass shooting, two Republicans running for Congress in the 9th District say no new gun laws are needed. […] Mark Harris, a former Charlotte pastor, said at their root, recent mass shootings are caused by some combination of the breakdown of families, mental illness and an ‘addiction’ to violent video games. ’I believe that there are laws in place that aren’t being enforced,’ he said. ‘Enforcing the laws we have has to be the key rather than creating new laws.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/15/18]

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That Violent Video Games And Family Breakdown Were Issues That Needed To Be Addressed To Curb Mass Killings. “Harris aligned with other candidates on major policies, such as the health care law, foreign policy threats and Common Core, but he talks about them differently. On the subject of recent mass killings, Harris argued that exposure to violence through video games and a breakdown in the family were is-sues that needed to be adddressed.” [News & Observer, 4/26/14]

2014: Harris Said That The Correlation Between The Shooters At Sandy Hook, Aurora, And The Naval Yard In Washington, D.C. Was Mentally Illness, Violence In The Media And Breakdown Of The Family. “Harris said he is ‘absolutely opposed to restricting gun owners’ rights,’ saying that the nation’s capital is filled with men and women who react to tragedy instead of proactively working to prevent it. He said he found correlations among three recent high-profile shootings in the country: at Sandy Hook in Connecticut, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and the naval yard in Washington, D.C. In each inci-dent, he said, the shooter was mentally ill, influenced by violence in the media and a victim of the breakdown of the family, saying the people in the U.S. are ‘waiting for somebody to stand up and proclaim’ that these issues should be addressed instead of

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 29

making gun control a ‘political haymaker.’” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

Harris Said Americans Were “Waiting For Somebody To Stand Up And Proclaim” The Issues Of Mentally Illness, Violence In The Media And Breakdown Of The Family Instead Of Gun Control. “Harris said he is ‘absolutely opposed to restricting gun owners’ rights,’ saying that the nation’s capital is filled with men and women who react to tragedy instead of proactively working to prevent it. He said he found correlations among three recent high-profile shootings in the country: at Sandy Hook in Connecticut, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and the naval yard in Washington, D.C. In each inci-dent, he said, the shooter was mentally ill, influenced by violence in the media and a victim of the breakdown of the family, saying the people in the U.S. are ‘waiting for somebody to stand up and proclaim’ that these issues should be addressed instead of making gun control a ‘political haymaker.’” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Enact New Gun Safety Laws And That He Was Opposed Any Gun Regulations

2018: Harris On Gun Control Legislation: “Believe That There Are Laws In Place That Aren’t Being Enforced…Enforcing The Laws We Have Has To Be The Key Rather Than Creating New Laws.” “A day after 17 people died in a mass shooting, two Republicans running for Congress in the 9th District say no new gun laws are needed. […] Mark Harris, a former Charlotte pastor, said at their root, recent mass shootings are caused by some combination of the breakdown of families, mental illness and an ‘addiction’ to violent video games. ’I believe that there are laws in place that aren’t being enforced,’ he said. ‘Enforcing the laws we have has to be the key rather than creating new laws.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/15/18]

2014: Harris Said He Was “Absolutely Opposed To Restricting Gun Owners’ Rights.” “Harris said he is ‘absolutely opposed to restricting gun owners’ rights,’ saying that the nation’s capital is filled with men and women who react to tragedy instead of proactively working to prevent it. He said he found correlations among three recent high-profile shootings in the country: at Sandy Hook in Connecticut, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and the naval yard in Washington, D.C. In each inci-dent, he said, the shooter was mentally ill, influenced by violence in the media and a victim of the breakdown of the family, saying the people in the U.S. are ‘waiting for somebody to stand up and proclaim’ that these issues should be addressed instead of making gun control a ‘political haymaker.’” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before North Carolina Women

Harris Said He Had Concerns About Women Working

Harris Wondered Whether Teaching Girls To Strive To Have Careers Was A “Healthy Pursuit For Society”

2013: Harris Wondered Whether Teaching Girls To Have A Career Was A “Healthy Pursuit For Society.” [16:16] “You and I know that in our culture today girls are taught from grade school that we tell them that what is most honorable in life is a career. They’re ultimate goal in life is simply to be able to grow up and be independent of anyone or anything. We tell young girls to not be connected humanly as they are designed to do naturally, but instead disconnected so they can do anything they want, anytime they want. But nobody has asked the question that I think is critically important to ask: is that a healthy pursuit for society?” [Modern Family, Part 2, 5/19/13]

Harris: “The Scripture Gives Men The Title ‘Head’ And Women ‘Helper,’ And What He Would Call A Man Would Be ‘Servant Leader’ And A Woman ‘Servant Lover’”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 30

Tillis is hoping to bring to his side. Some of Harris’ remarks include: o The Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

Harris: “Even Basic Things, Like How To Prepare A Meal, How To Sew On A Button, How To Keep A Home, How To Respond To A Husband, Just Basic Things - We’ve Lost It”

Harris: “Even Basic Things, Like How To Prepare A Meal, How To Sew On A Button, How To Keep A Home, How To Respond To A Husband, Just Basic Things - We’ve Lost It.” “Newly surfaced audio of sermons Harris delivered in 2013 and 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte may not sit well with some of the women voters Tillis is hoping to bring to his side. Some of Harris’ remarks include: o The Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’ o ‘Even basic things, like how to prepare a meal, how to sew on a button, how to keep a home, how to respond to a husband, just basic things - we’ve lost it.’” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

Harris On Children Of Working Mothers: “My Fear Is That 20, 40 And Even 50 Years From Now Daughters All Over This Nation Will Have The Same Wound, The Same Anger, And The Same Disconnect, And The Desperate Need To Connect, Because Mom Wasn’t There.” “Newly surfaced audio of sermons Harris delivered in 2013 and 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte may not sit well with some of the women voters Tillis is hoping to bring to his side. Some of Harris’ remarks include: o The Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’ o ‘Even basic things, like how to prepare a meal, how to sew on a button, how to keep a home, how to respond to a husband, just basic things - we’ve lost it.’ o Regarding the children of working mothers: ‘My fear is that 20, 40 and even 50 years from now daughters all over this nation will have the same wound, the same anger, and the same disconnect, and the desperate need to connect, because mom wasn’t there.’” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

2000: Harris: “Mom Chose To Cook, Clean And Drive To Piano Lessons Instead Of ‘Finding Herself’”

2000: Harris: “Mom Chose To Cook, Clean And Drive To Piano Lessons Instead Of ‘Finding Herself.’” Mark Harris: “It took a bit of reflection to see that the greatness of my family, like so many others, lies not in worldly accomplishments but in daily behavior. Dad chose every day to stay married to mom and to work hard to provide for his five children, despite a background of alcoholism and abandonment in his formative years. Mom chose to cook, clean and drive to piano lessons instead of ‘finding herself.’ Children were taught to obey and to work hard. But most of all, everyone loved one another, even under the strain of a week stuck inside in the rain.” [Augusta Chronicle, Mark Harris Column, 8/12/00]

41 Charlotte-Area Women Pastors And Faith Leaders Signed A Declaration Admonishing Harris For His “Sexist Sermon”

2018: 41 Charlotte-Area Women Pastors And Faith Leaders Signed A Declaration Admonishing Harris For His “Sexist Sermon.” “41 local female pastors and faith leaders have signed a moral declaration admonishing North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris for giving what they are calling a ‘sexist sermon.’ That sermon, which Reverend Harris delivered in Charlotte in 2013, was recently uncovered and released by a Democratic PAC. […] A petition organized by D.C. nonprofit Faith in Public Life went public Wednesday, calling on Harris to address his comments. ‘You are saying without saying that we should just be women giving birth,’ said Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, associate minister at First Baptist West. ‘You’re minimizing the role of the woman, the mother. I would like for him to say that he was wrong.’ Rhedrick is one of 40 female Charlotte-area faith leaders

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 31

who signed the letter reprimanding Harris' words. ‘I think it was irresponsible,’ she said. ‘If there are women who are struggling between careers and family, you sent them home with a doubt in their mind.’” [WCNC, 7/11/18]

HEADLINE: WCNC: “NC Pastors Call Out Congressional Candidate For ‘Sexist Sermon.’” [WCNC, 7/11/18]

Harris Said That Wives Should Submit To Their Husbands

Harris Said That God Instructed Women To Submit To Their Husbands And That Women Rebelled Against God When They Rebelled Against Their Husbands

2014: Harris On Wives Not Submitting To Their Husbands: “Please Understand You're Not Rebelling Against Your Husband. When You Do, You Are Rebelling Against The Lord.” [23:30] Well, what's the message to the wives? Well God instructs all Christian wives to submit to their husbands. You see that in verse 22 and frankly. You cannot look at verse 22 without recognizing that it is a carryover from verse 21 where all of us are exhorted to submit one to another And frankly ladies you get the honor of being the first example he is just said that everyone is to submit one to another and the verse right on the tail into that verse 22 says and wives you be the example and that word translated submit carries with it. […] [26:19] You see wives please hear me this morning. The message is not from your husband to submit the messages from the Lord You're not to ever submit ma'am, because your husband demands it but you do it because the Lord ordained it now ladies you can rebel against that command, but just please understand you're not rebelling against your husband. When you do you are rebelling against the Lord and let me say something real important. In fact, I touched on it last week submission is not about the order of authority you remember I told you that last week it actually speaks to the operation of authority submission is not about inferiority in any way any shape and any form, it's simply reflects a god-ordained function of things.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

2014: Harris: “What's The Message To The Wives? Well God Instructs All Christian Wives To Submit To Their Husbands.” [21:14] “The highest problem in marriage is that would be quit preaching on the meddling wouldn't it? We're not even going to go there. Let me tell you according to the word here. What I'm convinced is the highest problem in marriage go back to verse 22 wives submit to your own husband's as to the Lord. [21:29] The husband is the head of the wife as also Christ as the head of the church and he's the savior of the body therefore just as the church is subject to Christ. So let the wives be to their own husband's in everything husbands. Love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her stop right there for a minute the highest problem, honestly. That also often encounter and have seen and experienced over nearly 26 years of pastoring is more times than not when people come to this passage to talk about marriage. [22:20] The wrong audience is listening. You said what do you mean Mark? The wrong audience is listening. I'm serious husbands. [22:33] Love to underline verse 22 23 and 24 come on now and wives love to underline verse 25 through 31, and the problem is the wrong audience is listening. Please hear me this morning. It's not rocket science verse 22 begins with the word wives verse 25 begins with the word husbands wives should listen to the words for wives and husbands should listen to the word of God for husbands. That's the biggest problem quite frankly the highest problem in marriages today. [23:30] Well, what's the message to the wives? Well God instructs all Christian wives to submit to their husbands. You see that in verse 22 and frankly. You cannot look at verse 22 without recognizing that it is a carryover from verse 21 where all of us are exhorted to submit one to another And frankly ladies you get the honor of being the first example he is just said that everyone is to submit one to another and the verse right on the tail into that verse 22 says and wives you be the example and that word translated submit carries with it.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 32

because the Lord ordained it now ladies you can rebel against that command, but just please understand you're not rebelling against your husband. When you do you are rebelling against the Lord and let me say something real important. In fact, I touched on it last week submission is not about the order of authority you remember I told you that last week it actually speaks to the operation of authority submission is not about inferiority in any way any shape and any form, it's simply reflects a god-ordained function of things.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

2014: Harris: “There Is This Function Of Order A Divine Order Where Each Has A Role But Both Are Equal.” “In fact the same thing in a trinity in the trinity. That's what you and I have to come to understand is true in a home where husbands and wives are filled with the Holy Spirit. There is this function of order a divine order where each has a role but both are equal. Can I say that again each has a role and both are equal.” [30:42] [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said To “Get Over This Inequality Thing Because That’s Not The Point Of Submission”

2014: Harris Said To “Get Over This Inequality Thing Because That’s Not The Point Of Submission.” “He's referring to his ship because you remember he said the father and I are one but he also did say that the father is greater than I friend Father Son and Holy Spirit are all co-equal. We know that if you know anything about the Trinity the doctrine of the Trinity, you know that they're all co-equal but each one of them is revealed in a different role. Amen. So get over this inequality thing because that's not the point of submission.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said The “Highest Problem In Marriages Today” In Part Was The Failure Of Wives To “Submit To Your Own Husbands”

2014: Harris: “What's The Message To The Wives? Well God Instructs All Christian Wives To Submit To Their Husbands.” Love to underline verse 22 23 and 24 come on now and wives love to underline verse 25 through 31, and the problem is the wrong audience is listening. Please hear me this morning. It's not rocket science verse 22 begins with the word wives verse 25 begins with the word husbands wives should listen to the words for wives and husbands should listen to the word of God for husbands. That's the biggest problem quite frankly the highest problem in marriages today. [23:30] Well, what's the message to the wives? Well God instructs all Christian wives to submit to their husbands. You see that in verse 22 and frankly. You cannot look at verse 22 without recognizing that it is a carryover from verse 21 where all of us are exhorted to submit one to another And frankly ladies you get the honor of being the first example he is just said that everyone is to submit one to another and the verse right on the tail into that verse 22 says and wives you be the example and that word translated submit carries with it.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said Many Marriages Could Save Counseling Money If Wives Submitted Themselves Under Their Husbands

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 33

understand; husbands love your wives even as Christ loved the church, wives submit yourselves under your own husbands as unto the lord. You get those two things right, you settle ninety percent of the marital conflicts in our nation today.” [Mark 15:16-34, 2/3/13]

Harris Said Submission Was Not Men’s Issue

2014: Harris Said Submission Was Not Men’s Issue. “It doesn't change. And I hope they'll quote me someday is saying gentlemen submission will never be your issue. Her welfare is your issue if you're living filled with the spirit by the word the highest problem the highest purpose and one last thing and I close with this. He really gives us the highest principle of marriage in this whole passage.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Did Not Stand Up For Women Who Were Sexually Assaulted

Harris On Supporting Trump After He Bragged About Sexual Assault: “This Election Is About… The Vision Of These Two Candidates And The Direction They Would Lead America”

2016: Harris On Supporting Trump After He Bragged About Sexual Assault: “This Election Is About… The Vision Of These Two Candidates And The Direction They Would Lead America.” “The video captured lewd audio of Trump bragging in explicit terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, including a married one, as he and Billy Bush, then-host of ‘Access Hollywood,’ waited to film a segment for Trump’s 2005 cameo on ‘Days of Our Lives.’ […] But Harris said other issues - including nominations to the Supreme Court - are more important. So he still plans to vote for Trump, and has no plans to withdraw his endorsement of the GOP presidential nominee. ’For me, this election is about a whole lot more than ... the personalities and flaws of both candidates,’ he said, referring to Trump and Clinton. ‘It’s about the vision of these two candidates and the direction they would lead America.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/8/16]

2016: Harris: “This Election Is Coming Down To A Reality Check - One Of These Two Candidates Is Going To Win. His Character Put Up Against Her Character - I Don’t See A Lot Of Difference.” “The video captured lewd audio of Trump bragging in explicit terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, including a married one […] Harris said he and other evangelical Christians would have preferred to have a Republican presiden-tial candidate who had been transformed by a deep faith in Jesus. ’That didn’t happen. But we have to deal with what is facing us,’ Harris said. ‘This election is coming down to a reality check - one of these two candidates is going to win. His character put up against her character - I don’t see a lot of difference.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/8/16]

2016: Harris On Trump Bragging About Assaulting Women: “I Don’t Think You Can Defend What (Trump) Said 11 Years Ago. Very Wrong, Very Distasteful. I Would Not Offer Any Defense.” “The video captured lewd audio of Trump bragging in explicit terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, including a married one, as he and Billy Bush, then-host of ‘Access Hollywood,’ waited to film a segment for Trump’s 2005 cameo on ‘Days of Our Lives.’ […] A prominent leader in past battles involving evangelical Christians, Harris told the Observer in an in-terview that he had not yet watched the entire video featuring Trump’s comments. But based on the news reports he has seen and read, Harris said, ‘I don’t think you can defend what (Trump) said 11 years ago. Very wrong, very distasteful. I would not offer any defense.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/8/16]

Harris Said While He Found The Allegations Against Judge Roy Moore To Be “Extremely Disturbing,” “Voters In Alabama Are In The Best Position To Judge The Truth Of These Allegations”

2017: Harris On Allegations Against Roy Moore: “I Believe The Voters In Alabama Are In The Best Position To Judge The Truth Of These Allegations And That Determination Should Be Left To Them.” “Mark Harris called the allegations against Moore ‘extremely disturbing.’ ’If true, he has no business serving in the US Senate or

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 34

in any elected position,’ Harris said in a statement. ‘I believe the voters in Alabama are in the best position to judge the truth of these allega-tions and that determination should be left to them. I have confidence the voters of Alabama will carefully evaluate both these allegations and Moore’s response over the coming days...’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/16/17]

Harris Said Allegations Against Moore Were “Extremely Disturbing.” “Mark Harris called the allegations against Moore ‘extremely disturbing.’ ’If true, he has no business serving in the US Senate or in any elected position,’ Harris said in a statement. ‘I believe the voters in Alabama are in the best position to judge the truth of these allega-tions and that determination should be left to them. I have confidence the voters of Alabama will carefully evaluate both these allegations and Moore’s response over the coming days...’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/16/17]

Harris On Allegations Against Moore: “If True, He Has No Business Serving In The US Senate Or In Any Elected Position.” “Mark Harris called the allegations against Moore ‘extremely disturbing.’ ’If true, he has no business serving in the US Senate or in any elected position,’ Harris said in a statement. ‘I believe the voters in Alabama are in the best position to judge the truth of these allega-tions and that determination should be left to them. I have confidence the voters of Alabama will carefully evaluate both these allegations and Moore’s response over the coming days...’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/16/17]

2018: Harris Warned Against Litigating Sexual Harassment Cases In The Court Of Public Opinion

2018: Harris: “Should Be Zero Tolerance For Sexual Harassment … But I Do Think That We Got To Be Careful Not To Let Decisions Be Made In The Court Of Public Opinion.” “To remember that part of our whole judicial system is innocent until proven guilty. I'm a little bit concerned at the minute that for one statement is made that everybody immediately jumps to judgment. I do think it's important that processes be followed that. The facts are found. And that ultimately we get to conclusions and then justice is served. There is and should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment zero tolerance for any of those things but I do think that we got to be careful not to let decisions be made in the court of public opinion when each case may be unique and we seem to have something going on in our society right now where everybody gets on the bandwagon whatever the issue is and everybody just jumps.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before Protecting The Environment

Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Address Climate Change

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Address Climate Change. “The candidates continued to dispute global warming, touching on a hot button issue from the previous night’s debate and disputing what an overwhelming majority of scientists believe is already happening. Thom Tillis called it ‘false science.’ Heather Grant called climate ‘cyclical.’ Mark Harris said the federal government should not address it.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

Harris Said He Believed The World Was Less Than 10,000 Years Old

2014: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Believes In A Literal Reading Of The Bible And Rejects Darwin In Favor Of A ‘Young Earth’ Theory That Creation Dates Back Less Than 10,000 Years.” “With swept-back hair graying at the temples, Harris is engaging and affable. He’s conservative in his politics and worldview. Like many Baptists, he believes in a literal reading of the Bible and rejects Darwin in favor of a ‘young Earth’ theory that creation dates back less than 10,000 years.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Harris Put His Far Right Agenda Before The Interests Of Seniors

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 35

2018: Harris Called The Validity Of Medicare Benefits Into Question

Harris On Federal Health Care Programs: “100% It's Not In The Constitution. We Don't Bear The Responsibility For Providing Health Care”

Harris Said That He Supported Legislation That Would Threaten Social Security And Medicare

Harris Said That He Supported A Balanced Budget Amendment That Would Threaten Social Security And Medicare

2016: Harris: “We Need To … Pass A Balanced Budget Amendment To The Constitution.” “We need a representative for the 9th District to hold the line against taxing and spending increases. Unfortunately, the incumbent has voted several times to increase the debt ceiling and a budget deal that included multiple tax and fee increases. We need to lower the tax burden on working families and businesses and pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.” [Enquirer-Journal, 6/1/16]

2016: Harris Said He Would Support A Balanced Budget Amendment. “Harris cast himself as a political outsider committed to curbing federal spending. He said he would support a balanced budget amendment and believes in fiscal restraint.” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

2014: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said That He Wanted To Pass A Balanced Budget Amendment To The Constitution. “With swept-back hair graying at the temples, Harris is engaging and affable. He’s conservative in his politics and worldview. Like many Baptists, he believes in a literal reading of the Bible and rejects Darwin in favor of a ‘young Earth’ theory that creation dates back less than 10,000 years. On the campaign trail, he invokes Ronald Reagan in calling for small government and strong defense. He wants a balanced budget constitutional amendment and major changes to a ‘broken’ Social Securi-ty system. He echoes Reagan in emphasizing traditional values on issues such as marriage and abor-tion.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

A Balanced Budget Amendment Would Override All Government Guarantees And Promises Written Into Law – Including Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, And Military Pensions. “In general, a balanced budget requirement in the U.S. Constitution would override any and all government guarantees and promises written into law: the guarantee to pay interest on the debt; or to pay insurance and guarantee claims for bank deposits, floods, loan defaults, and nuclear accidents; or to pay program benefits for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment benefits, veterans’ benefits, or military and civil service pensions; or to pay contractors who have delivered goods or services to the federal government.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 36

Under A Balanced Budget Amendment, It Would Be Unconstitutional For Social Security To Use Its Savings – What Workers Already Paid In – To Pay Promised Benefits; Benefits Could Have To Be Cut. “Currently, Social Security holds $2.9 trillion in Treasury securities. But under the balanced budget amendment, it would essentially be unconstitutional for Social Security to draw down these savings to pay promised benefits. Instead, benefits could have to be cut, because all federal expenditures would have to be covered by tax revenues collected during that same year.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

National Committee To Preserve Social Security And Medicare: A Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment Threatens Social Security [NCPSSM, 7/2011]

National Women’s Law Center: A Balanced Budget Amendment Would Threaten Social Security [NWLC, 6/23/11]

Under A Balanced Budget Amendment, Medicare Part A Would Not Be Able To Pay For Hospitalization Costs, Because It Is Funded Through A Fund Of Saved Treasury Securities. “Medicare Part A — the Hospital Insurance trust fund — has the same structure as Social Security. That trust fund currently holds about $200 billion in Treasury securities, but under a balanced budget amendment, it would be unconstitutional for Medicare to draw down those savings to pay hospitalization costs because all federal expenditures — which includes Medicare payments — would have to be covered by taxes collected in the same year.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

Under A Balanced Budget Amendment, The Military And Federal Employee Civil Service Retirement Systems Would Not Be Able To Pay Retirees, Because They Are Funded Through Funds Of Saved Treasury Securities. “As a result, the $700 billion in Treasury securities held by the military retirement trust fund and the $900 billion in Treasury securities held by the civil service retirement trust fund would be unavailable to pay promised retirement pensions.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

A Balanced Budget Amendment Would Make Recessions Longer And Deeper, Causing Very Large Job Losses. “The economic problems with such an amendment are the most serious. By requiring a balanced budget every year, no matter the state of the economy, such an amendment would raise serious risks of tipping weak economies into recession and making recessions longer and deeper, causing very large job losses.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

Harris’ Campaign Said He Supported The Tax Cuts And Jobs Act That Increased The Federal Debt – And Republicans Planned To Pay For It With Cuts To Medicare And Social Security

Official CBO Estimate Found Final Tax Bill Would Increase The Federal Deficit By $1.9 Trillion. “The GOP's signature tax law is projected to increase the national debt by $1.9 trillion between 2018 and 2028, according to a new report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). According to the report, the tax law would cost the government $2.3 trillion in revenues, but economic growth would offset that figure by about $461 billion.” [The Hill, 4/9/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 37

Washington: entitlement and welfare reform. ‘We’re going to have to get back next year at entitlement reform, which is how you tackle the debt and the deficit,’ Ryan, a former Budget Committee chairman, said in a recent interview this month on the Ross Kaminsky radio talk show. Medicare and Medicaid are the ‘big drivers of debt,’ Ryan said, suggesting Republicans could once again use the budget reconciliation process to avoid a Democratic filibuster. Medicare is the ‘biggest entitlement that’s got to have reform,’ Ryan added.” [The Hill, 12/27/17]

HEADLINE: After Tax Overhaul, GOP Sets Sights on Medicare, Social Security [US News, 12/7/17]

HEADLINE: Ryan says Republicans to target welfare, Medicare, Medicaid spending in 2018 [Washington Post, 12/6/17]

HEADLINE: Paul Ryan Pushes to Keep Overhaul of Safety-Net Programs on GOP Agenda [Wall Street Journal, 2/4/18]

AP: “A Wide Range Of Economists And Nonpartisan Analysts Have Warned That The Bill Will Likely Escalate Federal Debt, Intensify Pressure To Cut Spending On Social Programs And Further Widen America's Troubling Income Inequality.” “The tax overhaul of 2017 amounts to a high-stakes gamble by Republicans in Congress: That slashing taxes for corporations and wealthy individuals will accelerate growth and assure greater prosperity for Americans for years to come. The risks are considerable. A wide range of economists and nonpartisan analysts have warned that the bill will likely escalate federal debt, intensify pressure to cut spending on social programs and further widen America's troubling income inequality.” [Associated Press, 12/17/17]

Harris’s Far Right Agenda Is Too Extreme For North Carolina Families

2018: Harris Said He Wanted To Overturn The Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality Ruling

2018: Harris On Same-Sex Marriage: “We Can Only Hope That Maybe Someday You May Have A Supreme Court That Looks At This Decision And Then Reverses It.” “Michael DeSantis: ‘How do you feel about the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage?’ Dr. Harris: ‘I thought the Obergfell decision was—I think this was maybe in Justice Scalia’s words law—’created out of whole cloth.’ There was no constitutional or legal basis for that decision, and great legal minds, great legal Scholars, far greater than I am, have attested to that very fact. It was a disappointment and a huge overreach by the judiciary, and we can only hope that maybe someday you may have a Supreme Court that looks at this decision and then reverses it.’” [MerionWest.com, 5/8/18]

2018: Harris Opposed Marriage Equality, And Said He Would Support Supreme Court Justices That Would Revisit Marriage Equality. “One of the most devastating blows to the American way of life has been the breakdown the family unit. A marriage consists of one man and one woman. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision decided otherwise. I would support the nomination of conservative Supreme Court Justices that would re-visit this decision as well as ‘Roe v. Wade.’” [MarkHarrisForCongress.com, accessed 5/10/18]

2013: Harris Said Those Promoting Legalization Of Same-Sex Marriage Had “A Very Different Perspective Than What I Hold And That The Vast Majority Of North Carolinians Hold.” “The Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte said the family-based arguments now emanating from same-sex marriage supporters come from ‘a very different perspective than what I hold and that the vast majority of North Carolinians hold.’ ’Every child needs a mother and a father. Children flourish when they have a mom and a dad,’ said Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and president of the State Baptist Convention. ’North Carolina, with a 61 percent vote, had one of the strongest marriage amendments in the country put on the books, and that was just 14 months ago.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/9/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 38

Harris Said “The String Of National Amendment Victories Supports Arguments For Amending The U.S. Constitution To Allow Only Heterosexual Marriages”

2012: News & Observer: Harris Said “The String Of National Amendment Victories Supports Arguments For Amending The U.S. Constitution To Allow Only Heterosexual Marriages.” “‘The involvement of the local churches across this state was absolutely the turning point,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. The string of national amendment victories supports arguments for amending the U.S. Constitution to allow only heterosexual marriages, Harris said.” [News & Observer, 5/8/12]

2014: Harris: “There Is The Sense Among A Great Number Of People Across The State That Something Is Wrong With The System When ... A Gavel Can Put Our Marriage Amendment In Jeopardy.” “Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and the leader of the campaign that helped pass the state’s constitutional marriage amendment in 2012, applauded the legislature’s resistance on Thursday. ’I stress all the time that it was only 29 months ago, not 29 years, when the people of this state voted that marriage would be defined as between one man and one woman,’ Harris said. ‘There is the sense among a great number of people across the state that something is wrong with the system when ... a stroke of a pen or the hit of a gavel can put our marriage amendment in jeopardy.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/9/14]

Harris Created The Policy That Kicked Baptist Churches Out Of The North Carolina Baptist State Convention For Welcoming Gay Congregants

Charlotte Observer: Harris Was Chairman Of The Committee That Crafted The Baptist State Convention Policy That Any Churches Affiliated The Group “Must Reject Homosexual Behavior”

Charlotte Observer: Harris Was Chairman Of The Committee That Crafted The Baptist State Convention Policy That Any Churches Affiliated The Group “Must Reject Homosexual Behavior.” “He may be inspirational, but Huckabee is also controversial these days, mostly for comments he made in a New Yorker magazine profile that ran this week. In opposing gay marriage, he referred to the ‘ick factor.’ Huckabee’s strong views on homosexuality, which he has said are Bible-based, will not be a problem for him at First Baptist. It’s a major member of the Baptist State Convention, which voted in 2006 that any churches in ‘friendly cooperative’ with the state Baptist group must reject homosexual behavior. That policy was framed by a committee whose chairman was First Baptist’s Pastor Harris.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Charlotte Observer: “The Baptist State Convention Voted To Approve A Policy Framed By A Harris- Led Panel That Any Churches … With The State Baptist Group Must Reject Homosexual Behavior.” “Kraft, whose congregation is mostly gay/lesbian, was in Minneapolis last year when her denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, voted to allow non-celibate homosexuals in committed relationships to be ministers. Harris leads a conservative Southern Baptist church uptown. In 2006, messengers to the Baptist State Convention voted to approve a policy framed by a Harris-led panel that any churches in ‘friendly cooperation’ with the state Baptist group must reject homosexual be-havior.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/26/10]

A “Gay-Friendly” Baptist Church Was Kicked Out Of The NC Baptist State Convention Due To The Policy Harris Helped Craft. “The most prominent example: In 2006, the convention adopted a policy crafted by a committee that Harris chaired. It said Baptist churches that ‘knowingly act to affirm, approve, endorse, promote, support or bless homosexual behavior’ would henceforth be considered ‘not in friendly cooperation’ with the convention. Myers Park Baptist is among the gay-friendly churches that have since left or been kicked out of the convention.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

2006: Harris Chaired The Committee That Crafted Legislation Requiring Baptist Churches In North Carolina To Deny Membership To Gay Baptists Or Face Expulsion From The Baptist State Convention. “Baptist churches in North Carolina will have to deny membership to gays or face expulsion from the Baptist State

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 39

Convention of North Carolina. Messengers to the convention's annual meeting voted Nov. 14 to add language to its governing documents that will exclude from convention membership any church thought to affirm homosexual behavior. It is the most rigid anti-gay policy of any statewide organization affiliated with the national Southern Baptist Convention and is similar to an SBC policy approved more than a decade ago. […] Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, was chair of a committee that recommended the change. He said nothing would please him more than if the motion were unnecessary. But, he said, there is a national agenda promoting homosexuality. ‘We truly believe this convention must stand with courage,’ he said.” [BaptistNews.com, 11/22/06]

Harris Supported The NC Baptist State Convention’s “Conservative Leadership And Direction;” Said It Was Time “To Move … Into Full Ministry That Will Impact The Culture”

Charlotte Observer: Harris Supported The NC Baptist State Convention’s “Conservative Leadership And Direction.” “Delegates to the annual meeting of the N.C. Baptist State Convention voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to expel Charlotte’s Myers Park Baptist for welcoming gays and lesbians without trying to change them. The liberal church of 1,970 members became the first to be kicked out under rules passed at last year’s meeting that said any Baptist church that affirmed or endorsed homosexual behavior would be con-sidered ‘not in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.’ […] Tuesday night, the Baptist messengers heard from the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte. A strong supporter of the state convention’s conservative leadership and direction, Harris told The Observer it’s time ‘to move beyond transition and into full ministry that will impact the culture.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

Harris Said He Believed Homosexuality Was A Choice And A Sin

2013: Harris: “There Is Not The Medical Evidence That An Individual That Chooses The Homosexual Lifestyle Is Born That Way. That Is A Choice”

2013: Harris: “There Is Not The Medical Evidence That An Individual That Chooses The Homosexual Lifestyle Is Born That Way. That Is A Choice.” “The write up: ‘Mark Harris : ‘There is not the medical evidence that an individual that chooses the homosexual lifestyle is born that way. That is a choice.’ Interview on Speak Out Charlotte in July 2013.” [News & Observer, 11/19/13]

2012: Harris: “It’s Not The Intention Of Most Bible-Believing Churches To Discriminate…Does That Mean We’ll No Longer Call Homosexuality A Sin, As The Bible Does? No. We’ll Continue To Do That In Love.” “The organization filed a formal request for a federal in-vestigation over the weekend, said Brent Childers, executive director of Faith in America. The case represents the latest high profile stance taken by the group, which seeks to combat ‘misguid-ed’ religious teachings in the nation that justify stigma and hostility toward homosexuals. […] Among the critics of Faith in America are First Baptist Church Pastor Mark Harris, who is also presi-dent of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. ’It’s not the intention of most Bible-believing churches to discriminate, hurt or ostracize anybody,’ Harris says. ‘Does that mean we’ll no longer call homosexuality a sin, as the Bible does? No. We’ll continue to do that in love and ministry. I don’t define that as persecution.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/22/12]

2011: Harris: “I Believe That Homosexuality Is A Sin”

2011: Harris: “I Believe That Homosexuality Is A Sin.” “As the battle over same-sex marriage looms, Harris said, he will urge pastors and congregations to get engaged and vote for the "Marriage Amendment." He’ll also push for other ‘family-friendly’ issues. […] ‘From a biblical position, all I can do is state my position: I believe that homosexuality is a sin.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 40

2011: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Believes Scripture Holds Homosexuality As A Sin.” “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] Harris believes Scripture holds homosexuality as a sin.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

2008: Harris Said He Believed Homosexuality Is A Sin

2008: Harris Believed Homosexuality Was A Sin. “Charlotte’s First Baptist Church Minister Mark Harris, who believes it is a sin, doubts conservative Christians will buy Gold’s arguments. While many contributors to Gold’s book describe knowing they were gay from a young age, Harris and others argue homosexuality is a choice, and the Bible says it’s an abomination before God.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Harris On Homosexuality: “I Just Don’t Buy That It’s A Natural Inclination.” “Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America’ (Greenleaf Book Group Press, $23.95). […] While many contributors to Gold’s book describe knowing they were gay from a young age, Harris and others argue homosexuality is a choice, and the Bible says it’s an abomination before God. ‘I just don’t buy that it’s a natural inclination,’ he says.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Harris: “We Love The Person Caught In The Sin Of Homosexuality. It’s The Sin We Hate.” “Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America’ (Greenleaf Book Group Press, $23.95). […] Still, Harris says he’d welcome anyone featured in the book to worship at his church. ‘We love the person caught in the sin of homosexuality. It’s the sin we hate.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

2005: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Said He’ll Be A Conservative Who Speaks Out Against Abortion And Homosexuality”

2005: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Said He’ll Be A Conservative Who Speaks Out Against Abortion And Homosexuality.” “Without being what he called ‘an attack dog,’ Harris said he’ll be a conservative who speaks out against abortion and homosexuality, and on other issues of the day. Noting that Mayor Pat McCrory spoke at his installation, Harris talks of the burden that comes with being pastor of the city’s First Baptist Church uptown and having a pulpit to speak out.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/24/05]

Harris Said There Was A National Agenda Promoting Homosexuality

Harris Said There Was A National Agenda Promoting Homosexuality. “Baptist churches in North Carolina will have to deny membership to gays or face expulsion from the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Messengers to the convention's annual meeting voted Nov. 14 to add language to its governing documents that will exclude from convention membership any church thought to affirm homosexual behavior. It is the most rigid anti-gay policy of any statewide organization affiliated with the national Southern Baptist Convention and is similar to an SBC policy approved more than a decade ago. […] Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, was chair of a committee that recommended the change. He said nothing would please him more than if the motion were unnecessary. But, he said, there is a national agenda promoting homosexuality. ‘We truly believe this convention must stand with courage,’ he said.” [BaptistNews.com, 11/22/06]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 41

Personal & Professional

History

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 42

Biography

This section provides background information on Harris’ personal life, including education, personal finances, criminal and civil record, and other areas. Searches were conducted with various local media in Mecklenburg County, media outlets including the Charlotte Observer, News & Observer, News & Record, as well as a number of other online resources, including Lexis-Nexis.

Birth Date

Harris Was Born On April 24, 1966

Harris Was Born On April 24, 1966. “FULL NAME: Mark Everette Harris. EARLY YEARS: Born April 24, 1966, in Winston-Salem.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Harris Was Born At Baptist Hospital In Winston-Salem. “Harris was born - in Baptist Hospital - and raised in Winston-Salem.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

Education

Harris Earned A Master Of Divinity And Doctor Of Ministry Degrees At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Harris Earned A Master Of Divinity And Doctor Of Ministry Degrees At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “They stayed in Augusta until 2005, when Harris was hired to co-pastor First Baptist’s congregation in Charlotte with its longtime pastor, the Rev. Charles Page. Page died months later of cancer. Along the way, Harris earned a master’s of divinity and doctor of ministry degrees at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest near Raleigh.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Harris Wanted To Be A Lawyer Growing Up And Intended To Attend Campbell University’s Law School. “Growing up in Winston-Salem, Harris always wanted to be a lawyer. But the pull to the pulpit became too strong in 1987. Harris was 21 then, freshly graduated from Ap-palachian State University, admitted to Campbell University’s law school and months from marrying Beth Bates, his college girlfriend.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

2009: Harris Received A Doctor Of Divinity Degree From Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

2009: Harris Received A Doctor Of Divinity Degree From Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “FULL NAME: Mark Everette Harris. EARLY YEARS: Born April 24, 1966, in Winston-Salem. Went to Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, Appalachian State University, 1987; Master of Divinity degree, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991; Doctor of Divinity degree, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009.” [Fox News, 3/22/14]

1991: Harris Received A Master Of Divinity Degree From Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

1991: Harris Received A Master Of Divinity Degree From Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “FULL NAME: Mark Everette Harris. EARLY YEARS: Born April 24, 1966, in Winston-Salem. Went to Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem. EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree, Appalachian State University, 1987; Master of Divinity degree, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991; Doctor of Divinity degree, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009.” [Fox News, 3/22/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 43

Harris Majored In Political Science At Appalachian State University

Harris Majored In Political Science At Appalachian State University. “A regular churchgoer growing up, Harris majored in political science at Appalachian State University and had planned to go on to law school in the fall of 1987.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

Harris Attended Reynolds High School In Winston-Salem

Harris Attended Reynolds High School In Winston-Salem. “FULL NAME: Mark Everette Harris. EARLY YEARS: Born April 24, 1966, in Winston-Salem. Went to Reynolds High School in Win-ston-Salem.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Harris Attended Boys State. Mark Harris: “I attended Boys State which is an American Legion program to teach young men about state govern-ment and what I didn’t know when I got to Boys State was that there was something called Boys Na-tion where two young men from every state of Boys State would be elected to represent their state three weeks later on the campus of American University where we would learn how the federal gov-ernment worked whereas Boys State taught you about state government.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

Career

The following provides a brief overview of Harris’ professional career:

Professional  2005-2017: Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church  2000-2005: Senior Pastor, Curtis Baptist Church  1989-1999: Pastor, Center Grove Baptist Church  1987: Youth Minister, Edgewood Baptist Church

Harris Worked As A Youth Minister In The Summers As A Youth

Harris Worked As A Youth Minister In The Summers As A Youth. “Then, Harris said, God intervened. In addition to his youthful political adventures, he had also spent a few summers working as a youth minister. ‘And God just made it clear in my heart,’ he said, ‘that I was being called to preach.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

Criminal Record

According to the Columbia County Board of Elections, Harris’ voting history is depicted below:

Harris Criminal Filings Case Filing Date Case Number Case Type Court Offense Court Disposition 5/28/15 6702015IF 702383 Infraction Not Specified Disposed 11/29/11 8902011CR 003904 Criminal Not Specified Disposed 3/24/95 3301995CR 008373 Criminal Not Specified Disposed [Nexis Comprehensive Persons Report, accessed 6/11/18; Wake County criminal and civil records search, 5/30/18; County court searches for: Franklin, Georgia; Watauga, North Carolina; Franklin, North Carolina; Rutherford, North Carolina on 5/30/18; Federal court search, via PACER, accessed 5/25/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 44

NOTE: Further research necessary to determine if any court records involving Harris are available in North Carolina or Georgia.

Judgments Or Liens

Harris Was Not Associated With Any Judgements Or Liens

As Of June 2018, Harris Was Not Associated With Any Judgements Or Liens. [Nexis Bankruptcy, Judgements & Liens search, accessed 6/11/18]

Bankruptcy Filings

Harris Was Not Associated With Any Bankruptcy Filings

As Of June 2018, Harris Was Not Associated With Any Bankruptcy Filings. [Nexis Bankruptcy, Judgements & Liens search, accessed 6/11/18]

Voter Registration & History

2005-2018: Harris Was Registered To Vote In North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District

2005-2018: Harris Was Registered To Vote At 9837 Adison Gray Ln Charlotte, NC 28270. [Harris profile, Votebuilder, accessed 5/31/18; North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, Voter Search, accessed 6/1/18]

July 2005: Harris Registered To Vote In North Carolina. On July 21, 2005, Harris registered to vote in North Carolina. [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, Voter Search, accessed 6/1/18]

9837 Adison Gray Ln Charlotte, NC 28270 Was Located In North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. [House.gov, accessed 5/31/18]

According to Votebuilder, Harris’ voting history is depicted below:

Harris North Carolina Voting History

Muni Muni Nov Oct Primary Schl Sep Special General Primary Primary Runoff Muni Muni Muni Runoff Brd Muni Special Primary 2018 Y 2017 P-R E E P E-R 2016 E E-R E-R 2015 E-R E 2014 E E-R 2013 P-R P 2012 E E-R P-R 2011 P-R E E 2010 E 2009 P 2008 E P-R

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 45

2007 P P 2006 Y 2005 [Harris profile, Votebuilder, accessed 5/31/18; North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, Voter Search, accessed 6/1/18]

2000-2012: Harris Was Registered To Vote In Georgia, But Did Not Vote There After 2004

2000-2012: Harris Was Registered To Vote In Georgia. From May 2000 to September 2012, Harris was registered to vote in Columbia County, Georgia. [Columbia County Board of Elections, 6/4/18]

2000-2005: Harris Owned Property Located At 4201 Sutters Court Evans, Georgia 30809. [ColumbiaCountyGA.gov, accessed 6/4/18]

4201 Sutters Court Evans, Georgia 30809 Was Located In Georgia’s 12th Congressional District. [House.gov, accessed 6/4/18]

According to the Columbia County Board of Elections, Harris’ voting history is depicted below:

Harris Columbia County, Georgia Voting History

Muni Muni Nov Oct Primary Schl Sep Special General Primary Primary Runoff Muni Muni Muni Runoff Brd Muni Special Primary 2004 Y Y-R 2003 2002 Y Y-R Y-R 2001 2000 Y [Columbia County Board of Elections, 6/4/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 46

Personal Finance

In 2017, Harris had an estimated net worth of between $731,040 and $1,995,000.

According to Harris’ federal personal financial disclosures, his 2017 annual unearned income was between $3,029 and $16,100. Harris also earned $82,215.00 in salary from salary, speeches and speaking engagements, spouse salary and funeral services. Harris did not report any liabilities.

NOTE: For detailed descriptions of Harris’ personal financial disclosures by year, see Appendix I – Personal Financial Disclosures.

Harris’ Federal Personal Financial Disclosure Summary

NOTE: For detailed descriptions of Harris’ personal financial disclosures by year, see Appendix 1 – Personal Financial Disclosures.

Harris PFD Toplines Year Earned Asset Value Unearned Income Transactions Liabilities Income MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX MIN MAX 2017 $82,215.00 $731,040 $1,995,000 $3,029 $16,100 - - - - 2016 $43,996.00 $453,034 $1,301,000 $5,033 $21,500 - - - - [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17; Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 47

Churches & Nonprofit Involvement

First Baptist Church

2016: Harris: “I Lead A Church With A Budget That Has To Make Payroll And Cover Expenses Just Like A Business”

2016: Harris: “I Lead A Church With A Budget That Has To Make Payroll And Cover Expenses Just Like A Business.” Mark Harris: “I have spent my life serving others through mininstry. I lead a church with a budget that has to make payroll and cover expenses just like a business. And I am committed to standing firm for my conservative principles, even if it means standing up against party leadership in Congress.” [Enquirer-Journal, 6/1/16]

2014: Harris Reportedly Guided First Baptist Church Through A Rebranding

Charlotte Observer: Harris Steered The Church Through “Rebranding, Identifying ‘What It Means To Be A Downtown Church’ At A Time When… Downtown Attracts A New Generation And Demographic”

2014: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Has Steered The Church Through A Sort Of Rebranding, Identifying ‘What It Means To Be A Downtown Church’ At A Time When More People Choose To Worship Where They Live And Downtown Attracts A New Generation And Demographic.” “Harris has steered the church through a sort of rebranding, identifying ‘what it means to be a down-town church’ at a time when more people choose to worship where they live and downtown attracts a new generation and demographic.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

2012: Harris Participated In “Pulpit Freedom Sunday” Where He Publicly Backed Candidates For Political Office From The Pulpit To Protest Federal Law And Attempt To Instigate A Lawsuit

2005-2011: Attendance At First Baptist Declined Under Harris’ Leadership

2005-2011: Attendance At First Baptist Declined Under Harris’ Leadership. “Harris came to Charlotte in July 2005, to co-pastor First Baptist with the church’s longtime pastor, the Rev. Charles Page, who was battling cancer. At the end of October, the popular Page died. Attendance numbers at the uptown Charlotte church have declined some since then, Harris acknowl-edged. ’We have gone through some adjustments, no question,’ he said. ‘But we’ve had an influx of new life and new members.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

2005: The First Baptist Church In Charlotte Named Harris A Co-Pastor

May 2005: The First Baptist Church In Charlotte Named Harris A Co-Pastor. “First Baptist Church in uptown

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 48

Charlotte has called its next senior pastor. The Rev. Mark Harris, 39, has been named co-pastor of the 3,500- member congregation.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/28/05]

First Baptist Church’s Plan Was For Harris To Serve Alongside Reverend Charles Page, Their Senior Pastor, Until Page Retired. “The Rev. Mark Harris, 39, has been named co-pastor of the 3,500-member congregation. His start date is uncertain, but he’ll likely begin work in mid-July. The plan is for Harris to serve alongside the Rev. Charles Page, current senior pastor, for several months. Page, 65, announced to the congregation in a letter in January that he plans to retire Dec. 31. Page, who has been fighting multiple myeloma since 1996, is recovering from what church leaders called a ‘pneumonia-like lung disorder’ that was ‘life-threatening.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/28/05]

October 2005: Page Died. “Harris came to Charlotte in July 2005, to co-pastor First Baptist with the church’s longtime pastor, the Rev. Charles Page, who was battling cancer. At the end of October, the popular Page died.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

First Baptist Had 3,500 Members As Of August 2007 And Had Ministries “At Other Apartment Complexes Around Town”

First Baptist Had 3,500 Members As Of August 2007 And Had Ministries “At Other Apartment Complexes Around Town.” In August 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Harris, whose 3,500-member church also has ministries at other apartment complexes around town, said he and the others from First Baptist - all wearing red T- shirts Sunday - are responding to the Bible’s call to take the Gospel and the love of Christ to others.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

Events

2017: Harris Said That First Baptist Provided Space For Brookstone School To Use At The Church

2017: Harris Said That First Baptist Provided Space For Brookstone School To Use At The Church. “Harris, who recently filed to run for Congress as a Republican in North Carolina’s Ninth District, also suggested Barber ‘visit some of our churches’ before criticizing conservative pastors for their stands regarding the poor. Harris’ Charlotte church, for example, has provided space for Brookstone School, whose students are predominantly African American and from the inner city, and has a history of feeding 5,000 people every Thanksgiving. He added that ‘what churches are doing is the most effective means of truly helping the poor, not government programs where the money ... never seems to reach those who need it the most.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/19/17]

2011: Harris Asked First Baptist’s Congregation To Fast For 24 Hours In Remembrance Of September 11

2011: Harris Asked First Baptist’s Congregation To Fast For 24 Hours In Remembrance Of September 11. “As part of its ‘Call to a Solemn Assembly,’ First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte will ask its con-gregation of 1,000-plus to fast for 24 hours and attend a three-hour Sunday morning service. The fast will begin at 6 p.m. Sept. 10. The assembly in the sanctuary - 301 S. Davidson St. - will go from 9 a.m. to noon on Sept. 11. Prayers inspired by the Old Testament Book of Joel will center on how individuals, families and the nation can repent, be restored and be revived. Pastor Mark Harris: ‘Just about everybody remembers where they were on 9-11, when we all said the world changed,’ Harris says. ‘Ten years from now, our hope is that everybody will remember this (anniversary) as a day the world changed for the better.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/3/11]

2011: Harris Hoped People Would Remember September 11th As A “Day The World Changed For The Better.” “Prayers inspired by the Old Testament Book of Joel will center on how individuals, families and the nation can repent, be restored and be revived. Pastor Mark Harris: ‘Just about everybody remembers where they were on 9-11, when we all said the world changed,’ Harris says. ‘Ten years from now, our hope is that

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 49

everybody will remember this (anniversary) as a day the world changed for the better.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/3/11]

2009: First Baptist Church Joined For Festival And Prayer Service With Timber Ridge Apartments After Pregnant Woman Was Killed In Murder-Suicide

2009: First Baptist Church Joined For Festival And Prayer Service With Timber Ridge Apartments After Pregnant Woman Was Killed In Murder-Suicide. “Members of an uptown church joined residents of a troubled east Charlotte apartment complex on Sunday for a festival and prayer service to demonstrate their solidarity against violence. Apartment managers invited the First Baptist Church of Charlotte to hold the service at Timber Ridge apartments following the slaying of a pregnant woman three weeks ago in a domestic violence murder-suicide.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/3/09]

Harris: “We Felt A Real Burden To Reach Out To This Community.” “First Baptist, which holds weekly Bible study groups at the complex, held similar services after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton were shot to death there in May 2007. ‘We felt a real burden to reach out to this community,’ said Pastor Mark Harris.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/3/09]

2008: Harris Started A Program At First Baptist Church To Give Away Thanksgiving Dinners To Those In Need

Harris Started A Program At First Baptist Church To Give Away Thanksgiving Dinners To Those In Need. “First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte is hoping to start an annual tradition on Tuesday, when it will give away the equivalent of 5,000 Thanksgiving dinners. The church has been spreading the news about the ‘Feeding of the 5,000’ - an allusion to Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fishes - in fliers dropped off, door to door, in some low- income neighborhoods and at agencies that serve the needy.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/22/08]

2008: Harris Delivered Devotionals And Served Iced Tea To Uptown Workers During First Baptist’s Weekly “Power Lunch” Where The Church Attracted Around 300 For Lunch And Devotion For $5

Harris Delivered Devotionals And Served Iced Tea To Uptown Workers During First Baptist’s Weekly “Power Lunch” Where The Church Attracted Around 300 For Lunch And Devotion For $5. “First Baptist draws about 300 uptown workers - maybe only a handful of them who are members too - to its so-called Power Lunch on Wednesdays. The Rev. Mark Harris delivers a devotional in the middle of the meal, and there is a song. He also mans the iced tea line. ‘Folks know they are going to enjoy some fellowship around the tables and get a message, we hope, that inspires and encourages them and a song that is encouraging,’ Harris said of the 20-some- year lunchtime tradition. ‘It is a great respite in the middle of the week. ... I love it. It is one of the highlights of my week.’ […] First Baptist, 301 S. Davidson St.: The Power Lunch is an uptown institution, attracting 300 or so. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays. For a menu: 704-335-3868, ext. 150. $5.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/08]

Harris: Power Lunches Are “One Of The Highlights Of My Week.” “First Baptist draws about 300 uptown workers - maybe only a handful of them who are members too - to its so-called Power Lunch on Wednesdays. The Rev. Mark Harris delivers a devotional in the middle of the meal, and there is a song. He also mans the iced tea line. ‘Folks know they are going to enjoy some fellowship around the tables and get a message, we hope, that inspires and encourages them and a song that is encouraging,’ Harris said of the 20-some-year lunchtime tradition. ‘It is a great respite in the middle of the week. ... I love it. It is one of the highlights of my week.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/08]

2007: Harris Was A Guest Speaker At The Mount Olive Baptist Church 77th Homecoming

2007: Harris Was A Guest Speaker At The Mount Olive Baptist Church 77th Homecoming. “Mount Olive

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 50

Baptist Church, 596 Washington St., Rockingham: The church’s 77th Homecoming will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday. Dr. Pete Cassidy of Cayce, S.C., a former pastor at Mount Olive, will be guest speaker. A covered dish meal will follow the service. Fall revival meeting will be held Monday through Wednesday at 7 p.m. each night. Dr. Mark E. Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church, Char-lotte, will be guest speaker.” [Richmond County Daily Journal, 9/15/07]

2007: Harris And His “Predominantly White” Congregation Came To A Mostly Black Apartment Complex “To Celebrate Its Growing Relationship With Many Of The Residents”

2007: Harris And His “Predominantly White” Congregation Came To A Mostly Black Apartment Complex “To Celebrate Its Growing Relationship With Many Of The Residents.” In August 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Almost five months ago, it was the scene of a crime - the killing of two police officers - that sent Charlotte into mourning. But on Sunday, the grounds of Timber Ridge apartments rang with church music, the laughter of children, and the ‘ker-plunk!’ of six baptisms by immersion in a tub of ‘good old Charlotte- Mecklenburg water,’ as the Rev. Mark Harris put it. The pastor and about 200 members of his flock at First Baptist - a predominantly white church in uptown Charlotte - had come to the mostly black apartment complex in east Charlotte to celebrate its growing relationship with many of the residents, particularly children.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

First Baptist Church Held BBQ At Apartment Complex And Baptized “A Few Members” Of Kid’s Bible Study Group. In August 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “On Sunday, it was time to baptize a few members of the class, to grill hot dogs, pass out balloons and - for Harris and the church’s contemporary music choir - climb on a flat-bed trailer to preach and sing about Jesus.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

Harris: “We Want To Make A Difference In This Community,” Especially With Children. In August 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “‘We want to make a difference in this community,’ Harris said. ‘With the children, we feel like we had an opportunity to love them and care for them - and to have some activities for them.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

Apartment Complex Had Been The Site Of The Shooting Of Two Police Officers. In August 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Almost five months ago, it was the scene of a crime - the killing of two police officers - that sent Charlotte into mourning. But on Sunday, the grounds of Timber Ridge apartments rang with church music, the laughter of children, and the ‘ker-plunk!’ of six baptisms by immersion in a tub of ‘good old Charlotte-Mecklenburg water,’ as the Rev. Mark Harris put it. The pastor and about 200 members of his flock at First Baptist - a predominantly white church in uptown Charlotte - had come to the mostly black apartment complex in east Charlotte to celebrate its growing relationship with many of the residents, particularly children.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

2007: Harris Went On A Mission Trip To Santiago, Cuba Where He Built A Retirement Home For Pastors

2007: Harris Went On A Mission Trip To Santiago, Cuba Where He Built A Retirement Home For Pastors. “The senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte recently returned from a missions trip to Santiago, Cuba, where temperatures reached 115-118 degrees. […] Harris, who is fine now, was in Cuba with 10 other members of his flock to build a retirement home for pastors, who don’t get pensions from Cuba’s Communist government. The U.S. Treasury Department gave First Baptist the OK to go to Cuba - off-limits by law to most Americans - to do humanitarian work.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/07]

The U.S. Treasury Department Approved Harris’ Mission Trip To Cuba. “The senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte recently returned from a missions trip to Santiago, Cuba, where temperatures reached 115-118 degrees. […] Harris, who is fine now, was in Cuba with 10 other members of his flock to build a retirement home for pastors, who don’t get pensions from Cuba’s Communist government. The U.S. Treasury Department gave First Baptist the OK to go to Cuba - off-limits by law to most Americans - to

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 51

do humanitarian work.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/07]

Harris Was Hospitalized After His Mission Trip From Food Poisoning He Likely Got From A Restaurant In The Miami Airport. “The senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte recently returned from a missions trip to Santiago, Cuba, where temperatures reached 115-118 degrees. Upon his return, Harris told me, he landed in Presbyterian Hospital. Doctors said it was food poison-ing - from a restaurant at the Miami airport. But all the sweating he’d done in Cuba deprived him of fluids he could have used to fight off the bad grilled chicken Caesar salad. ’Under normal circumstances, they said I should have been able to shake it off,’ reported Harris. ‘But with all the depleted fluids It kind of added insult to injury.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/07]

2007: Ministers From First Baptist Started Bible Study Group For Kids Following Shooting On Apartment Complex.

2007: Ministers From First Baptist Started Bible Study Group For Kids Following Shooting On Apartment Complex. “The church and the children hooked up a few weeks after Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton were gunned down March 31. Ministers from First Baptist came to Timber Ridge to launch a Bible study – ‘the Good News Club’ - that has met every Friday afternoon since.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/13/07]

2005: Harris Officiated A Wedding At The “Star Trek”-Themed Borg Assimilator Roller Coaster At Carowinds

2005: Harris Officiated A Wedding At The “Star Trek”-Themed Borg Assimilator Roller Coaster At Carowinds. “Lori Shepherd and Darrell Daugherty held hands for the first time in October while riding the "Star Trek"-themed Borg Assimilator roller coaster at Paramount’s Carowinds. […] The high-speed plunge into married life was arranged through a WIBT-FM (96.1) radio contest. More than 180 people competed for the free weddings. The prize, which included rings, a gown, tuxedo rental, honeymoon airfare, reception and free park admission for guests, was worth about $3,000 per couple, said station spokeswoman Katherine Edwards. Screams from thrill seekers on nearby coasters punctuated the 10 brides’ processional up to the ride queues where their grooms waited. A Borg (a ‘Star Trek’ villain species), helped Pastor Mark Harris officiate.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/15/05]

Harris Performed The Christmas Story Each Year

Harris Pretended To Be Someone Who Met The Baby Jesus To Tell His Congregation About Christmas. “The best stories are told by someone who was there. For the biblical Christmas story, that could mean a shepherd, a wise man or a parent of Jesus. Each December, the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church of Charlotte steps into the role of someone who actually met the baby Jesus to tell his congregation about Christmas.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris: Performing The Christmas Story Is “A Great Way To Bring The Story Alive.” “‘I think it is a very creative way to engage people,’ Harris said. ‘I think it’s effective in getting the attention of children, and for adults, it’s a great way to bring the story alive to them, to feel like they are hearing somebody who has been given a reprieve from heaven to come back and visit and share the Christmas they remember.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris Got Idea For Christmas Story Performance In Seminary And Wrote Monologues For Six Different Characters. “Harris has been performing the Christmas story for almost two decades. He got the idea when he was in seminary, and he has written 20- to 25-minute monologues for about six different characters from the story of the birth of Jesus.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris “Never Reveals Which Character He Will Be To The Congregation Until He Walks On Stage.” “This will be his fourth annual ‘Christmas Character Story,’ which he calls ‘The Christmas that I Remember...’ at First

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 52

Baptist. Harris said he never reveals which character he will be to the congregation until he walks on the stage.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris “Enjoys The Dramatic Monologues” Of Characters In The Nativity But Said He Tried “Not To Embellish Too Much.” “Harris said he enjoys the dramatic monologues, which are biblically based. For example, when he told the story as a shepherd, he gave the shepherd a name and told the story of the events he saw surrounding Jesus’ birth. ‘I use the basic things that we know (about the characters) and tell the story as best I can,’ Harris said. ‘I try not to embellish too much, but you certainly want to share in an intriguing way what we do know from a biblical standpoint.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris: “Anytime I Have The Opportunity…To Communicate The Love Of Christ And The Truth Of Christ, That’s Just What I Love To Do.” “The characters also give Harris another way to talk about Jesus. ‘Anytime I have the opportunity to use different means to communicate the love of Christ and the truth of Christ, that’s just what I love to do,’ Harris said. ‘This is just another way of doing that.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

Harris: Real Christmas Is “When You Have Your First Personal Encounter With Christ.” “The characters’ descriptions of their first encounter with the child Jesus can remind people in the congregation about the real meaning of Christmas, Harris said. ‘Sometimes we think of Christmas as just a day or a season, but Christmas really is about God with us - Emmanuel - when Christ came to us,’ Harris said. ‘There are a lot of people who can celebrate the holiday who never truly understand that Christmas for you will be when you have your first personal encounter with Christ.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/14/08]

North Carolina Baptist Convention

2011-2013: Harris Was President Of The North Carolina Baptist Convention

2011-2013: Harris Was President Of The North Carolina Baptist Convention. Mark Harris: “I have served in numerous leadership roles in the community. I was honored to be elected President of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, and I served in that role from 2011 to 2013. I was a found-ing member of Vote for Marriage NC where I worked to mobilize churches to vote in support of NC’s marriage amendment in 2012. I served from 1999-2009 as a trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2007. I also served on the Board of Di-rectors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

Harris Served Two Terms As President Of The Baptist State Convention Of North Carolina. “The Baptist State Convention of North Carolina is wrapping up its two-day annual meeting and saying goodbye as its president, the Rev. Mark Harris runs for the U.S. Senate. […] Harris is completing his second one-year term as state president.” [News & Observer, 11/12/13]

2011: Harris Was Elected President Of The NC Baptist State Convention

2011: Harris Was Elected President Of The NC Baptist State Convention. “N.C. Baptists meeting today in Greensboro elected Charlotte pastor Mark Harris to be their new president and endorsed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would reinforce North Caroli-na’s ban on same-sex marriage. Running unopposed, the 45-year-old Harris, who’s senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte, was elected to a one-year term as president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/8/11]

Harris Ran Unopposed For The President Of The NC Baptist State Convention. “A senior pastor at a Charlotte church is the new president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention, whose delegates also have endorsed a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, ran unopposed in Tuesday ‘s election. Harris, 45, had recently served as the group’s first vice president.” [Winston-Salem Journal, 11/9/11]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 53

Harris Represented Around 4,300 Churches And 1.3 Million People As President Of The NC Baptist State Convention. “The Rev. Mark Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, tells The Char-lotte Observer he understand the question is an emotional one. But Harris says he thinks both sides can respectfully argue their cases. Harris was elected to a one-year term last month. The convention represents roughly 4,300 churches and some 1.3 million members in North Carolina.” [News Herald, 12/30/11]

Harris Oversaw A $30 Million Budget. “Harris extended his reach through the Baptist State Convention, an organization with 4,300 churches and a $30 million budget. He was elected president in 2011.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Charlotte Observer On Baptist State Convention Under Harris: “The Convention Continued A Broad Restructuring, Even Eliminating Traditional Campus Ministers.” “Harris extended his reach through the Baptist State Convention, an organization with 4,300 churches and a $30 million budget. He was elected president in 2011. During his tenure the convention continued a broad restructuring, even eliminating traditional campus ministers. But its most far-reaching effort came on the heels of a resolution passed the day Harris was elected: one endorsing a state constitutional amendment to reinforce the state’s ban on same-sex mar-riage.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

2011: Harris Announced He Would Run For President Of The NC Baptist State Convention And Would “Use The Bully Pulpit To Continue That (Conservative) Vision”

2011: Harris Announced He Would Run For President Of The NC Baptist State Convention. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. Southern Baptists make up the largest Protestant denomination in the state, with about 1.4 million members. More than 4,200 N.C. churches are associated with the Baptist State Convention.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Was “Been In The Forefront Of A Push In Recent Years To Move The Convention Further To The Right.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. […] Harris, 45, is now the group’s first vice president and he’s been in the forefront of a push in recent years to move the convention further to the right.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Harris Said He Would “Use The Bully Pulpit To Continue That (Conservative) Vision.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. […] Harris, whose uptown church attracts 1,000 worshippers most Sundays, told the Observer that he would ‘use the bully pulpit to continue that (conservative) vision’ if elected president of the convention.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Harris “Wants To Reinforce The Positive Impact Of Southern Baptists On Culture, Families And Government.” “Harris’ decision to run for the top job also comes at a time when an increasing number of churches are dropping the word ‘Baptist’ from their names in hopes of attracting people who might be turned off by denominational churches. He said he wants to reinforce the positive impact of Southern Baptists on culture, families and government.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Harris Said He Would Push The NC State Convention To More Closely Align Itself With The Southern Baptist Convention. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. […] Harris said he’d also push for the state convention to closely align itself with mission boards and seminaries of the national Southern Baptist Convention, which has also grown more conservative in recent decades.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 54

Harris Ran For First Vice President Of The NC Baptist State Convention, Moving Him “Closer To Running For President”

Harris Ran For First Vice President Of The NC Baptist State Convention. “The nearly $35 million budget proposed for 2010 is an 11.4 percent reduction from this year’s budget, as churches pass on fewer dollars to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina - the state’s largest religious group. […] The Rev. Mark Harris, who pastors 3,400-member First Baptist of Charlotte, is the only announced candidate for first vice president. Harris’ election would move him closer to running for president after Yount steps down. Harris, now second vice president, said his job for the next year or two would be to support Yount. Yonat Shimron and Tim Funk.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/10/09]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Running For First Vice President Of The NC Baptist State Convention Was Moving Him “Closer To Running For President.” “The nearly $35 million budget proposed for 2010 is an 11.4 percent reduction from this year’s budget, as churches pass on fewer dollars to the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina - the state’s largest religious group. […] The Rev. Mark Harris, who pastors 3,400-member First Baptist of Charlotte, is the only announced candidate for first vice president. Harris’ election would move him closer to running for president after Yount steps down. Harris, now second vice president, said his job for the next year or two would be to support Yount. Yonat Shimron and Tim Funk.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/10/09]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Was Chairman Of The Committee That Crafted The Baptist State Convention Policy That Any Churches Affiliated The Group “Must Reject Homosexual Behavior”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 55

Harris Supported The NC Baptist State Convention’s “Conservative Leadership And Direction;” Said It Was Time “To Move … Into Full Ministry That Will Impact The Culture”

2007: Harris Said It Was Time “To Move Beyond Transition And Into Full Ministry That Will Impact The Culture.” “Delegates to the annual meeting of the N.C. Baptist State Convention voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to expel Charlotte’s Myers Park Baptist for welcoming gays and lesbians without trying to change them. The liberal church of 1,970 members became the first to be kicked out under rules passed at last year’s meeting that said any Baptist church that affirmed or endorsed homosexual behavior would be con-sidered ‘not in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.’ […] Tuesday night, the Baptist messengers heard from the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte. A strong supporter of the state convention’s conservative leadership and direction, Harris told The Observer it’s time ‘to move beyond transition and into full ministry that will impact the culture.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

NC Baptist State Convention “Voted Overwhelmingly” To Expel A Church “For Welcoming Gays And Lesbians Without Trying To Change Them.” In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Delegates to the annual meeting of the N.C. Baptist State Convention voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to expel Charlotte’s Myers Park Baptist for welcoming gays and lesbians without trying to change them.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

Six Baptist Churches Quit The Baptist State Convention In Protest Over Harris-Crafted Rule. In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Six other churches out of more 4,000, including three in Charlotte, quit the Baptist State Convention to protest those rules. The six called them a violation of local autonomy. “[Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

Vote To Expel Myers Park Baptist Church “Came After Two Leaders Of The Church Called On The Convention To Open Their Hearts To Homosexuals Who Want To Worship With Them.” In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “The vote to expel Myers Park Baptist came after two leaders of the church called on the convention to open their hearts to homosexuals who want to worship with them and to respect local Baptist churches’ autonomy. ‘Jesus welcomed those considered outcasts and sinners by his culture and religion,’ the Rev. Stephen Shoemaker, senior minister at Myers Park Baptist, said from the podium. ‘We hope we live in his spirit.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

NC Baptist State Convention Board Member: “As Baptists We Are Welcoming To Everyone,” But The Bible Calls On Believers To Turn Away From Sin. In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported:

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 56

“But Allan Blume, head of the Baptist State Convention’s board, told the meeting the Bible calls on believers to turn away from sin, including homosexual behavior, and find new life in Jesus. ‘As Baptists we are welcoming to everyone,’ Blume said. ‘But our convictions on the authority of Scripture call us to obey God.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

NC Baptist State Convention Board Member: Myers Park “Has Chosen To Exclude Itself From Fellowship.” In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Blume suggested that Myers Park Baptist was more interested in seeking publicity for its views than working with the convention. Though the Charlotte church has been a member of the state convention since 1943, Blume said it contributed only $250 to the organization last year and sent no one to the last eight annual meetings of the state convention - including last year, when the bylaw changes regarding homosexuality were debated. Since those changes were approved, Blume said, the state convention had not investigated or acted against any Baptist church - until Myers Park gave them no choice. ‘(Myers Park) has chosen to exclude itself from fellowship,’ said Blume, whose remarks were greeted with applause and a few shouts of ‘Amen.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

2007: Harris: The NC Baptist State Convention Had To Cut Off Ties And Funding For Five Baptist Colleges, Retirement Homes, And Women’s Missionary Union To “Transition” And “Rebuild”

NC Baptist State Convention Cut Off Official Ties And Funding For Five Baptist Colleges That Wanted To Name Their Own Trustees, Baptist Retirement Homes, And Women’s Missionary Union

NC Baptist State Convention Cut Off Funding And Official Ties To Five Baptist Colleges That Wanted To Begin Naming Their Own Trustees. In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Also Tuesday, a majority of the delegates approved the first step in cutting state convention funding and official ties to five N.C. Baptist colleges that want to begin naming their own trustees - including Wingate University in Union County and Gardner-Webb University in Cleveland County. (The others are Campbell University, Mars Hill College and Chowan University.)” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

The North Carolina Baptist State Convention Cut Official Ties And Funding For Baptist Retirement Homes And Women’s Missionary Union. “‘It is painfully obvious that we are in a state of transition as a convention of churches,’ Milton Holli-field, the executive director-treasurer of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, told thou-sands of convention delegates, ‘and we must once again - especially at this time - ask ourselves the hard questions of why we exist in the first place.’ During the annual three-day meeting, the group agreed to let go and cut off funding for its retirement homes, colleges and women’s missionary union. All had said they wanted to distance themselves from the authority of the convention.” [News & Record, 11/18/07]

NC Baptist State Convention Considered Motions To Cut Ties With Baptist Retirement Homes And Woman’s Missionary Union. In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “And today, sparks may fly when the delegates consider motions to disengage from the Baptist Retirement Homes and de-fund the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU), a longtime auxiliary that recently reasserted its autonomy.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

NC Baptist State Convention President Said That Disengaging From Auxiliaries “Will Allow Us To Focus On…Evangelism, Missions And Church Planting.” In November 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported: “The Rev. Stan Welch, the state convention’s president, put a positive spin on what some have called a splintering of the organization representing the state’s largest denomination. Though he insisted the convention will continue to have a hand in higher education and serving the elderly, the disengagements ‘will allow us to focus on things we consider very important (including) evangelism, missions and church planting,’ said Welch, pastor at West Asheville Baptist.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/14/07]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 57

2007: Harris On Cutting Funding For Baptist Organizations: “Move Through The Transition And Decide That We Who Are North Carolina Baptists Are Going To Rebuild This Convention As God Would Lead”

2007: Harris On Cutting Funding For Baptist Organizations: “Move Through The Transition And Decide That We Who Are North Carolina Baptists Are Going To Rebuild This Convention As God Would Lead.” “Perhaps the convention, however, will come out stronger because of its own soul-searching, said Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who gave the convention sermon. ’We are standing at a cross point much like Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem,’ Harris told del-egates. ‘In that day, God moved in the heart of a man named Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. I want to challenge you that it’s time to move through the transition and decide that we who are North Carolina Baptists are going to rebuild this convention as God would lead.’” [News & Record, 11/18/07]

Harris Called On NC Baptists To “Give Up Negativism, Back Biting And Sniping At Each Other”

Harris Called On NC Baptists To “Give Up Negativism, Back Biting And Sniping At Each Other.” Harris - senior pastor of First Baptist in uptown Charlotte - had called on N.C. Baptists to ‘give up negativism, back biting and sniping at each other. God, let it be said that North Carolina Baptists will never be the same.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/24/07]

Harris, “Hoarse And Perspiring,” Asked Members Of NC Baptist State Convention To Come Pray At The Altar At Closing Meeting. “People in the faith community are still talking about two recent sermons by Charlotte pastors:On the final night of the N.C. Baptist State Convention’s meeting in Greensboro, the Rev. Mark Harris, hoarse and perspiring, ended his emotional address with an altar call. Hundreds came forward to kneel and pray, reported Norman Jameson in The Biblical Recorder.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/24/07]

Southern Baptist Convention

2016: Harris Was A Member Of The Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions Committee

2016: Harris Was A Member Of The Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions Committee. “Harris, a member of the 2016 Southern Baptist Convention Resolutions Committee, has not formally announced his candidacy but is ‘looking toward that decision,’ he said.” [BRNow.org, 6/28/17]

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

1999-2009: Harris Was A Trustee Of The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary And Served As Chairman Of The Board Of Trustees From 2005-2007

2005-2007: Harris Served As Chairman Of The Board Of Trustees Of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

2005-2007: Harris Served As Chairman Of The Board Of Trustees Of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark Harris: “I was a found-ing member of Vote for Marriage NC where I worked to mobilize churches to vote in support of NC’s marriage amendment in 2012. I served from 1999-2009 as a trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2007. I also served on the Board of Di-rectors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

1999-2009: Harris Was A Trustee Of The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

1999-2009: Harris Was A Trustee Of The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Mark Harris: “I have

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 58

served in numerous leadership roles in the community. I was honored to be elected President of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, and I served in that role from 2011 to 2013. I was a found-ing member of Vote for Marriage NC where I worked to mobilize churches to vote in support of NC’s marriage amendment in 2012. I served from 1999-2009 as a trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2007. I also served on the Board of Di-rectors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

Harris Was A Trustee At Southeastern Theological Seminary For 10 Years And Chairman Of The Board For Two Years. Mark Harris: “Throughout my time as a pastor I’ve served in leadership roles at the Southern Baptist Convention I served as a trustee at Southeastern Theological Seminary for 10 years and during that time I served as chairman of the board for two years of those 10 years. I served as an officer of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention for five years and the last two of those were as president.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

The Role Of The Board Of Trustees At Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Was “To Establish Policy Concerning The Operation Of The Seminary”

The Role Of The Board Of Trustees At Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Was “To Establish Policy Concerning The Operation Of The Seminary.” “The Board of Trustees consists of 30 members who are elected by the Southern Baptist Convention and are charged with the control and governance of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Inc. The chief function of the board is to establish policy concerning the operation of the seminary and approve the academic programs offered by the school. Not only must the board know and understand the objectives of the Seminary, they must interpret, clarify, and apply that understanding to current conditions of the school as well as help others to understand these policies, programs, and standards. Though meeting formally on the Seminary campus only twice a year, individual members of the board make it a point to become personally involved in Seminary life all year. Working out of their love for the seminary, trustees serve as recruiters, fundraisers, and prayer warriors for the benefit of Southeastern and the Kingdom of God.” [Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, accessed 5/24/18]

The Role Of The Board Of Trustees At Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Was “To Understand The Objectives Of The Seminary... Apply That Understanding To Current Conditions Of The School.” “The Board of Trustees consists of 30 members who are elected by the Southern Baptist Convention and are charged with the control and governance of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Inc. The chief function of the board is to establish policy concerning the operation of the seminary and approve the academic programs offered by the school. Not only must the board know and understand the objectives of the Seminary, they must interpret, clarify, and apply that understanding to current conditions of the school as well as help others to understand these policies, programs, and standards. Though meeting formally on the Seminary campus only twice a year, individual members of the board make it a point to become personally involved in Seminary life all year. Working out of their love for the seminary, trustees serve as recruiters, fundraisers, and prayer warriors for the benefit of Southeastern and the Kingdom of God.” [Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, accessed 5/24/18]

2003-2005: A Student At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Was Allegedly Raped; The President Of The Seminary Persuaded Her Against Telling The Police And Put Her On Probation

2003: A Student At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Was Allegedly Raped, And The President And Other Authorities At The Seminary Encouraged Her Not To Report The Incident To The Police

2003: A Student At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Was Allegedly Raped, And The President And Other Authorities At The Seminary Encouraged Her Not To Report The Incident To The Police. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 59

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time. […] Patterson and other administrators did not report the incident to the police, and she claims that Patterson encouraged her not to, as well, she said. The Post confirmed that a report was never filed with the Wake Forest Police Department.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped Was Pursuing A Master Of Divinity Degree In Women’s Studies. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

HEADLINE: Washington Post: “Southern Baptist Leader Encouraged A Woman Not To Report Alleged Rape To Police And Told Her To Forgive Assailant, She Says.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

2003-2005: The Seminary Placed The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped On Probation

2003-2005: The Seminary Placed The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped On Probation. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time. […] Patterson and other administrators did not report the incident to the police, and she claims that Patterson encouraged her not to, as well, she said. The Post confirmed that a report was never filed with the Wake Forest Police Department. The woman said she was put on probation for two years, but she doesn’t know why, saying it was perhaps because she was with another man alone in her apartment, which was against seminary policy.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

The Dean Of Students At Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Sent A Letter To The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped On Probation. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time. […] The woman shared a letter written to her by Southeastern’s dean of students at the time. In the letter, dated April 9, 2003, Allan Moseley told the woman that she would be put on probation after the incident, with suspension or expulsion as possible next steps if there were subsequent behavior the school deemed inappropriate. ‘It is evident that your memories of moral lapses with [the alleged assailant’s name] cause you sadness and humiliation,’ Moseley said in the letter.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

The Student Was Unsure As To Why She Was Placed On Probation, But She Thought It May Have Been Because She Broke Seminary Rules By Allowing Herself To Be Alone With A Man In Her Apartment. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time. […] Patterson and other administrators did not report the incident to the police, and she claims that Patterson encouraged her not to, as well, she said. The Post confirmed that a report was never filed with the Wake Forest Police Department. The woman said she was put on probation for two years, but she doesn’t know why, saying it was perhaps because she was with another man alone in her apartment, which was against seminary policy.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

2005: The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped Dropped Out Of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

2005: The Student Who Was Allegedly Raped Dropped Out Of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. “The woman said that she was raped in 2003 when she was pursuing a master of divinity degree in women’s studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, N.C., where Paige Patterson was president at the time. […] ‘They shamed the crap out of me, asking me question after question,’ said the woman, who attended the seminary until 2005 before dropping out for reasons she said were unrelated to the alleged incident.” [Washington Post, 5/22/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 60

Curtis Baptist Church

2000-2005: Harris Led Curtis Baptist Church In Augusta, Georgia

2000-2005: Harris Led Curtis Baptist Church In Augusta, Georgia. “Harris comes to First Baptist from 2,500- member Curtis Baptist Church in Augusta, Ga., which he has led since 2000. Before that, he led Center Grove Baptist in Clemmons (near Winston-Salem) for 11 years.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/28/05]

January 2, 1999: Harris Preached His First Sunday Service As Senior Pastor Of Curtis Baptist Church. “The Rev. Mark Harris’ first Sunday as senior pastor of Curtis Baptist Church will be Jan. 2. The Rev. Harris, 33, pastor of Center Grove Baptist Church, Clemmons, N.C., was named 25th pastor for the 5,000-member church Oct. 3.” [Augusta Chronicle, Faith Digest, 10/9/99]

2001: The Head Master Of Curtis Baptist Elementary School Allegedly Shut The Door On The Foot Of A Parent Of A Curtis Baptist Student

2001: The Head Master Of Curtis Baptist Elementary Allegedly Shut The Door On The Foot Of A Parent Of A Curtis Baptist Student And Then “Pushed To Door Harder” When The Parent Told Him As Such. On Aril 24, 2001, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office produced the following report based upon Rodney Glenn Hope’s complaints: “2000-268466 Subject Webb, Frank W/M, 40’s Head Master of Curtis Baptist Elementary School NOD complainant came to 401 Walton Way and stated that on the above date and time the above subject and himself were in the office of the school discussing why his daughter was not allowed to eat with the other children, when the subject asked him to leave. The complainant was leaving, the subject pushed the door shut, the foot of the complainant was in the door, as he told the subject this the subject pushed the door harder, deputy observed swelling to the left foot of the complainant. Complainant stated he did wish to prosecute. Deputy advised the complainant of the warrant procedures. AP.” [Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Detail, case number 2000- 00268466, accessed 6/15/18]

The Complainant Said He Wanted To Press Charges Against The Head Master Of Curtis Baptist Elementary. On Aril 24, 2001, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office produced the following report based upon Rodney Glenn Hope’s complaints: “2000-268466 Subject Webb, Frank W/M, 40’s Head Master of Curtis Baptist Elementary School NOD complainant came to 401 Walton Way and stated that on the above date and time the above subject and himself were in the office of the school discussing why his daughter was not allowed to eat with the other children, when the subject asked him to leave. The complainant was leaving, the subject pushed the door shut, the foot of the complainant was in the door, as he told the subject this the subject pushed the door harder, deputy observed swelling to the left foot of the complainant. Complainant stated he did wish to prosecute. Deputy advised the complainant of the warrant procedures. AP.” [Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Detail, case number 2000-00268466, accessed 6/15/18]

The Complainant Was Rodney Glenn Hope. [Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Detail, case number 2000- 00268466, accessed 6/15/18]

Thomas Frank Webb Was The Subject. [Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Detail, case number 2000- 00268466, accessed 6/15/18; Nexis Comprehensive Persons Report, accessed 6/18/18]

2000: Harris Protested & Prevented A Local Restaurant Owner From Getting A Liquor License From The Augusta Commission, Nearly Ruining Her Business

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 61

2000: Harris Led 100 Curtis Baptist Congregants To Successfully Protest Against A Local Restaurant’s Proposed Liquor License At The Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee Meeting

HEADLINE: Augusta Chronicle: “Church Is Opposed To Liquor License.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Harris Argued That Approving “Another Liquor License Is Sending The Wrong Message” Sent The Wrong Message – Not One Of A Family Friendly Downtown Augusta

Harris: “What A Tragedy It Would Be To See Someone With A Few Too Many Run A Stop-Light And Crash Into A Family.” “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. Although the Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee recommended that the city deny the application, Judy Tyler of Augusta will get a second chance at the full commission meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. […] If the Off Broadway dance hall opens and sells liquor on Sundays, then the area’s safety would be compromised, he said. ‘What a tragedy it would be to see someone with a few too many run a stop-light and crash into a family. We don’t like to think about those things, but we don’t need another liq-uor license this close to our school and church,’Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Harris Said That It Did Not Make Sense To Him That A Bar Would Open Near Two Places, One Being Curtis Baptist, That Ministered To Addicts. “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. Although the Richmond County Commission’s Public Services Committee recommended that the city deny the application, Judy Tyler of Augusta will get a second chance at the full commission meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday. […] It didn’t make sense to him that while Curtis and its neighbor, the Salvation Army on Greene Street, minister to addicts, another bar would open up a block away from the church, he said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

2000: The Owner Of The Restaurant Said That She Would Not Be Able To Afford Running Her Business Without A Liquor License And Said She Believed Curtis Baptist Misunderstood Her Intentions

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 62

fine dining, large meetings, catering and wedding receptions, she said. ‘I can’t pay that type of lease if I can’t serve al-cohol.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Augusta Chronicle: Tyler Intended To Open A “Garden-Themed Restaurant.” “She attributes the church’s opposition to a misunderstanding about the wording of the license applica-tion. While it says ‘dance hall,’ it doesn’t mean ‘honky-tonk,’ she said. Mrs. Tyler, a former member of Curtis Baptist, planned to open Off Broadway Dining and Dance at 1285 Broad St. around mid-October. The site is about a block from the church, 1326 Broad St. That’s far enough away from the church, its day care and elementary school to more than satisfy legal re-quirements, she said. Rather than a honky-tonk, the garden-themed restaurant would be available for fine dining, large meetings, catering and wedding receptions, she said. ‘I can’t pay that type of lease if I can’t serve al-cohol.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Harris Said That His Congregation Did Not Target This Particular Establishment, Asserting That “If Another Applies, We Will Be Down There”

Harris Said That His Congregation Did Not Target This Particular Establishment, Asserting That “If Another Applies, We Will Be Down There.” “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. […] Once a license is granted to run a dance hall or sell liquor on Sundays, then Mrs. Tyler and other pro-prietors can do as they please, said Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist. The church is not singling her out, he said. ‘‘If Sacred Heart (Cultural Center) filed for a liquor license down there tomorrow or if another applies, we will be down there’’ at the commission.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

Harris Said That The Proprietor Of An Establishment That Is Granted A License To Run A Dance Hall Or Sell Liquor On Sundays Can Do As They Please Once They Have Proper Documentation. “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. […] Once a license is granted to run a dance hall or sell liquor on Sundays, then Mrs. Tyler and other pro-prietors can do as they please, said Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

2000: The Augusta Commission Upheld The Votes Against A Proposed Liquor And Dancing License For A Restaurant Near Curtis Baptist And Voted For The Restaurant To Get A License To Sell Beer And Wine

2000: The Augusta Commission Upheld The Votes Against A Proposed Liquor And Dancing License For A Restaurant Near Curtis Baptist And Voted For The Restaurant To Get A License To Sell Beer And Wine. “Upholding two earlier votes, the Augusta Commission voted 6-4 Tuesday to deny Ms. Tyler a liquor license, a beer license, a wine license, a Sunday sales license and a dance hall license. The vote, which brought loud applause from the pro-church crowd, effectively killed Ms. Tyler’s plans to open an upscale restaurant, complete with lounge and dance hall. The commission later voted 6-4 to allow her to sell beer and wine Monday through Saturday. […] Ms. Tyler’s attorney, Bill Williams, said he will talk with his client about a possible lawsuit against the county. He called the county ordinance ‘unconstitutional, vague and ambiguous.’ Several entities near the church, including a convenience store and Sacred Heart Cultural Center, sell alcohol, Mr. Williams said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/18/00]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 63

2000: Augusta Chronicle: “Harris Made Believers Out Of An Augusta Commission Majority Tuesday Afternoon” Convincing The Commission To Deny A Liquor License For A Local Restaurant. “Curtis Baptist Church Pastor Mark Harris made believers out of an Augusta Commission majority Tuesday afternoon. A 6-4 vote by commissioners to deny a liquor, beer and wine license to a new downtown restaurant and dance hall elicited a round of applause and a chorus of amens from a chamber packed with nearly 150 supporters. Commissioners Lee Beard, Henry Brigham, Bill Khulke and Steve Shepard voted unsuccessfully to approve an alcohol license for Judy Tyler, the owner of Off Broadway Dining & Dancing.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/00]

Harris: “Our People Said We Are Not Going To Flee Downtown…We Have Nothing Personal Against Ms. Tyler, But We Made A Commitment That We Were Going To Be Salt And Light To Downtown”

Harris: “Our People Said We Are Not Going To Flee Downtown…We Have Nothing Personal Against Ms. Tyler, But We Made A Commitment That We Were Going To Be Salt And Light To Downtown.” “Curtis Baptist Church Pastor Mark Harris made believers out of an Augusta Commission majority Tuesday afternoon. A 6-4 vote by commissioners to deny a liquor, beer and wine license to a new downtown restaurant and dance hall elicited a round of applause and a chorus of amens from a chamber packed with nearly 150 supporters. […] ‘Our people said we are not going to flee downtown,’ the Rev. Harris told commissioners in a boom-ing voice that all but transformed the commission chambers into a church hall. ‘We have nothing per-sonal against Ms. Tyler, but we made a commitment that we were going to be salt and light to down-town.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/00]

HEADLINE: Augusta Chronicle: “Liquor License Denied Augusta Commission Turns Down Restaurant’s Request After Congregation’s testimony.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/00]

2000: Harris On Protesting A Local Liquor License: “To Say That We Are Not To Be Involved In Government Is To Say, ‘Give Us Your Money As Citizens … Keep Your Convictions”

2000: Harris On Protesting A Local Liquor License: “To Say That We Are Not To Be Involved In Government Is To Say, ‘Give Us Your Money As Citizens … Keep Your Convictions.” “The Rev. Harris said he was disappointed the commission gave Ms. Tyler a beer and wine license. He said there is already plenty of alcohol available downtown. Ms. Tyler’s restaurant, he said, is too close to Curtis Baptist School and its 450 students and to a church that brings hundreds of families to the downtown area every Sunday. ’It’s been said more than once this week that the church should be the conscience of the community, not the governance,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘The church is not a building . . . People make up the church, and to say that we are not to be involved in government is to say, ‘Give us your money as cit-izens with your taxes, give us your business in downtown, but keep your convictions, your beliefs and your opinions to yourself.’ That’s not what America was based on.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/18/00]

2000: The Owner Of The Restaurant Said That Curtis Baptist Church “Have Made Me Out To Be Satan … I Have Another Business Here In Town; If I Didn’t Have That Business . . . I Would Leave”

2000: The Owner Of The Restaurant Said That Curtis Baptist Church “Have Made Me Out To Be Satan … I Have Another Business Here In Town; If I Didn’t Have That Business . . . I Would Leave.” “Upholding two earlier votes, the Augusta Commission voted 6-4 Tuesday to deny Ms. Tyler a liquor license, a beer license, a wine license, a Sunday sales license and a dance hall license. The vote, which brought loud applause from the pro-church crowd, effectively killed Ms. Tyler’s plans to open an upscale restaurant, complete with lounge and dance hall. The commission later voted 6-4 to allow her to sell beer and wine Monday through Saturday. Ms. Tyler, visibly upset with the verdict, said afterward she is disgusted and filled with terrible feelings about Augusta. ’People have made me out to be Satan,’ she said. ‘I have another business here in town; if I didn’t have that business . . . I would leave.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/18/00]

HEADLINE: Augusta Chronicle: “Panel Oks Beer, Wine For Lounge Augusta Commission Votes To

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 64

Ban Liquor From Proposed Downtown Eatery After Protests From Church.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/18/00]

2000: Harris Said That His Church Received Negative Feedback Over The Denial Of A Liquor License, Saying That “We’ve Been Called Self-Righteous, Fanatics, All Kinds Of Things”

2000: Harris Said That His Church Received Negative Feedback Over The Denial Of A Liquor License, Saying That “We’ve Been Called Self-Righteous, Fanatics, All Kinds Of Things.” “Curtis Baptist Church Pastor Mark Harris said feedback to his church office has been similarly abra-sive. ’We’ve been called self- righteous, fanatics, all kinds of things,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘My associate pastor received a letter that started, ‘How can you be so mature and so ignorant at same time?’ and it got worse from there.’ Tuesday’s vote, which permitted Off Broadway Dining and Dancing to sell beer and wine but not liq-uor and also banned dancing, apparently irked people on both sides of the issue.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/19/00]

2001: A Local Superior Court Overturned The Augusta Commission’s Denial Of The Liquor And Dancing License That Harris And His Church Had Fought For

Harris: “Our Action, Of Course, Is Going To Be Through The Power Of Prayer…There Will Be Encouragement In Some Pockets To Appeal, But There Won’t Be Any Action On Our Part.” “Superior Court Judge Albert M. Pickett overturned that decision Monday, ruling the Augusta Commis-sion ‘grossly abused its discretion’ by denying the license applications. […] Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist, said he is disappointed and concerned by the judge’s decision, adding that there is little else church members can do to effect a change. ‘I think our action, of course, is going to be through the power of prayer - that the Lord will intervene in some way,’ Dr. Harris said. ‘I think there will be encouragement in some pockets to appeal, but there won’t be any action on our part.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/14/01]

Harris Said That Curtis Baptist’s Protests Against A Local Restaurant Owner Was “About Respect” And “Helped The City Know That Curtis Is Alive”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 65

2000: Harris On Protesting The Liquor License Of A Local Restaurant: “It’s About Respect…Respect For A Church And Its Ministry That Has Been Here Making A Difference For 125 Years”

Harris: “Curtis Was Described As A ‘Sleeping Giant’. Once Awakened, It Could Shake The Foundations Of The City Of Augusta”

Harris: “Curtis Was Described As A ‘Sleeping Giant’. Once Awakened, It Could Shake The Foundations Of The City Of Augusta.” “In the 1960s and ‘70s, neighborhoods surrounded Curtis Baptist Church and people could still walk to worship, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor. Curtis then ‘was the happening church in the state of Georgia.’ But the population shifted west, and the area surrounding the church transitioned into a more urban environment. The church’s television ministry helped it remain a regional influence, but the congregation no longer felt excitement about the church. Their enthusiasm had ‘plateaued,’ said Dr. Harris, who came to Augusta about five years ago. ’I will never forget one of the things before coming to Curtis. Curtis was described as a ‘sleeping giant’. Once awakened, it could shake the foundations of the city of Augusta,’ he said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/5/05]

2005: Harris Said That Curtis Baptist “Was The Happening Church In The State Of Georgia” During The ‘60s And ‘70s But Congregation Enthusiasm “Plateaued” As The Churchgoing Population Moved West. “In the 1960s and ‘70s, neighborhoods surrounded Curtis Baptist Church and people could still walk to worship, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor. Curtis then ‘was the happening church in the state of Georgia.’ But the population shifted west, and the area surrounding the church transitioned into a more urban environment. The church’s television ministry helped it remain a regional influence, but the congregation no longer felt excitement about the church. Their enthusiasm had ‘plateaued,’ said Dr. Harris, who came to Augusta about five years ago.” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/5/05]

2002: Harris And Congregants Of Curtis Baptist Church Attended An Augusta Commission Meeting And Successfully Protested The Zoning Request Of An Adult Bookstore

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 66

2002: Harris And Congregants Of Curtis Baptist Church Attended An Augusta Commission Meeting And Successfully Protested The Zoning Request Of An Adult Bookstore Trying To Open Up Shop In The City

2002: Harris And Congregants Of Curtis Baptist Church Attended An Augusta Commission Meeting And Successfully Protested The Zoning Request Of An Adult Bookstore Trying To Open Up Shop In The City. “Standing up for their beliefs left standing room only Tuesday when more than 250 people showed up at the municipal building to fight a proposed adult bookstore on Gordon Highway. The sizable crowd at the Augusta Commission meeting, along with arguments from District Attorney Danny Craig and Sheriff Ronnie Strength, led commissioners to vote unanimously against a special zoning request for Augusta Video X-Mart - a move that was met with a standing ovation from the second-floor courtroom gallery. […] After asking rhetorically whether Augusta was a good location for an adult bookstore, the Rev. Harris said: ‘The answer is no,’ with the ‘no’ answered in audience unison. Those who didn’t speak signaled their opposition by wearing bright-green stickers, which were handed out at the door by members of Curtis Baptist.” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/19/02]

Harris Led The Crowd In A Call And Response To Tell Commissioners That Augusta Was Not A Good Location For An Adult Bookstore. “Standing up for their beliefs left standing room only Tuesday when more than 250 people showed up at the municipal building to fight a proposed adult bookstore on Gordon Highway. The sizable crowd at the Augusta Commission meeting, along with arguments from District Attorney Danny Craig and Sheriff Ronnie Strength, led commissioners to vote unanimously against a special zoning request for Augusta Video X-Mart - a move that was met with a standing ovation from the second-floor courtroom gallery. […] ’We are here today because we understand that the decision you are about to make could lead to the destruction of innocent lives,’ the Rev. Mark Harris, the senior pastor of Curtis Baptist Church, told the commissioners. After asking rhetorically whether Augusta was a good location for an adult bookstore, the Rev. Harris said: ‘The answer is no,’ with the ‘no’ answered in audience unison. Those who didn’t speak signaled their opposition by wearing bright-green stickers, which were handed out at the door by members of Curtis Baptist.” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/19/02]

Harris: “We Are Here Today Because We Understand That The Decision You Are About To Make Could Lead To The Destruction Of Innocent Lives.” “Standing up for their beliefs left standing room only Tuesday when more than 250 people showed up at the municipal building to fight a proposed adult bookstore on Gordon Highway. The sizable crowd at the Augusta Commission meeting, along with arguments from District Attorney Danny Craig and Sheriff Ronnie Strength, led commissioners to vote unanimously against a special zoning request for Augusta Video X-Mart - a move that was met with a standing ovation from the second-floor courtroom gallery. […] ‘We are here today because we understand that the decision you are about to make could lead to the destruction of innocent lives,’ the Rev. Mark Harris, the senior pastor of Curtis Baptist Church, told the commissioners.” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/19/02]

2002: Harris Said That Crime In Augusta Was Going To Increase Because Of An Adult Bookstore

2002: Harris Said That Crime In Augusta Was Going To Increase Because Of An Adult Bookstore. “A request for concurrence with the Augusta-Richmond County Planning Commission to approve a petition by Angie Harrygin, on behalf of ASP. Inc., requesting a Special Exception for the purpose of establishing an adult book and video store, per Section 22-2 (b) of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta-Richmond County. […] Mark Harris: ‘We’re here today because we understand that you’re about to make a decision that could very well lead to the degradation of our community. I was absolutely amazed when I did a study of all this material, and my staff and others gathered, or study after study all across this country, that have told us about the increase in crime in areas where these places have gone.’” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

Harris Said That “Sex Crimes Were Committed Six Times More Often” In Cities With Adult Bookstores Like “L.A.,” “Austin, Texas” And “Phoenix, Arizona.” Mark Harris: “You can look at L.A. You can look at Whittier, California. You can look at Islip, New York. You can look at Phoenix, Arizona. You can look at Austin, Texas. All of these are in these reports that I have with me today. And in every case, including Phoenix,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 67

Arizona, sex crimes were committed six times more often in these areas with these adult bookstores and video centers.” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

2002: Harris Argued That Adult Bookstores Created Property Value “Dead Zones” In “Islip, New York,” Whittier, California,” And “Minnesota”

2002: Harris Argued That Adult Bookstores Created Property Value “Dead Zones” In “Islip, New York,” Whittier, California,” And “Minnesota.” Mark Harris: “You and I are here today because we know that you’re about to make a decision that could lead to the degradation of our community. But I also know we’re here because of a decision that could lead to the decline of property values. You expect all of these Christians and these pastors to be here because of the spiritual concern, but we’re here because we’re wise business people who also understand what this does to the property values of our homes, what it will do the property value of our businesses. In Islip, New York, where these places have gone in, have been determined to be dead zones, where economic development can no longer moved forward. High turnover rate of property in Whittier, California. They reported neighborhood deterioration. Statistically significant correlation in Minnesota, they said, to where these adult places have been placed.” [Augusta Commission Regular Meeting Minutes, 6/18/02]

2003: Harris Was The Only Resident To Attend An Augusta Commission Meeting On Increasing The Penalties For Businesses That Sell Alcohol To Minors

2003: Harris Was The Only Resident To Attend An Augusta Commission Meeting On Increasing The Penalties For Businesses That Sell Alcohol To Minors. “Since 1997, the commission has been following an accepted policy of placing a one-year probation on the alcohol licenses of businesses caught selling to minors for the first time. A second offense drew a one-month suspension, and penalties increased from there, ending with license revocation. On Tuesday, the commission voted to strengthen the policy, eliminating a first-chance probation sen-tence in favor of an immediate one-month suspension. […] No business owners were present for the vote, but it did draw support from the Rev. Mark Harris of Curtis Baptist Church, the only resident who attended Tuesday’s meeting to speak on the issue.” [Augusta Chronicle, 7/2/03]

Harris: “We Stand In Support Of This Today Because It Is A Message, Bottom Line, We Feel Like Needs To Be Sent.” “Since 1997, the commission has been following an accepted policy of placing a one-year probation on the alcohol licenses of businesses caught selling to minors for the first time. A second offense drew a one-month suspension, and penalties increased from there, ending with license revocation. On Tuesday, the commission voted to strengthen the policy, eliminating a first-chance probation sen-tence in favor of an immediate one-month suspension. […] No business owners were present for the vote, but it did draw support from the Rev. Mark Harris of Curtis Baptist Church, the only resident who attended Tuesday’s meeting to speak on the issue. ’We stand in support of this today because it is a message, bottom line, we feel like needs to be sent,’ the Rev. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 7/2/03]

2003: Harris Led Members Of Curtis Baptist Church On A “Prayer Walk” Outside Of Planned Parenthood On The Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade Without Getting A Permit In Advance To Do So

2003: Harris Led Members Of Curtis Baptist Church On A “Prayer Walk” Outside Of Planned Parenthood On The Anniversary Of Roe V. Wade Without Getting A Permit In Advance To Do So. “Curtis Baptist Church members recently gathered outside Augusta’s Planned Parenthood offices on Broad Street to pray on the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling. The Rev. Mark Harris said they didn’t get a permit to do so. Because the anniversary fell on a Wednesday - a church night - the congregation didn’t schedule any-thing, he said. ’I just decided it was a great time to do a prayer walk - where you walk around the area and pray,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘I

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 68

wouldn’t call what we were doing a protest. We did it under the information that (we) have used in the past.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 1/31/03]

Harris: “Just Decided It Was A Great Time To Do A Prayer Walk… I Wouldn’t Call What We Were Doing A Protest. We Did It Under The Information That (We) Have Used In The Past.” “Curtis Baptist Church members recently gathered outside Augusta’s Planned Parenthood offices on Broad Street to pray on the 30th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling. The Rev. Mark Harris said they didn’t get a permit to do so. Because the anniversary fell on a Wednesday - a church night - the congregation didn’t schedule any-thing, he said. ’I just decided it was a great time to do a prayer walk - where you walk around the area and pray,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘I wouldn’t call what we were doing a protest. We did it under the information that (we) have used in the past.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 1/31/03]

Augusta City Law Required Protestors To Get Permits From The City To Protest

Augusta City Law Required Protestors To Get Permits From The City To Protest. “The city’s existing protest ordinance has been on the books longer than can be traced, but local leaders are trying to change it - some say - so it will hold up if challenged in court during this year’s Masters Tournament. […] The proposed amendments to the ordinance, which will be considered again Monday by the commis-sion, still require protesters to obtain a permit from the sheriff but insert time elements in the applica-tion process. The changes also provide for a judicial review in the event a permit is denied and then appealed.” [Augusta Chronicle, 1/31/03]

2002-At Least 2004: Curtis Baptist Church Undertook A Roughly $6.5 Million Expansion Of Their Church Incorporating At Least Two Local Properties And Consolidating Its School

2002: Curtis Baptist Church Began A $6 To $7 Million Expansion Of Their Church Incorporating At Least Two Local Properties And Consolidating Its School. “Members of Curtis Baptist Church will move their services under a tent Sunday for the groundbreaking of a proposed expansion, estimated to cost $6 million to $7 million. Completion is expected in 12 to 15 months, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor. […] The Salvation Army Thrift Store property and the former Duke Buick dealership lot eventually will be incorporated into the new complex. Curtis bought the former last spring, and the latter was deeded to the church. With the expansion, Curtis will consolidate its schools.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/02]

The Expansion Of Curtis Baptist Church Was Planned To Take Between 12 And 15 Months. “Members of Curtis Baptist Church will move their services under a tent Sunday for the groundbreaking of a proposed expansion, estimated to cost $6 million to $7 million. Completion is expected in 12 to 15 months, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/02]

Curtis Baptist Church Bought One Of The Properties And Was Deeded The Other. “Members of Curtis Baptist Church will move their services under a tent Sunday for the groundbreaking of a proposed expansion, estimated to cost $6 million to $7 million. Completion is expected in 12 to 15 months, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor. […] The Salvation Army Thrift Store property and the former Duke Buick dealership lot eventually will be incorporated into the new complex. Curtis bought the former last spring, and the latter was deeded to the church.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/02]

The Proposed Expansion Of Curtis Baptist Church Included An Athletic Complex And A 3,000-Square- Foot Welcome Center. “Members of Curtis Baptist Church will move their services under a tent Sunday for the groundbreaking of a proposed expansion, estimated to cost $6 million to $7 million. Completion is expected in 12 to 15 months, said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor. […] The Salvation Army Thrift Store property and the former Duke Buick dealership lot eventually will be incorporated into the new complex. Curtis bought the former last spring, and the latter was deeded to the church. With the expansion, Curtis will consolidate its schools. Most of its 450 pupils are at the main location, 1326 Broad St. Its 106 high schoolers are at the second location at 2230 Broad St. The high school’s gymnasium will remain, but the rest of the buildings at Broad

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 69

Street and Milledge Road will be torn down to make room for an athletic complex, complete with ball fields. One of the main features of the plan is a 3,000-square-foot welcome center, added onto the 1926 sanctuary building. ’It will be a heavily glassed structure,’ Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 10/4/02]

Curtis Baptist Church Developed A $6.5 Million Campus. “There came a point when the congregation had to decide to stay downtown or look for another loca-tion so that it could expand. Curtis members decided to stay and have developed about a $6.5 million campus, which now houses its school program. To Dr. Harris, the heart of the growth is that ‘we have made it a priority to emphasize our soul-winning evangelism,’ he said, rather than ‘being just a big old institution that is just there, treading water.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 2/5/05]

2004: The Curtis Baptist Church Construction Was Not Complete. “Pastor Mark Harris of Curtis Baptist Church on Broad Street isn’t sure either, but believes growing congregations at his church and others are behind the growth. ’I’d like to think it’s about increased attendance and our attempts to reach the population,’ said Mr. Harris, whose church is wrapping up a $6 million addition to build a welcome center, pre-school and music suite. […] Even the Curtis Baptist Church blueprint was rolled out in 2000, the Rev. Harris says, when the con-gregation decided not to move from downtown.” [Augusta Chronicle, 3/5/04]

2005: Augusta Chronicle: Harris Was A Coordinator Of The Great Augusta Harvest Crusade, A Music And Spiritual Evangelistic Crusade

2005: Augusta Chronicle: Harris Was A Coordinator Of The Great Augusta Harvest Crusade, A Music And Spiritual Evangelistic Crusade. “The Rev. Laurie will lead the Greater Augusta Harvest Crusade at 7 p.m. April 17-20 at Augus-ta-Richmond County Civic Center, 601 Seventh St. Artists include high-powered names in Christian music such as MercyMe, Jars of Clay, Crystal Lewis and Jeremy Camp. The sounds of high-quality pop- rock combined with Christian lyrics form a bridge over the cultural gap ‘that I can walk over with the message of the Gospel,’ said the Rev. Laurie, 52, who started lead-ing large-scale crusades about 15 years ago. […] The event will be the first multinight evangelistic crusade in the Augusta area in about 20 years, ac-cording to the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Curtis Baptist Church and a coordinator. He and other or-ganizers are bracing for an overflow crowd with Jumbotron screens and chairs set up outside the civic center. Though the California ministry is equipped to reach stadium-size crowds, ‘they want to touch commu-nities where they can make a difference,’ Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 4/9/05]

2000: Curtis Baptist Church Voted To Stay In Their Downtown Location After They Considered Moving

2000: Curtis Baptist Church Voted To Stay In Their Downtown Location After They Considered Moving. “A crowd of some 100 Curtis Baptist supporters went home happy Monday after stopping a proposed downtown restaurant’s liquor license - at least for now. […] The nearly 125-year-old congregation expanded its Sunday services in March to accommodate a surge in membership since Dr. Harris took over the pulpit about nine months ago. The 2,000-member church is open virtually night and day. During the summer, the growing congregation considered moving but voted in August to stay down-town.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/30/00]

2000: Attendance At Services At Curtis Baptist Church Increased From Around 500 Attendees To 800-900 Attendees Under Harris’ Leadership

2000: Attendance At Services At Curtis Baptist Church Increased From Around 500 Attendees To 800-900 Attendees Under Harris’ Leadership. “Finding a seat at Curtis Baptist Church will get a little easier this morning. The church will add a second service at 8:15 a.m. today to relieve the pressure from a surge in attendance. The 10:45 a.m. service averaged about 500 in early January, when the church’s new pastor, the Rev. Dr. Mark Harris, 33, took over the pulpit. Two months later, attendance has jumped to 800-900.” [Augusta Chronicle, 3/12/00]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 70

2000: Curtis Baptist Had 2,190 Members. “Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of the 2,190-member church, will preach during the service, and Betty Cherry, a member of Armitage Baptist Church in Chicago, will give her testimony.” [Augusta Chronicle, 11/21/00]

Curtis Baptist Church Added A Second Sunday Morning Service. “Finding a seat at Curtis Baptist Church will get a little easier this morning. The church will add a second service at 8:15 a.m. today to relieve the pressure from a surge in attend-ance. […] The congregation waited about 18 months before hiring Dr. Harris. Its former pastor, Dr. John C. Bryan, accepted a position with the Southern Baptist Convention as a ministry resource consultant based in Augusta.” [Augusta Chronicle, 3/12/00]

2000: Augusta Chronicle: “Harris Has Reorganized The Staff With A Vision Of Making Curtis A More Prominent Church”

2000: Augusta Chronicle: “Harris Has Reorganized The Staff With A Vision Of Making Curtis A More Prominent Church.” “Finding a seat at Curtis Baptist Church will get a little easier this morning. The church will add a second service at 8:15 a.m. today to relieve the pressure from a surge in attend-ance. […] The congregation waited about 18 months before hiring Dr. Harris. Its former pastor, Dr. John C. Bryan, accepted a position with the Southern Baptist Convention as a ministry resource consultant based in Augusta. But since leaving the pulpit at Center Grove Baptist Church in Clemmons, N.C., and coming to Au-gusta, Dr. Harris has reorganized the staff with a vision of making Curtis a more prominent church.” [Augusta Chronicle, 3/12/00]

Harris: “The Folks Have Really Got A Mind To Work. They Have A Desire For Curtis To Be The Great Church It Has Been In Its History.” “Finding a seat at Curtis Baptist Church will get a little easier this morning. The church will add a second service at 8:15 a.m. today to relieve the pressure from a surge in attendance […] When Curtis’s 1,500-seat sanctuary was built in 1926, it was the largest worship center in Augusta. The Georgia Baptist Convention met there several times. The congregation had been a flagship for the Southern Baptist Convention, leading the state in baptisms for a period, Dr. Harris said. ’’The folks have really got a mind to work. They have a desire for Curtis to be the great church it has been in its history,’’ Dr. Harris said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 3/12/00]

Harris Started A Program To Provide Free Thanksgiving Dinners To Those In Need At His Church In Augusta, Georgia

Harris Started A Program To Provide Free Thanksgiving Dinners To Those In Need At His Church In Augusta, Georgia. “First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte is hoping to start an annual tradition on Tuesday, when it will give away the equivalent of 5,000 Thanksgiving dinners. The church has been spreading the news about the ‘Feeding of the 5,000’ - an allusion to Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fishes - in fliers dropped off, door to door, in some low-income neighborhoods and at agencies that serve the needy […] The idea for providing Thanksgiving meals came from senior pastor Mark Harris, who launched a similar tradition at his previous church in Augusta, Ga.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/22/08]

2000: Harris And Curtis Baptist Organized A “Feeding Of The 5000” Outreach Program Where They Distributed Thanksgiving Dinner To Those In Need. “For attending an evangelistic service at Curtis Baptist today, some people will take home a gift ham and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving dinner for five. […] Dr. Mark Harris, pastor of the 2,190-member church, will preach during the service, and Betty Cherry, a member of Armitage Baptist Church in Chicago, will give her testimony. Afterward, needy people will take home a bag with enough to feed a family of five. Each holds cans of ham, green beans and yams, a bag of cookies and money to buy bread or rolls. The idea for the outreach, called ‘Feeding of the 5,000,’ was based on the story of Christ’s miracu-lous feeding of 5,000 as told in the book of Mark, but the logistics took shape in Dr. Harris’ heart, the Rev. Lowry said.” [Augusta Chronicle, 11/21/00]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 71

Center Grove Baptist Church

1989-1999: Harris Was A Pastor At Center Grove Baptist Church Near Clemmons

1989: Harris Became The Pastor At Center Grove Baptist Church Near Clemmons. “Center Grove Baptist Church near Clemmons will unveil a book about its history May 2 to celebrate its 90th anniversary. […] Mark Harris, who became the congregation’s pastor in 1989, was a catalyst in that growth. Harris, who had just completed a seminary, helped create a surge in membership with his ‘charismatic per-sonality’ throughout his 11- year tenure, Dickerson said.” [Winston-Salem Journal, 4/29/04]

1999: Harris Left Center Grove Baptist Church. “So Harris continued to work as a youth minister, got married in June 1987, and that December was hired by Center Grove Baptist, a small church in Clemmons near Winston-Salem. […] By 1999, when the Harrises left for an Augusta, Ga., church with their three young children, Center Grove’s Sunday school attendance was up to 700. And about 900 congregants attended his sermons in a new $6 million church, built on 38 acres Center Grove had bought near the old sanctuary, Harris said.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Harris Moved Center Grove To A New $6 Million Building On 38 Acres The Church Had Bought Near Their Old Sanctuary & Their Sunday School Grew From 50 To 800 Students

Harris Moved Center Grove To A New $6 Million Building On 38 Acres The Church Had Bought Near Their Old Sanctuary. “When he took over, 50 members regularly attended Sunday school classes; 60 members took in Harris’ sermons, he said. By 1999, when the Harrises left for an Augusta, Ga., church with their three young children, Center Grove’s Sunday school attendance was up to 700. And about 900 congregants attended his sermons in a new $6 million church, built on 38 acres Center Grove had bought near the old sanctuary, Harris said.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

The Sunday School At Center Grove Baptist Church Grew From 50 To 800 Students While Harris Worked As The Pastor There. “In 1989, he was called to pastor his first church, in nearby Clemmons. When he arrived at Center Grove Baptist, Sunday School membership stood at 50. By the time he left 11 years later, it had grown to 800.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

1994: A Married Couple Who Attended Center Grove Baptist Church Sued Center Grove And Harris For Damages, Alleging That Harris Slandered The Husband By Saying He Had Affairs

1994: A Married Couple Who Attended Center Grove Baptist Church Sued Center Grove Baptist Church And Harris For Damages, Alleging That Harris Slandered The Husband By Saying He Had Affairs. [State of North Carolina Civil Docket lawsuit, filed in Forsyth County, 8/29/94]

Harris And Other Denied That He Said That The Husband Had Affairs. [State of North Carolina Civil Docket lawsuit, filed in Forsyth County, 8/29/94]

Edgewood Baptist Church

1987: Harris Became The Full-Time Youth Minister At Edgewood Baptist Church In Winston- Salem

1987: Harris Became The Full-Time Youth Minister At Edgewood Baptist Church In Winston-Salem. “A regular churchgoer growing up, Harris majored in political science at Appalachian State University and had

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 72

planned to go on to law school in the fall of 1987. But the summer before, he was called to be the full-time youth minister at Edgewood Baptist Church in Winston-Salem.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/9/11]

NC Values Coalition

2016: Harris Was A Board Member Of The NC Values Coalition

Harris Was A Board Member Of The NC Values Coalition. “Name: Mark Harris […] Community involvement: Charlotte Pregnancy Resource Center, With Open Eyes Foundation, Inter-national Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention, Former Chairman of Board of Trustees for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Board Member for NC Values Coalition, Urban Ministries-Room in the Inn, Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance, Member of the Advisory Board of NC Network of Pregnancy Resource Centers, NC Baptist Children ‘s Homes and Historic Rosedale Foundation.” [Enquirer-Journal, 6/1/16]

Don’t Do It Charlotte

NOTE: For more information on Don’t Do It Charlotte’s work, please refer to the LGBT Issues chapter.

Harris Was A Leader Of Don’t Do It Charlotte, A Group That Lobbied The Charlotte City Council To Reject The Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Harris Was A Leader Of Don’t Do It Charlotte, A Group That Lobbied The Charlotte City Council To Reject The Non-Discrimination Ordinance. “Harris supported House Bill 2, the controversial state law passed March 23 that limits transgender people’s restroom access and rewrites North Carolina’s nondiscrimination policies. He was a leader of the citizens’ group Don’t Do It Charlotte, which lobbied the city council against passing an ordinance allowing transgender individuals to use the restrooms matching their gender iden-tity. […] Harris said the Charlotte council overstepped its legal authority and Mayor Jennifer Roberts picked a fight with the N.C. General Assembly after being warned that passing the ordinance would prompt legislative action.” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

Vote For Marriage NC

Harris Was A Founding Member & Chief Spokesperson For Vote For Marriage NC

Harris Was A Founding Member Of Vote For Marriage NC. Mark Harris: “I have served in numerous leadership roles in the community. I was honored to be elected President of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, and I served in that role from 2011 to 2013. I was a found-ing member of Vote for Marriage NC where I worked to mobilize churches to vote in support of NC’s marriage amendment in 2012. I served from 1999-2009 as a trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2007. I also served on the Board of Di-rectors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

2014: Associated Press: Harris Was “A Chief Spokesman For A Group That Worked Successfully To Get The 2012 Constitutional Amendment Passed Banning Gay Marriage.” “By receiving endorsements from National Right to Life and the National Rifle Association, Tillis was able to advertise credentials seen as favorable by potential supporters of Harris and Brannon. Harris is the former president of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention and was a chief spokesman for a group that worked successfully to get the 2012 constitutional amendment passed banning gay mar-riage.” [Associated Press, 5/7/14]

NC Network Of Pregnancy Resource Centers

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 73

Harris Was A Member Of The Advisory Board Of NC Network Of Pregnancy Resource Centers

Harris Was A Member Of The Advisory Board Of NC Network Of Pregnancy Resource Centers. “Name: Mark Harris […] Community involvement: Charlotte Pregnancy Resource Center, With Open Eyes Foundation, Inter-national Mission Board of Southern Baptist Convention, Former Chairman of Board of Trustees for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Board Member for NC Values Coalition, Urban Ministries-Room in the Inn, Ratio Christi Campus Apologetics Alliance, Member of the Advisory Board of NC Network of Pregnancy Resource Centers, NC Baptist Children ‘s Homes and Historic Rosedale Foundation.” [Enquirer-Journal, 6/1/16]

Heritage Foundation

Harris Worked With The Heritage Foundation To Campaign For Passage Of An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage

Harris Worked With The Heritage Foundation To Campaign For Passage Of An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage. “North Carolina is the last Southern state to consider a marriage amendment. Supporters say it adds weight to the state’s existing gay-marriage ban and would protect traditional unions from courts and advocacy groups. […] Harris, president of the State Baptist Convention, is crossing the state urging congregations to rally behind the amendment. Sunday, he had help. Perkins appeared as part of First Baptist’s ‘Marriage and Family Sunday.’ The ‘Values Bus,’ sponsored by the Family Research Council and the Heritage Foundation, another conservative group, was parked in front of the uptown church.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

Biblical Recorder

2006-2010: Harris Served On The Board Of Directors For The Biblical Recorder

2006-2010: Harris Served On The Board Of Directors For The Biblical Recorder. Mark Harris: “I have served in numerous leadership roles in the community. I was honored to be elected President of the North Carolina Baptist Convention, and I served in that role from 2011 to 2013. I was a found-ing member of Vote for Marriage NC where I worked to mobilize churches to vote in support of NC’s marriage amendment in 2012. I served from 1999-2009 as a trustee of Southeastern Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary, serving as Chairman of the Board from 2005-2007. I also served on the Board of Di-rectors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

NC Pastor’s Conference

2008: Harris Served As The President Of The NC Pastor’s Conference

2008: Harris Served As The President Of The NC Pastor’s Conference. “Most recently, Dr. Harris served as President of the NC Pastor’s Conference in 2008, Board of Directors for the Biblical Recorder from 2006-2010, First Vice President of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention 2010-2011, and is currently serving his second term as the President of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention.” [FBIcard.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 74

Political Career & Activity

This section provides an overview of Harris’ political career, from 2013 to 2018.

Significant Findings

 In 2018, Harris said that he favored Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan for Speaker of the House.

 In 2016, Harris lost his primary race to Rep. Pittenger. Harris called for a recount, and the State Board of Elections conducted machine recounts that ultimately did not change the outcome of the primary election.

Staff

2014: Harris’ Senate Finance Committee: “U.S. Senate candidate Mark Harris has expanded his campaign efforts to include a finance commit-tee of 17 people from across North Carolina. Mike Rusher, Harris’ campaign manager, said the committee members, who have varying levels of personal political experience, were chosen for their heavy involvement in the GOP campaign. […] Members from other parts of the state include Trent Woods Mayor Chuck Tyson; Oak Island Mayor Pro Tem Jim Medlin; Rev. Michael Whitson, pastor of First Baptist Church in Indian Trail; and former state senator Jim Jacumin of Catawba County. The full list from the campaign also features: Mitch Young, John Vogler, John Miller, Rose Crafton, Jack Fallaw, John Hipp, George Edmiston, Dr. Keith Sellers and John Ray.” [News & Observer, 2/4/14]

Speakership

2018: Harris Said That He Favored Rep. Jim Jordan For Speaker

2018: Harris Said That He Favored Rep. Jim Jordan For Speaker. “The candidates also were asked who they’d support for speaker to replace outgoing Paul Ryan. Pittenger mentioned the current mainstream GOP leaders, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Whip Steve Scalise and Deputy Whip Patrick McHenry of North Carolina. Harris said he’d favor Jim Jor-dan, co-founder of the conservative Freedom Caucus.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/19/18]

Campaigns

Election History

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 75

Heather Grant 4.70% Jim Snyder 1.93% Ted Alexander 1.89% Alex Lee Bradshaw 0.72% Edward Kryn 0.38% [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/5/18]

2018 U.S. House Race

Harris Finished His Primary Race With $71,000 Cash On Hand Heading Into The General Election

2018: Harris Finished His Primary Race With $71,000 Cash On Hand Heading Into The General Election. “Despite edging the three-term incumbent, Harris faces a vast financial disadvantage to start the gen-eral election campaign. Democratic nominee Dan McCready, a young Iraq War veteran, solar energy company founder and Harvard Business School graduate, reported $1.2 million in his campaign cof-fers three weeks before his easy primary victory Tuesday. Harris, meanwhile, had just $71,000 in cash while battling Pittenger down to the wire.” [Associated Press, 5/9/18]

Speaker Ryan Called Harris The Day After His Primary Win To Assure Him That He Would Get Campaign Money Heading Into His General Election For The 9th Congressional District

2018: Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan Called Harris The Day After His Primary Win To Assure Him That He Would Get Campaign Money Heading Into His General Election For The 9th Congressional District. “Pittenger became the first congressional incumbent to lose this year when the Rev. Mark Harris nar-rowly defeated him Tuesday in a rematch of their 2016 race in the state’s south-central 9th District. […] But Harris said in an interview that he received calls Wednesday from top House Republicans on Capitol Hill, including outgoing Speaker Paul Ryan, assuring him there will be support. ’We recognize that we’ve got a major (fundraising) gap that we’ve got to close, and today’s Day 1 of that,’ he said.” [Associated Press, 5/9/18]

Pittenger On His Loss To Harris: “We Were Blindsided With These Baseless Attacks And Clearly Did Not Respond In An Adequate Manner”

2018: Pittenger On His Loss To Harris: “We Were Blindsided With These Baseless Attacks And Clearly Did Not Respond In An Adequate Manner.” “‘Mark Harris was successful in convincing enough voters that I supported Planned Parenthood,’ Pit-tenger wrote. ‘He even stated that I opposed border funding, supported sanctuary cities and amnesty, all fabricated and nonsense, as I am a sponsor of legislation to the contrary. We were blindsided with these baseless attacks and clearly did not respond in an adequate manner.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/9/18]

Harris Won His Primary By Beating His Primary Opponents In Union And Bladen Counties

2018: Harris Won His Primary By Beating His Primary Opponents In Union And Bladen Counties. “With nearly 95 percent of the precincts counted, Harris had 48.5 percent to Pittenger’s 46.2 percent. A third candidate, Clarence Goins of Cumberland County, had 5.3 percent. Harris enjoyed leads in Union and Bladen counties that had offset Pittenger’s lead in Mecklenburg.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/8/18]

Harris Complained That American “Culture Seems To Become More And More Infected With A Liberal Point Of View”

2017: Harris: “There Continues To Be A Tremendous Need [In Politics] For Voices …That Recognize…The Culture Seems To Become More And More Infected With A Liberal Point Of View.” “‘There continues to be a

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 76

tremendous need [in politics] for voices that are going to stand on righteousness, that recognize where we are moving as a nation,’ Harris said, noting ‘the culture seems to become more and more infected with a liberal point of view.’ If Harris becomes a candidate in the Republican primary for North Carolina’s 9th U.S. Congressional District, it would be his second run for the seat. He lost to incumbent Robert Pittenger last year by 133 votes out of approximately 26,000 cast in the GOP primary.” [BRNow.org, 6/28/17]

The Family Research Council’s PAC Endorsed Harris

2018: The Family Research Council’s PAC Endorsed Harris. “Both Harris and Pittenger received endorsements from the influential Family Research Council’s PAC. Harris is a former Baptist State Convention president also endorsed by a fellow pastor, former presi-dential candidate Mike Huckabee.” [Associated Press, 5/4/18]

The Charlotte Observer Endorsed Harris In The Primary

2018: The Charlotte Observer Endorsed Harris In The Primary. “Here’s how we see the primaries for this seat. […] Though we don’t agree with Harris on most issues, we find the long-time senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Charlotte to be a straight-shooter. He is the strongest candidate to represent Republicans in this race.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/20/18]

September 2017: Harris Resigned As Senior Pastor Of First Baptist To Consider Running For Congress Again

September 2017: Harris Resignation From First Baptist Church Became Effective. “Harris, whose recent resignation as senior pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church becomes effec-tive at the end of September, is no stranger to North Carolina’s political scene.” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

2017: Harris Resigned As Senior Pastor Of First Baptist To Consider Running For Congress Again. “The Rev. Mark Harris has decided to resign as senior pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church as he weighs another run for Congress. On Sunday, Harris told the congregation he’s led for 12 years that he’d be leaving the church ‘in the near future ... as I continue to look at undertaking a campaign’ for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/11/17]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “First Baptist’s Mark Harris To Step Aside As He Considers Another Bid For Congress.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/11/17]

August 2017: Harris Announced His Campaign For The 9th Congressional District

August 2017: Harris Announced His Campaign For The 9th Congressional District. “A longtime North Carolina Baptist minister is running again for a congressional seat in a district where he almost upset the incumbent last year. The Rev. Mark Harris announced plans to seek the 9th Congressional District Republican nomination again in 2018. Harris is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, although he recently said he’ll leave that job.” [Associated Press, 8/1/17]

HEADLINE: Associated Press: “Near-Miss Candidate Harris Running For Congress Again.” [Associated Press, 8/1/17]

2016 U.S. House Race

Harris Said That He Called And Congratulated Pittenger On Winning Their Primary Race

2016: Harris Said That He Called And Congratulated Pittenger On Winning Their Primary Race. “Harris,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 77

pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, said in an email that he spoke to Pittenger to con-gratulate him on his win. Under state law, Harris had the right to a recount because he was behind by less than 1 percent of votes cast. ’It’s no secret that this was a hard-fought campaign, but I hope for his success in November,’ Harris wrote to his supporters.” [Associated Press, 6/20/16]

Harris Called For A Recount, And The State Board Of Elections Conducted Machine Recounts That Ultimately Did Not Change The Outcome Of The Primary Election

2016: Pittenger Still Won His Primary After The Recount. “Republican U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger prevailed Monday in his tight congressional primary after a re-count confirmed his razor-thin victory. Machine recounts were finished around noon in the counties that make up the 9th District, and the to-tals changed by less than a handful of votes, according to a table of results provided by the State Board of Elections. Pittenger edged challenger Mark Harris by about 130 votes out of the 26,000 ballots cast in the three-way primary.” [Associated Press, 6/20/16]

2016: Harris Said He Would Not Concede To Pittenger And Would Call For A Recount On Election Night. “U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger won a razor-thin victory Tuesday night in the race for the Republican nom-ination in North Carolina’s 9th congressional race. […] The margin was victory was a mere 142 votes, and under state law, Harris would be entitled to a re-count. On Tuesday night, Harris told supporters he would not concede. ’We intend to walk through that process until we know every citizen had an opportunity to have their vote heard,’ he said. Harris campaign manager Mark Knoop said the candidate would call for a recount.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/7/16]

2016: Harris Formally Requested A Recount Of Ballots Cast In His Race Against Pittenger. “In a letter delivered Wednesday to the N.C. Board of Elections, Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris formally requested a recount in the primary election to become the GOP nominee in North Carolina’s 9th District. Harris, a Charlotte pastor, trailed U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger, the incumbent, by less than 1 percent in the unofficial vote totals reported on Election Day last week.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/15/16]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Mark Harris Formally Requests Recount, Trails By 135 Votes In House Race.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/15/16]

2016: Harris Lost His Primary By A Narrow Margin. “U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger won a razor-thin victory Tuesday night in the race for the Republican nom-ination in North Carolina’s 9th congressional race. According to final but unofficial results, Pittenger received 34.96 percent of the vote, slightly ahead of the Rev. Mark Harris, who had 34.42 percent.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/7/16]

Pittenger Outspent Harris In Their Congressional Race

2016: Pittenger Outspent Harris In Their Congressional Race. “The 9th District that U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger has represented since 2013 is no longer largely in af-fluent, suburban Charlotte. It now stretches from southeast Mecklenburg east toward poorer counties along the South Carolina border, then north toward Fayetteville. […] Pittenger has outspent Harris so far.” [Associated Press, 6/4/16]

Pittenger Accused Harris Of Supporting Amnesty For Undocumented Immigrants And Opposing Funding For The Military

2016: Pittenger Accused Harris Of Supporting Amnesty For Undocumented Immigrants And Opposing Funding For The Military. “Pittenger’s new ad, appearing on cable TV stations in Charlotte and Fayetteville, accuses Harris of making ‘false attacks’ on the congressman. The attacks, the ad alleges, ‘are to hide Harris’ record’ of support for amnesty for immigrants here illegally and opposition to ‘new funding for our troops.’ The ad pairs black-and-white photos of Harris and Democratic President Barack Obama. […] Pittenger’s campaign bases its

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 78

charge that Harris supports amnesty on a 2011 resolution before the Southern Baptist Convention that called for secured borders first and then ‘a just and compassionate path to legal status, with appropriate restitutionary measures, for those undocumented immigrants al-ready living in our country.’ The allegation that Harris was against new funds for troops is based on Harris’ opposition to an omnibus budget bill that included $600 billion for the Pentagon.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/23/16]

2016: Charlotte Observer: Pittenger Accused Harris “Of Being A Closet Liberal Who Is Lying About Pittenger’s Record” In TV Ads. “Hoping to raise character questions about U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger, the Rev. Mark Harris refers for the first time in a new digital ad campaign to an ongoing FBI investigation of the congressman’s former real estate company. Pittenger, meanwhile, accuses Harris in a new TV ad of being a closet liberal who is lying about Pit-tenger’s record in Washington. The back-and-forth attacks come with just two weeks to go before voters in North Carolina’s 9th Con-gressional District decide who will get the Republican nomination for the seat now held by Pittenger.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/23/16]

Harris Released Advertisements That Criticized Republicans And Pittenger For Compromising With Democrats

March 2016: Harris Filed To Run For North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District

March 2016: Harris Filed To Run For North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. “Mark Harris, the Charlotte pastor who helped lead the fight to ban same-sex marriage in North Caro-lina, filed on Friday to run in

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 79

the June 7 Republican primary to represent the newly drawn 9th Con-gressional District. Harris is senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte. ‘I’m committed to advancing the conservative principles that are representative of hard-working families in the 9th district,’ he said.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/25/16]

2016: Harris: “There Needs To Be A New Voice For A New Day In Washington, D.C.” “The First Baptist Church of Charlotte’s senior pastor, Harris delivered a combined sermon and stump speech, sharing lessons on leadership from the book of Nehemiah. ‘I believe we need leaders in our day who demonstrate character and who are consistent in who they are and what they do,’ Harris said. ‘There needs to be a new voice for a new day in Washington, D.C.’” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

2016: Harris Said That He Would Be A “New Voice” In Washington If Elected In The 9th Congressional District. “The Rev. Mark Harris told supporters at rallies in Matthews and Monroe on Thursday that he’d be a much-needed ‘new voice’ of character and consistent conservatism in Washington if elected to repre-sent North Carolina’s newly redrawn 9th Congressional District.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/21/16]

2014 U.S. Senate Race

Harris Endorsed Tillis On Election Night, Calling For Party Unity And Intended To Join One Of His Primary Opponents And Tillis’s Wife To Open A Republican Campaign Office In Winston-Salem

2014: Harris Intended To Join One Of His Primary Opponents And Tillis’s Wife To Open A Republican Campaign Office In Winston-Salem. “Two former rivals are coming to the aid of Republican Thom Tillis. Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor, and Heather Grant, a Wilkesboro nurse, will join Tillis’ wife Susan on Saturday to open a GOP office in Winston-Salem Harris finished third and Grant a distant fourth in the Republican primary against Tillis. Harris’ involvement is particularly interesting. In the primary campaign, he called Tillis unelectable in November and compared him to John McCain. ‘There are two individuals on this platform tonight that carry with them baggage that I believe Kay Hagan will use to rip them apart,’ Harris said in the final debate.” [News & Observer, 5/30/14]

2014: Harris Endorsed Tillis On Election Night. “Harris endorsed Tillis on primary election night, saying the GOP needed to unite behind the party’s nominee.” [News & Observer, 5/30/14]

2014: Harris Joined Several Of His Other Primary Candidates To Call For Unified Support Of Tillis At The North Carolina Republican Convention. “In a conspicuous show of unity, four former rivals joined Republican U.S. Senate candidate Thom Tillis on stage at Saturday’s Republican state convention. […] The four former Senate candidates - Mark Harris, Heather Grant, Jim Snyder and Ted Alexander - each wore red Tillis stickers as they joined on stage in effusive praise of the candidate.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/7/14]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “GOP’s Mark Harris, Heather Grant, Jim Snyder, Ted Alexander Seek Unity Behind Thom Tillis.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/7/14]

Harris Came In Third Place In His Primary Race

2014: Harris Lost The Primary Election, Coming In Third. “With 97 percent of the precincts reporting, Tillis, who lives in Huntersville, received 45.67 percent of the vote. He needed 40 percent to avoid a July 15 runoff that would have forced him to spend pre-cious time and money that he’ll now get to spend trying to unseat Hagan. Dr. Greg Brannon of Cary, whose campaign was propelled by the tea party, finished second with 27.10 percent. And the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and a champion of socially conservative issues, was third at 17.63 percent.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 80

Harris’ Campaign Changed Language On Their Website After Politico Reported That It Was Copied From Another Conservative U.S. Senate Candidate’s Website

Another Republican U.S. Senate Candidate Plagiarized Parts Of His Campaign Website. “Harris’ campaign is not the only one in the North Carolina Senate race to face questions about plagia-rism. Rival Greg Brannon amended his campaign website multiple times ( here and here ) to fix pas-sages that appeared to be lifted from Sen. Rand Paul and other lawmakers.” [News & Observer, 4/24/14]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Harris Campaign Amends Website After Report About Copied Passages.” [News & Observer, 4/24/14]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Senate Hopeful Mark Harris Revises Website After Plagiarism Allegations.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/26/14]

Harris Said That He Had Business Credentials Because He Led Churches With Million-Dollar Budgets

2014: Associated Press: “Harris Said He’s Got Business Credentials Because He’s Led Churches With Multimillion-Dollar Budgets.” “The Rev. Mark Harris says he’s the only one in the U.S. Senate Republican primary field that can unite the three streams of the GOP in North Carolina and ultimately put Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan on the political ropes heading to November. […] Harris said he’s got business credentials because he’s led churches with multimillion-dollar budgets He also said he’d prefer tea party favorite Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas to become the next majority leader should Republicans control the U.S. Senate.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Harris Emphasized That He Was The Anti-Establishment, Socially Conservative Candidate

2014: Harris: “I Do Think That There’s A Sense That We’re Running Against …The Big-Money Machine That Feels It Can Buy Its Way Into Office.” “After rallying volunteers in Raleigh and Winston-Salem, Harris made his own voter calls at his Char-lotte office. A former president of the Baptist State Convention, Harris hopes

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 81

to galvanize social conservatives. ’I do think that there’s a sense that we’re running against the machine,’ Harris said. ‘Whether you call it establishment or not, just the big-money machine that feels it can buy its way into office. We have an opportunity to elect someone who can truly go and represent the people of North Carolina without any strings attached.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/5/14]

2014: Harris Received Only One PAC Contribution. “The seat is held by Sen. Kay Hagan. Ted Alexander, Alex Lee Bradshaw, Greg Brannon, Heather Grant, Mark Harris, Edward Kryn, Jim Snyder and Thom Tillis are in the Republican primary. Democrats Ernest T. Reeves and Will Stewart join Hagan in the Democratic race. […] Harris’ sole PAC contribution this quarter ($2,000) came from Huck PAC, controlled by former Ar-kansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.” [News & Record, 4/28/14]

2014: Harris On His U.S. Senate Race: “I Was Hearing In Peoples’ Voices All Across North Carolina …Their Concern For The Eroding Values That They Were Seeing In The Culture Every Day.” Mark Harris: “It was during that time that I realized that there was just a real vacuum of leadership and I was hearing in peoples’ voices all across North Carolina - their concern for our sluggish economy, their concern for the eroding values that they were seeing in the culture every day, their concern for a federal govern-ment that was becoming more intrusive into our lives than it was intended to be and ultimately, I was hearing their concern that we just have elected leaders in Washington that no longer seem to care.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For … Measures That He Believes Would Improve ‘Traditional Moral Values.’” “Harris, the outgoing president of the state Baptist Convention, said he would campaign as a staunch advocate for lowering taxes, reducing government, ending Obamacare and protecting gun rights, that he would back measures that he believes would improve ‘traditional moral values.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2014: Harris: “It Is Going To Take A Unique Candidate That Can Offer That Fresh Face…Not Of A Professional Politician, But More Of A Statesman And Someone With Principled Leadership.” “Republicans in Washington wanted North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis to quickly win the party’s Senate nomination and focus entirely on vulnerable Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan. […] ‘In order to defeat her, it is going to take a unique candidate that can offer that fresh face, that fresh perspective - not of a professional politician, but more of a statesman and someone with principled leadership,’ Harris said in an interview.” [Star News, 3/25/14]

2014: Harris: “If We Don’t Put Up A Candidate That Is That Fresh Face… Then I Fear We Aren’t Giving People The Real Motivation That They Need To Get To The Polls.” “The Rev. Mark Harris says he’s the only one in the U.S. Senate Republican primary field that can unite the three streams of the GOP in North Carolina and ultimately put Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan on the political ropes heading to November. […] Harris said: ‘If we don’t put up a candidate that is that fresh face, is marked by integrity and character and consistency and courage, then I fear we aren’t giving people the real motivation that they need to get to the polls and to make the change that needs to be made.’” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

2013: Associated Press: Harris: “Republicans Need ‘Someone Who Is Really Not Your Professional Politician.’” “Republicans need ‘someone who is really not your professional politician,’ Harris said in a not-so- subtle reference to Tillis while being interviewed by the Tea Party Express, which posted the audio online.” [Associated Press, 12/22/13]

2013: Harris: “Professional Politicians Love To Say, ‘I’m One Of You.’ Well, I Really Am.” “But Harris said the country needs leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds, including the clergy. And being a Baptist pastor for 24 years, he said, has given him a ‘unique perspective’ of many of the problems facing the country. ‘Unemployment, addictions, poverty, a breakdown in the family - I can put a name and face with every one of those issues,’ he said. ‘Professional politicians love to say, ‘I’m one of you.’ Well, I really am.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 82

Harris Said That Nominating Either One Of His Significant Primary Opponents Could Be A “Disaster” For North Carolina Republicans

2014: Harris: “Nominating Either Tillis Or Brannon Could Be A Disaster For North Carolina Republicans.” “From a campaign email to supporters, signed by Harris: ‘Nominating either Tillis or Brannon could be a disaster for North Carolina Republicans . The negative press both have received will be used by Kay Hagan and her Democratic allies to devastating effect between now and November. This election is too important. I’m different. I have a conservative record and a lifelong history of service to our state. I will beat Kay Hagan on the issues.’” [News & Observer, 4/30/14]

2014: Harris Criticized His Two Significant Primary Opponents In The Final Debate Before The Primary Election. “Taking a more aggressive approach, Republican Mark Harris made the case in the final U.S. Senate primary debate Monday that his two rivals are unelectable in November because of their ‘political baggage.’ The Charlotte pastor criticized Greg Brannon for not supporting Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential election. And he highlighted a recent civil verdict against Brannon that found he owed $500,000 for misleading investors in a technology company he helped start. Harris pivoted later to hit House state Speaker Thom Tillis for pushing political appointees who were generous campaign contributors. And he accused Tillis of undermining the effort to approve a consti-tutional ban on gay marriage by saying it would likely be repealed in 20 years.” [News & Observer, 4/28/14]

Harris Compared Tillis To McCain And Brannon To Paul, Arguing That Neither Was A Good Fit For The Republican Party Nomination. “Taking a more aggressive approach, Republican Mark Harris made the case in the final U.S. Senate primary debate Monday that his two rivals are unelectable in November because of their ‘political baggage.’ […] Harris compared Tillis to Arizona Sen. John McCain, whom many consider a moderate, and Brannon to Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, a tea party lawmaker, as he advocated for a Ronald Reagan approach. ‘Many have said this primary is for the heart and soul of the North Carolina GOP, and it’s for the heart and soul of the national GOP,’ he said.” [News & Observer, 4/28/14]

HEADLINE: Associated Press: “Harris Goes After Rivals In Final NC Senate Debate.” [Associated Press, 4/29/14]

Harris Leveled Many Attacks Against The Race’s Frontrunner, Tillis, During The Final Months Of The Campaign Arguing That He Was Disingenuous In His Conservatism And Lacked Integrity

2014: Harris On Tillis Saying A Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Would Be Overturned In The Future: “Cutting Us Off At The Knees. And So We Must Have Somebody That Defends It At Every Step.” “Tillis was speaker when the General Assembly agreed in 2011 to let voters decide whether to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage. Harris was a key spokesman for a group that helped get the amendment passed in 2012. Harris mentioned that Tillis told a meeting of college students just before the referendum that ‘if it passes, I think it will be repealed within 20 years.’ With such comments, Harris said Tillis is ‘cutting us off at the knees. And so we must have somebody that defends it at every step.’ Harris also took a veiled swipe at Tillis in his closing statement.” [Associated Press, 4/29/14]

2014: Harris’ Campaign Pushed Back On Tillis’ Final Campaign Ad Before The Primary Noting His Anti- Abortion And Anti-Marriage Equality Legislative Actions, Saying It Was Disingenuous. “Republican Thom Tillis’ new television ad highlighting his opposition to abortion and gay marriage is turning heads - and eliciting reaction from rivals. ’Being conservative, it’s not something you say, it’s something you do,’ he says in the 30- second spot, which notes his endorsement from National Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization. […] But rival Mark Harris’ campaign is pushing back. Spokesman Mike Rusher suggested touting Tills as a leader on the issues was disingenuous, saying his ‘actions don’t line up with the words.’ He referred to Tillis’ remarks in 2012, amid the marriage amendment campaign, in which he told a college audi-ence he expected the ban to be repealed in 20 years because of changing political sentiment.” [News & Observer, 4/28/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 83

2014: Harris’ Campaign On Tillis’ Final Campaign Ad: His “Actions Don’t Line Up With The Words.” “Republican Thom Tillis’ new television ad highlighting his opposition to abortion and gay marriage is turning heads - and eliciting reaction from rivals. ’Being conservative, it’s not something you say, it’s something you do,’ he says in the 30-second spot, which notes his endorsement from National Right to Life, an anti-abortion organization. […] But rival Mark Harris’ campaign is pushing back. Spokesman Mike Rusher suggested touting Tills as a leader on the issues was disingenuous, saying his ‘actions don’t line up with the words.’ He referred to Tillis’ remarks in 2012, amid the marriage amendment campaign, in which he told a college audience he expected the ban to be repealed in 20 years because of changing political sentiment.” [News & Observer, 4/28/14]

2014: Harris: “One Of The Things We’ve Been Trying To Do Is Make The Distinction That Character Counts.” “The four top-polling North Carolina Republican candidates for U.S. Senate debated on Wednesday night in Raleigh, the night before early voting was set to begin. […] ‘One of the things we’ve been trying to do is make the distinction that character counts,’ Harris said, referencing what he called character issues with front runner Tillis.” [NBC-17 WNCN, 4/23/14]

2014: Associated Press: Harris Said He Was “Troubled” By Tillis Giving Severance Pay To Two Former Employees Who Resigned Because Of Inappropriate Relationships With Lobbyists. “Brannon and Harris have said they are troubled by Tillis’ decision to give two former employees on the House speaker’s staff severance pay when they resigned because of inappropriate relationships with lobbyists. At the time, Tillis said the staff members were paid more than $19,000 in part because of unpaid work they previously did for him.” [Associated Press, 3/25/14]

Harris On Tillis Saying He Fired His Employees After It Was Previously Reported That They Resigned: “Is This The Kind Of Spin That We’re Going To Have To Get Used To?” “In his closing debate statement, Harris made an oblique reference to rivals Greg Brannon and Thom Tillis’ political baggage as he cited character issues. […] Asked about the Democratic TV and radio ads hitting Tillis on his office sex scandal, Harris ques-tioned Tillis’ rebuttal ad in which Tillis labeled them ‘firings.’ ’Now the question was raised in an article yesterday of he said when they left office that they had re-signed, and now he’s running an ad saying that they were fired, so which is it? And as the question was raised earlier, which one is it going to be? Is this the kind of spin that we’re going to have to get used to?’ Harris said.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

2014: Harris: “You Can Have All The Money, You Can Have All The Experience, You Can Have All The Knowledge Of The Constitution And Whatever… You Don’t Have Character, What Do You Really Have?” “The candidate in North Carolina’s Republican Senate primary with backing from the party’s Washington establishment came under little direct criticism Tuesday night as his top rivals had their first real chance to challenge him face to face. […] Harris, the former president of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, and Grant didn’t criticize Tillis by name. But Harris suggested his integrity made him the most qualified. ’You can have all the money, you can have all the experience, you can have all the knowledge of the Constitution and whatever,’ Harris said. ‘But if you don’t have character, what do you really have?’” [Associated Press, 4/23/14]

2014: Harris: “We Need Leaders … Willing To Operate In The Framework Of The Constitution And Have The Courage And The Backbone That When The President And Others Operate Outside Of It.” Mark Harris: “A strong domestic agenda involves No. 1: we’ve got to get back and recognize the importance of the Constitution and the role that it plays in our government; it is the framework for how we are to do business as a government and we have people in Washington that are just walking outside that frame-work. I think we need leaders in our nation’s capitol who once again understand this sacred trust that has been passed onto us and are willing to operate in the framework of the Constitution and have the courage and the backbone that when the president and others operate outside of it, we hold them ac-countable for those actions.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

2014: Harris Spoke On The Campaign Trail About Tillis Supporting Candidates For The UNC Board Of

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 84

Governors Who Donated To Tillis’ Campaign And Said It Raised Questions About Tillis’ Character. “Two Tillis allies that he supported for election to the UNC Board of Governors donated to his super PAC in 2013 and later gave to the campaign. […] Charlotte pastor Mark Harris is specifically making the donors elected to the university board an is-sue on the campaign trail, saying it raises questions about Tillis’ character. Harris recently told Tillis in a letter that he has ‘managed to accumulate a list of actions that at the very least show terribly poor judgment, and at the worst, a lack of political character applied to the de-cisions you made.’” [News & Observer, 4/3/14]

2014: Harris On Tillis Lying About His Alma Mater: “Voters Should Hear It Directly From Mr. Tillis, Not One Of His Hired Political Guns…This Appears To Be…Why Voters Don’t Trust Politicians.” “House Speaker Thom Tillis is facing questions in his U.S. Senate bid about whether he has exaggerated his college credentials. The Republican gave a radio interview in 2012 in which he said he graduated from the ‘University of Maryland.’ A resume posted in 2011 to his campaign website listed the same thing. More recently, his LinkedIn page and legislative website identified his alma mater as the University of Maryland-College Park . But according to the state’s flagship university, Tillis is not a graduate. Instead, he received a bachelor’s degree in 1997 from University of Maryland University College , an accredited, distance-learning in-stitution affiliated with the state’s university system. […] GOP rival Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor, said Tillis needs to address the college issue himself. ’I’m sure there is an explanation here, and I think the voters should hear it directly from Mr. Tillis, not one of his hired political guns,’ Harris said in a statement. ‘This appears to be another example of why voters don’t trust politicians.’” [News & Observer, 3/20/14]

2014: News & Observer: “Republican Mark Harris Is Setting His Sights On Rival Thom Tillis In The Primary For U.S. Senate, Shifting His Strategy As He Seeks To Boost His Numbers.” “Republican Mark Harris is setting his sights on rival Thom Tillis in the primary for U.S. Senate, shifting his strategy as he seeks to boost his numbers. The Charlotte pastor is preparing to go negative for the first time in the campaign and more aggres-sively highlight what he sees as Tillis’ character flaws - specifically a sex scandal in the House speak-er’s office, his ties to a gay rights supporter and appointments of campaign donors to powerful posts.” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

News & Observer: Perdue, Harris’ Campaign Consultant, Said That Republican Voters Needed To Know About Tillis’ Weaknesses. “Harris campaign consultant Tom Perdue said Republican voters need to know about Tillis’ weakness-es and ‘now is the time’ to push them into the Republican primary debate. If Republicans don’t, Per-due said in an interview Wednesday, Democrats surely will and it could hurt the party’s chances against U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in November. Tillis ‘essentially lives a double life, he says one thing and does another,’ Perdue said, adding ‘he’s nothing more than a typical Democrat.’” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

Perdue On Tillis: “He Says One Thing And Does Another…He’s Nothing More Than A Typical Democrat.” “Harris campaign consultant Tom Perdue said Republican voters need to know about Tillis’ weakness-es and ‘now is the time’ to push them into the Republican primary debate. If Republicans don’t, Per- due said in an interview Wednesday, Democrats surely will and it could hurt the party’s chances against U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan in November. Tillis ‘essentially lives a double life, he says one thing and does another,’ Perdue said, adding ‘he’s nothing more than a typical Democrat.’” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

Tillis’ Campaign Manager: “It’s Disappointing To See A Campaign Strategy That Runs Counter To The Kind Of Reputation Rev. Harris Has Built.” “Republican Mark Harris is setting his sights on rival Thom Tillis in the primary for U.S. Senate, shifting his strategy as he seeks to boost his numbers. […] Tillis campaign manager Jordan Shaw issued a sharp rebuke against Harris. ‘At a time when all con-servatives should be talking about Kay Hagan’s failures in Washington, it’s disappointing to see a campaign strategy that runs counter to the kind of reputation Rev. Harris has built,’ Shaw said in a statement.” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

Tillis’ Campaign Manager: “It Also Appears That Rev. Harris Is Being Led By Political Advisers Instead Of Following The Commandment Against Bearing False Witness.” “Republican Mark Harris is

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 85

setting his sights on rival Thom Tillis in the primary for U.S. Senate, shifting his strategy as he seeks to boost his numbers. […] Tillis’ campaign said the poll is not believable. ‘It speaks to the level of credibility, or lack thereof, of this push-poll that they won’t release any data or details,’ Shaw said. He added, ‘It also appears that Rev. Harris is being led by political advisers instead of following the commandment against bearing false witness.’” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Harris Campaign Blasts Tillis In Survey, Prepares To Questions His ‘Character.’” [News & Observer, 3/19/14]

Harris Was Criticized For Failing To Attack Tillis Forcefully Enough

2014: Christensen: Harris Missed An Opportunity To Challenge Tillis In Their Debate. “The other two candidates, Charlotte pastor Mark Harris and Heather Grant, a nurse practitioner in Wilkes County, chose not to engage their opponents in a debate that was surprisingly staid. The winner by default was Tillis, who had the most to risk because he has an extensive public record to defend and only rarely did he have to do so. For the other candidates, particularly Brannon and Harris, it was a missed opportunity to build a strong case about why they, rather than Tillis, would make the better opponent to Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in the fall.” [News & Observer, Rob Christensen, 4/22/14]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Will Mark Harris Be More Aggressive In Second Senate Debate?” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

Harris: “If I Had One Thing To Do Differently [In The Campaign], I Would Have Demanded He Step Down As Speaker In October.” “Rev. Mark Harris, is hoping to stir things up and is planning to repeatedly criticize Tillis’s decision to remain as House Republican leader while running for the Senate. Tillis is able to raise money for his Senate campaign from lobbyists with interests before the state’s General Assembly, but it’s illegal to raise such funds for his state legislative campaigns. Framing the speaker’s conduct as ‘pay to play,’ Harris suggested the activity was unethical. ’It would have been better judgment for him to step down as speaker. It opens the door for questions of ethics to be raised,’ Harris told National Journal, arguing that it could become a glaring vulnerabil-ity if Tillis wins the GOP nomination against Sen. Kay Hagan. ‘If I had one thing to do differently [in the campaign], I would have demanded he step down as speaker in October.’” [News & Observer, 4/8/14]

2014: Harris On Tillis: “It Would Have Been Better Judgment For Him To Step Down As Speaker. It Opens The Door For Questions Of Ethics To Be Raised.” “Rev. Mark Harris, is hoping to stir things up and is planning to repeatedly criticize Tillis’s decision to remain as House Republican leader while running for the Senate. Tillis is able to raise money for his Senate campaign from lobbyists with interests before the state’s General Assembly, but it’s illegal to raise such funds for his state legislative campaigns. Framing the speaker’s conduct as ‘pay to play,’ Harris suggested the activity was unethical. ’It would have been better judgment for him to step down as speaker. It opens the door for questions of ethics to be raised,’ Harris told National Journal, arguing that it could become a glaring vulnerabil-ity if Tillis wins the GOP nomination against Sen. Kay Hagan. ‘If I had one thing to do differently [in the campaign], I would have demanded he step down as speaker in October.’” [News & Observer, 4/8/14]

Tillis Was Allowed To Fundraise From Those With Interests Before The State Into His Federal Account But Not His State Campaign Account, Which Harris Framed As “Pay To Play.” “Rev. Mark Harris, is hoping to stir things up and is planning to repeatedly criticize Tillis’s decision to remain as House Republican leader while running for the Senate. Tillis is able to raise money for his Senate campaign from lobbyists with interests before the state’s General Assembly, but it’s illegal to raise such funds for his state legislative campaigns. Framing the speaker’s conduct as ‘pay to play,’ Harris suggested the activity was unethical. ’It would have been better judgment for him to step down as speaker. It opens the door for questions of ethics to be raised,’ Harris told National Journal, arguing that it could become a glaring vulnerabil-ity if Tillis wins the GOP nomination against Sen. Kay Hagan. ‘If I had one thing to do differently [in the campaign], I would have

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 86

demanded he step down as speaker in October.’” [News & Observer, 4/8/14]

April 2014: Harris Started Airing Ads

April 2014: Harris Started Airing Ads. “Mark Harris, is hoping to stir things up and is planning to repeatedly criticize Tillis’s decision to remain as House Republican leader while running for the Senate. […] Harris also confirmed to NJ that his campaign would start airing ads this week - his first major ad buy of the campaign.” [News & Observer, 4/8/14]

Harris’ Campaign Spent $300,000 On Its First Statewide TV Ad. “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris is debuting his first television commercial in the U.S. Senate campaign Friday, pushing a message that hits all the highlights but does little to distinguish him from the crowded Republican field. […] Harris’ campaign is initially spending $300,000 to put it on statewide cable TV with aides promising more money added to it every week through the primary election May 6.” [News & Observer, 4/11/14]

Harris’ TV Ad Featured Images Of A Cross, Huckabee, And Harris’ Family. “For his first TV ad, Charlotte pastor Harris is spending more than $300,000 to present his message. The commercial uses images of a cross, meetings with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Harris’ family to promote his social conservative leanings. ’I’m conservative, a Christian, husband and father,’ Harris says in the commercial. ‘I want to be your next U.S. senator and I have the leadership and experience to help change the direction of this nation.’” [Associated Press, 4/12/14]

Harris’ Wife Said, “We Have To Be Realistic” And Said She Thought He Husband Could Force A Runoff Rather Than Win Outright

2014: Harris’ Wife Said, “We Have To Be Realistic” And Said She Thought He Husband Could Force A Runoff Rather Than Win Outright. “From a Mark Harris rally in Winston-Salem, as reported by the Journal: Before he spoke to the crowd, Harris’ wife, Beth, told the audience that her husband might gather enough Republican votes to force a runoff, rather than outright win the primary. ’We have to be realistic,’ she said. However, Harris said he could win the primary. ‘This is no longer a pipe dream,’ Harris told the au-dience.” [News & Observer, 4/9/14]

Harris Was Invited To The Raleigh News & Observer And Time Warner Cable News’ Debate, But He Was Not Initially Invited To WRAL’s Debate Because Of His Low Poll Numbers 2014: The Observer, The Raleigh News & Observer And Time Warner Cable News Invited Harris To Their U.S. Senate Debate. “A Raleigh TV station plans to broadcast a Republican U.S. Senate debate on April 23, less than two weeks before the primary. But so far, one of the top candidates hasn’t been invited. […] WRAL’s broadcast will come a day after a debate sponsored by the Observer, the Raleigh News & Observer and Time Warner Cable News. Four candidates, including Harris, have been invited.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/5/14]

2014: WRAL Did Not Invite Harris To Their U.S. Senate Debate. “A Raleigh TV station plans to broadcast a Republican U.S. Senate debate on April 23, less than two weeks before the primary. But so far, one of the top candidates hasn’t been invited. Charlotte pastor Mark Harris missed the cut, according to WRAL’s news director. Debaters will include House Speaker Thom Tillis, Cary physician Greg Brannon and Wilkesboro nurse Heather Grant. It will mark one of Tillis’ first appearances onstage with his rivals. There are eight Republicans running for the nomination to oppose Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan. News Director Rick Gall said candidates had to hit at least 10 percent in a poll to qualify for the debate when invitations were sent in late March. ’We’re continuing to assess the race and polling numbers,’ Gall said in an email.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/5/14]

2014: WRAL Eventually Invited Harris To Their Senate Debate. “A Raleigh-area television station has reversed its decision to exclude Mark Harris from a U.S. Senate debate, citing stronger poll numbers for the

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 87

Charlotte Republican. A conservative group had claimed that Harris was not invited to a televised debate ‘because of his pro-family stance and his work to pass the marriage amendment.’ But a representative for WRAL said that a poll released Tuesday showed Harris above the threshold of 10 percent support among likely GOP primary votes and that Harris could join the debate. In prior polls, the station said, Harris fell below that figure.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/8/14]

HEALDINE: Charlotte Observer: “In Reversal, WRAL Invites Mark Harris To Debate.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/8/14]

Harris Won Only Minor Victories In His U.S. Senate Race

2014: News & Observer: “Senate Candidate Mark Harris Is Facing Scrutiny For His Failure To Launch.” “Senate candidate Mark Harris is facing scrutiny for his failure to launch. Our colleague Jim Morrill writes this morning from Robbins: ‘The sanctuary of the small Baptist church was a comfortable setting for Mark Harris, who even slipped into the rhythmic cadences of a preacher as he spoke about his life, his values and his U.S. Senate campaign.” [News & Observer, 3/13/14]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: Morning Memo: Mark Harris Has Trouble Catching Fire In Senate Race.” [News & Observer, 3/13/14]

2014: Harris Won A Straw Poll At The Nash County Republican Convention. “The sanctuary of the small Baptist church was a comfortable setting for Mark Harris, who even slipped into the rhythmic cadences of a preacher as he spoke about his life, his values and his U.S. Senate campaign. […] Harris, 47, touts recent successes. He won a straw poll this month at the Nash County Republican convention, his third such victory. ” [Charlotte Observer, 3/13/14]

2013: Harris Won A Straw Poll In North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. “Republican Mark Harris’ campaign is touting a win in a small straw poll at the 8th Congressional Dis-trict GOP committee Christmas Gala on Saturday. Republican Congressman Richard Hudson repre-sents the district. Harris received 54 percent of the votes in a five-way contest with Thom Tillis, Greg Brannon, Bill Flynn and Heather Grant. ‘I am honored to receive this support from the Republicans of the 8th District and look forward to expanding our grassroots army and support base throughout these counties and the rest of the state,’ Harris said in a statement.” [News & Observer, 12/16/13]

Flynn Dropped Out Of The U.S. Senate Race And Endorsed Harris

2014: Flynn Dropped Out Of The U.S. Senate Race And Endorsed Harris. “Former U.S. Senate hopeful Bill Flynn plans to endorse fellow GOP candidate Mark Harris at a news conference Monday afternoon. […] Flynn announced late last year that he was running for the Republican nomination to challenge U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, but dropped out of the crowded field two weeks ago.” [News & Record, 2/9/14]

HEADLINE: News & Record: “Senate Race Drop-Out Flynn Backing Harris’ Bid.” [News & Record, 2/9/14]

The National Organization For Marriage Endorsed Harris

2014: The National Organization For Marriage Endorsed Harris. “Harris this week received the endorsement of the National Organization for Marriage, which, in part, works against efforts to legalize gay marriage. Harris was a leader in the North Carolina group that supported the state constitutional amendment that prohibited gay marriage in 2012. Voters approved the amendment.” [Associated Press, 2/19/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 88

The Family Research Council Action PAC Endorsed Harris

2014: The Family Research Council Action PAC Endorsed Harris. “Harris announced a big endorsement Friday from the Family Research Council Action PAC, a social conservative organization led by Tony Perkins, a close ally. Harris is a Charlotte pastor who helped lead the push to put a gay marriage ban in the state constitu-tion, an effort backed by the FRC.” [News & Observer, 1/21/14]

2014: Perkins On Harris: “He Will Help Lead This Country From The Cultural And Economic Chaos Our Country Is Now Experiencing.” “Harris announced a big endorsement Friday from the Family Research Council Action PAC, a social conservative organization led by Tony Perkins, a close ally. […] ’Mark Harris has been a friend to our organization for many years,’ Perkins said. ‘I am honored to join with North Carolina’s former Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake in his endorsement of Mark Harris. Like the good judge, I, too, have full faith in Mark’s leadership abilities, his courage and his commit-ment to family values. He will help lead this country from the cultural and economic chaos our coun-try is now experiencing. We need his leadership and offer our full endorsement and our prayers.’” [News & Observer, 1/21/14]

The Concerned Women Political Action Committee Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race

2014: The Concerned Women Political Action Committee Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race. “The Concerned Women Political Action Committee announced its support for Rev. Mark Harris in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. The Concerned Women PAC considers itself the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization. ‘Mark Harris possesses valuable experience and the leadership needed in Congress,’ said Penny Nance, the organization’s chief executive, in a statement. ‘Dr. Harris is a pro-life, pro-family con-servative who will lead on critical issues from the moment he arrives in Washington.’” [News & Observer, 1/7/14]

The Concerned Women Political Action Committee: “Harris Is A Pro-Life, Pro-Family Conservative Who Will Lead On Critical Issues From The Moment He Arrives In Washington.” “The Concerned Women Political Action Committee announced its support for Rev. Mark Harris in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. The Concerned Women PAC considers itself the nation’s largest public policy women’s organization. ‘Mark Harris possesses valuable experience and the leadership needed in Congress,’ said Penny Nance, the organization’s chief executive, in a statement. ‘Dr. Harris is a pro-life, pro-family con-servative who will lead on critical issues from the moment he arrives in Washington.’” [News & Observer, 1/7/14]

February 2014: Harris Filed For U.S. Senate

February 2014: Harris Filed For U.S. Senate. “Mark Harris and Ted Alexander, two of five Republicans vying for a U.S. Senate seat, made their candidacy official. Monday marked the official start to the 2014 campaign season when candidate filing began. Doors opened to federal, state and county candidates at noon and will close noon Feb. 28.” [News & Observer, 2/10/14]

2013-2014: Harris Was On A Paid Sabbatical From First Baptist Church To Campaign For Three Months Before Going On Unpaid Leave For The Last Four Months Of His U.S. Senate Campaign

February 2014-May 2014: Harris Was On Unpaid Leave From His Church. “Harris’ Southern Baptist congregation, which numbers about 1,000 most Sundays, voted to give him a paid sabbatical from Dec. 1 to Feb. 9, to be followed by an unpaid leave of absence through early May, when GOP voters will pick their candidate.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

December 2013-February 2014: Harris Was On Paid Sabbatical From His Church. “Harris’ Southern Baptist congregation, which numbers about 1,000 most Sundays, voted to give him a paid sabbatical from Dec. 1 to Feb. 9, to be followed by an unpaid leave of absence through early May, when GOP voters will pick their candidate.”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 89

[Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

October 2013: Harris Planned To Continue Preaching Until Taking A Leave Of Absence The Following Year. “Harris, wearing a ‘Jesus First’ lapel pin, announced his campaign shortly after finishing a revival in rural Sampson County. He plans to continue preaching until taking a leave of absence early next year.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Harris Planned To Take An Unpaid Leave From First Baptist Once He Filed To Run For U.S. Senate. “The Rev. Mark Harris said Thursday he’ll run for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year, adding a favorite of the party’s social conservatives to the list of potential challengers to Demo-cratic incumbent Kay Hagan. […] Harris said he will step away from his First Baptist duties in late November and take an unpaid leave once he files candidacy papers with the State Board of Elections in February.” [Associated Press, 9/12/13]

October 2, 2013: Harris Launched His Campaign

October 2, 2013: Harris Launched His Campaign. “Paul’s decision to support a long-shot candidate, instead of top-tier contenders House Speaker Thom Tillis and Charlotte pastor Mark Harris, exemplifies the split in the national Republican Party visible in Washington amid the government shutdown and debt ceiling debate. […] Harris, who launched his bid Oct. 2 but began raising money earlier, raised $128,000 and reported $90,000 cash on hand, according to his campaign.” [News & Observer, 10/16/13]

2013: Harris Went On A “Listening Tour” Of North Carolina To Decide Whether Or Not To Run For U.S. Senate

2013: Harris Went On A “Listening Tour” Of North Carolina To Decide Whether Or Not To Run For U.S. Senate. “Rev. Mark Harris plans to tell supporters Thursday that he’s decided to enter the race for Republican U.S. Senate nomination early next month, party sources told the Observer. Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, has been on a ‘listening tour’ around the state.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/1/13]

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Decided To Run After Consulting With “Political Pros”

2013: Harris Met With 70 Republicans From Around The State At The Request Of A GOP Strategist To See If There Was Grassroots Support For Him Running For U.S. Senate. “Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, said Monday he’s listening to those who want him to run for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination next year. Harris met in Charlotte last week with about 70 people from around 20 North Carolina counties who are trying to draft him to run. […] It was around the first of April that Harris met with GOP consultant Tom Perdue of Atlanta, onetime chief strategist for former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, now the state’s Republican chairman. Last week Perdue helped orchestrate the meeting at a Hampton Inn in Charlotte. He said he’s helping gauge the strength of any grassroots movement for a Harris candidacy. That was the message he left with those who attended.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Draft Building For Senate Bid By Rev. Mark Harris Against Hagan.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 90

June 2013: Harris’ Supporters Created And Fundraised For An Exploratory Committee For Harris’ Senate Run

May 2013: Harris’ Supporters Filed An Exploratory Committee For His Possible Senate Race. “Making the rounds Saturday in a possible Senate bid was the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. Last month Harris supporters filed papers to form an exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/8/13]

Mixing Church & Politics

2014: Harris Hosted A “Star Spangled Sunday” Event With Huckabee, Cruz, The President Of Hobby Lobby, And The Benham Brothers At His Church

2014: Harris Hosted A “Star Spangled Sunday” Event With Huckabee, Cruz, The President Of Hobby Lobby, And The Benham Brothers At His Church. “Two possible contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee - are scheduled to be in Charlotte on Sept. 14 to headline ‘Star Spangled Sunday,’ a live national webcast from First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The Rev. Mark Harris, who pastors First Baptist, said the event celebrating the 200th anniversary of the national anthem, ‘The Star-Spangled Banner,’ is also set to include some other speakers popular with conservative Christians. Namely Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby, the national chain of craft stores, and the Benham brothers - David and Jason - of Concord.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/24/14]

The Family Research Council Sponsored The “Star Spangled Sunday” At First Baptist Church. “Two possible contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee - are scheduled to be in Charlotte on Sept. 14 to headline ‘Star Spangled Sunday,’ a live national webcast from First Baptist Church of Charlotte. […] Sponsored by the Family Research Council, ‘Star Spangled Sunday’ will start at 7 p.m. at the church, 301 S. Davidson St.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/24/14]

Harris: “The Family Research Council Has Spent A Great Deal Of Time Reaching Across Party Lines…It’s Less Interested In Party Labels Than It Is In Standing Up For The Principles We Hold.” “Two possible contenders for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination - Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee - are scheduled to be in Charlotte on Sept. 14 to headline ‘Star Spangled Sunday,’ a live national webcast from First Baptist Church of Charlotte. […] Sponsored by the Family Research Council, ‘Star Spangled Sunday’ will start at 7 p.m. at the church, 301 S. Davidson St. Asked whether the inclusion of Cruz of Texas and Huckabee of Fox News made the upcoming event look and sound a lot like a GOP rally, Harris said no way. ’The Family Research Council has spent a great deal of time reaching across party lines,’ said Harris, who ran unsuccessfully this year for the Republican Senate nomination in North Carolina. ‘It’s less interested in party labels than it is in standing up for the principles we hold dear.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/24/14]

2014: Harris Planned To Speak At The North Carolina Republican Convention

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 91

2014: Harris Planned To Speak At The North Carolina Republican Convention. “The state Republican convention in Cherokee is still lacking that big national headliner; some 1,200 to 1,400 people are expected in Jackson County June 5-7, and organizers are feeling the pressure. […] As of now, North Carolina has secured Bill Bennett, former U.S. secretary of education, and Dennis Hastert, former U.S. House speaker. Charlotte minister Mark Harris, who failed in his primary bid for U.S. Senate, is on the agenda. State House speaker Thom Tillis, who beat Harris, also is on the sched-ule.” [Sylva Herald & Ruralite, 5/28/14]

2014: Harris Defended The Relationship Between Politics And His Church

2014: Harris: “It Was Critically Important To Have The Church Engaged In Public Policy… We Have To Live By The Laws And We Ought To Have A Voice In What Those Laws Say”

2014: Harris: “It Was Critically Important To Have The Church Engaged In Public Policy… We Have To Live By The Laws And We Ought To Have A Voice In What Those Laws Say.” “It wasn’t the first time Harris has waded into politics. […] ‘I have felt it was critically important to have the church engaged in public policy,’ Harris says. ‘Be-cause we have to live by the laws and we ought to have a voice in what those laws say and how those laws are constructed. So I don’t apologize for the church having a seat at the table in the marketplace of ideas.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

2014: Harris: “I Don’t Apologize For The Church Having A Seat At The Table In The Marketplace Of Ideas”

2014: Harris: “I Don’t Apologize For The Church Having A Seat At The Table In The Marketplace Of Ideas.” “It wasn’t the first time Harris has waded into politics. […] ‘I have felt it was critically important to have the church engaged in public policy,’ Harris says. ‘Be-cause we have to live by the laws and we ought to have a voice in what those laws say and how those laws are constructed. So I don’t apologize for the church having a seat at the table in the marketplace of ideas.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Hosted Republican Precinct Meetings At His Church

2012: Harris Offered Rides To Congregants Wanting A Ride To The Polls On Sunday Afternoon And Campaign Literature Encouraging Them To Vote For Romney

2012: Harris Offered Rides To Congregants Wanting A Ride To The Polls On Sunday Afternoon And Campaign Literature Encouraging Them To Vote For Romney. “Less than two miles away, at First Baptist, Pastor Mark Harris also offered an invitation to his mostly white evangelical audience: The church would be happy to offer transportation to those who needed a ride to the polls Sunday afternoon. And to help them decide who to vote for, the 1,000 or so worshipers leaving the morning service could pick up various voter guides in the foyer. All of them pointed to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the ‘values’ candidate with biblically correct positions on everything from abortion to same-sex marriage to the federal debt.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

Charlotte Observer: First Baptist Provided Its Congregants With “Voter Guides” That Pointed To Romney As “The ‘Values’ Candidate With Biblically Correct Positions.” In October 2012, the Charlotte Observer reported: “Less than two miles away, at First Baptist, Pastor Mark Harris also offered an invitation to his mostly

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 92

white evangelical audience: The church would be happy to offer transportation to those who needed a ride to the polls Sunday afternoon. And to help them decide who to vote for, the 1,000 or so worshipers leaving the morning service could pick up various voter guides in the foyer. All of them pointed to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as the ‘values’ candidate with biblically correct positions on everything from abortion to same-sex marriage to the federal debt.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

First Baptist Planned To Offer Voter Guides That Included Bible Citations On Issues Such As “Military Social Engineering” And “Appointment Of Conservative Judges.” “Less than two miles away, at First Baptist, Pastor Mark Harris also offered an invitation to his mostly white evangelical audience: The church would be happy to offer transportation to those who needed a ride to the polls Sunday afternoon. […] The Southern Baptist church in uptown offers voter guides from the Faith & Freedom Coalition, the North Carolina Family Policy Council and the North Carolina Values Coalition. The Values Coalition’s guide not only purports to give the stands of Obama, Romney and their parties, but also the Bible’s. Verses from Genesis, the Gospels and other biblical books are cited on issues such as ‘Military Social Engineering’ (gays in the military) and ‘Appointment of Conservative Judges.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

2012: Charlotte Observer: Harris Planned To Ask Congregants To “Do Their Christian Duty By Voting For Candidates Who Will Help Bring Biblical Principles To Government.” “First Baptist, whose guest speakers in the past have included former GOP presidential candidates Mike Huckabee and Rick Santorum, will have ‘Citizenship Sunday’ next weekend. Harris said his pre-Election Day remarks will challenge his members to do their Christian duty by voting for candidates who will help bring biblical principles to government.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Planned To Discuss “Religious Freedom And Getting Our Debt Under Control” In A Way That Would Present Romney In A Good Light. “Less than two miles away, at First Baptist, Pastor Mark Harris also offered an invitation to his mostly white evangelical audience: The church would be happy to offer transportation to those who needed a ride to the polls Sunday afternoon. […] And though he won’t endorse Romney by name, the ways Harris plans to frame the main issues – ‘the sanctity of life, the sanctity of traditional marriage, religious freedom and getting our debt under control’ - will present the Republican challenger in a better light than the Democratic president.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

Harris Said He Did Would Not Endorse Romney By Name. “Less than two miles away, at First Baptist, Pastor Mark Harris also offered an invitation to his mostly white evangelical audience: The church would be happy to offer transportation to those who needed a ride to the polls Sunday afternoon. […] And though he won’t endorse Romney by name, the ways Harris plans to frame the main issues – ‘the sanctity of life, the sanctity of traditional marriage, religious freedom and getting our debt under control’ - will present the Republican challenger in a better light than the Democratic president.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

2012: Harris Said First Baptist Welcomed The Democratic Convention Despite Their Ideological Differences

2012: Harris Said First Baptist “Fully Welcomes” The Democratic Convention Even Though They Disagreed On Abortion And Same-Sex Marriage. “Forbes will be part of a sweeping series of spiritual events tied to the 2012 Democratic National Con-vention. From mass prayer gatherings by Christians and Muslims to speeches and programs, the City of Churches plans to live up to its name. […] One of those churches is First Baptist, which Harris says fully welcomes the convention, though it disagrees with Democrats on issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

2012: Harris: “We Are Welcoming The DNC With Open Arms.” “Forbes will be part of a sweeping series of spiritual events tied to the 2012 Democratic National Con-vention. From mass prayer gatherings by Christians and Muslims to speeches and programs, the City of Churches plans to live up to its name. […] ‘This is Democracy in action,’ says Harris, who last week hosted a workshop of almost 300 ministers on staying politically active. ‘We are

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 93

welcoming the DNC with open arms. We are praying for a peaceful meeting. We pray regularly for our president and any direction our Lord can give him.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

Harris: “We Have The Privilege To Pray For An Event That Will Have Such Incredible Consequences On Our Future.” “A Sunday of religious activity tied to the Democratic National Convention opened and closed with a prayer, as believers of varying spiritual and political backgrounds were urged to reconnect with God to cure the country’s ills. […] ‘We are so blessed to have the convention in our city,’ he said. ‘This is Democracy in action. We have the privilege to pray for an event that will have such incredible consequences on our future.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/2/12]

2012: Harris Intended To Lead “Prayer Walks” To Different DNC Convention Sites

2012: Harris Intended To Lead “Prayer Walks” To Different DNC Convention Sites. “Forbes will be part of a sweeping series of spiritual events tied to the 2012 Democratic National Con-vention. From mass prayer gatherings by Christians and Muslims to speeches and programs, the City of Churches plans to live up to its name. […] On Sept. 2, Harris will turn over his pulpit to New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a minister, a social conservative on many faith-related issues and a Democratic delegate. Between now and the convention, Harris also is leading ‘prayer walks’ to different convention sites. First Baptist members are praying ‘for God’s protection of our city’ and all who visit.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

2010: Harris Urged His Congregation To Vote And Passed Out Candidate Surveys From The Conservative NC Family Policy Council To Help His Congregation “Decide Who To Vote For”

Harris Urged His Congregation To Go To The Polls Early And Passed Out Candidate Surveys From The Conservative NC Family Policy Council To Help His Congregation “Decide Who To Vote For”

2010: Harris Urged His Congregation To Go To The Polls Early And Passed Out Candidate Surveys From The Conservative NC Family Policy Council To Help His Congregation “Decide Who To Vote For.” “At uptown’s First Baptist of Charlotte, where Republican positions get a warm reception, the Rev. Mark Harris also urged his congregation on Sunday to go to the polls early - just as he did. To help them decide who to vote for, the Southern Baptist pastor passed out candidate surveys conducted by the conservative N.C. Family Policy Council. Among the questions asked: Should the state and federal constitutions be amended to define marriage as being between a man and a woman?” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/10]

Harris: “Our Emphasis Would Be On Social Issues The Bible Speaks Clearly To” Like Video Gambling And Embryonic Stem Cell Research. “‘We certainly try to respect separation of church and state. But that doesn’t mean we don’t take positions on issues. Our emphasis would be on social issues the Bible speaks clearly to.’ That includes issues such as video gambling and embryonic stem cell research - which are also covered in the candidate surveys, which Harris said, ‘people are picking up.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/10]

Harris: “It Is Not Just A Citizen’s Right To Vote, It’s An Obligation.” “And though they differ on many issues, pastors Moss and Harris agree that churches do have strong positions on moral and social issues and should take the lead in encouraging big voter turnouts among their congregations. ‘We are good citizens, and it is not just a citizen’s right to vote, it’s an obligation,’ said Harris, whose 3,400-member church hosted former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee - a likely GOP presidential candidate in 2012 - last July 4.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/10]

Harris: “We Certainly Try To Respect Separation Of Church And State. But That Doesn’t Mean We Don’t Take Positions On Issues”

Harris: “We Certainly Try To Respect Separation Of Church And State. But That Doesn’t Mean We Don’t Take Positions On Issues.” “At uptown’s First Baptist of Charlotte, where Republican positions get a warm

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 94

reception, the Rev. Mark Harris also urged his congregation on Sunday to go to the polls early - just as he did. […] ‘We certainly try to respect separation of church and state. But that doesn’t mean we don’t take positions on issues.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/25/10]

2012: Harris: “There Are Issues In Our Culture” You Can’t Define As Liberal Or Conservative, “They’re Just Biblical”

2012: Harris: “There Are Issues In Our Culture” You Can’t Define As Liberal Or Conservative, “They’re Just Biblical.” “also draws a line: ‘There are issues in our culture you cannot cloak as Republican, Democrat, liberal or conservative,’ he says. ‘They’re just biblical.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

2010: Harris On Atheist Billboard On Billy Graham Parkway: “At Best, In Poor Taste And, At Worst, A Disgrace”

Harris On Atheist Billboard On Billy Graham Parkway: “At Best, In Poor Taste And, At Worst, A Disgrace.” “The Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association declined to comment. The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte, said he was grateful that the local atheists’ financial resources ‘are so limited’ that they could afford only one billboard here. He called the decision to place that one on Billy Graham Parkway ‘at best, in poor taste and, at worst, a disgrace.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/24/10]

2006: Harris Hosted Director Of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Gorman, Charlotte Mayor McCrory, And U.S. Representative Myrick At First Baptist Church

2006: Harris Hosted Director Of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Gorman, Charlotte Mayor McCrory, And U.S. Representative Myrick At First Baptist Church. “Peter Gorman walked out of the headquarters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at 5:40 a.m. Monday. The skyline was still dark. His day was almost an hour old. Thus dawned one of the most eagerly anticipated careers in Charlotte history. The 42-year-old Californian takes charge of the Carolinas’ largest school district at a time when it is lauded nationally but assailed by an array of local critics. […] During Gorman’s last appearance, the Rev. Mark Harris asked Gorman, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick to tell the First Baptist congregation ‘what God means to them in their personal walk.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/06]

Harris Participated In Anti-Abortion Protests

Harris Has Repeatedly Attended Anti-Abortion Protests

2014: Harris Attended An Anti-Abortion Protest Organized By The Concerned Women For America Legislative Action Committee And Family Research Council Action Outside Of Hagan’s Office. “About 60 abortion protesters rallied outside Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s Charlotte office Wednesday, hoping to influence not only North Carolina’s Senate election but control of the entire Senate. The rally, on a South Boulevard sidewalk, was organized by a coalition of anti-abortion groups in-cluding the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee and Family Research Council Action. It’s part of what organizers call their ‘Summer of Life Campaign,’ which features rallies in the home states of five vulnerable Democratic senators, including Hagan. […] Tillis spokesmen could not be reached. But the Rev. Mark Harris, who lost to Tillis in the primary and attended the rally, said Tillis has a solid anti-abortion record. ’He has a proven record,’ said Harris, a Charlotte pastor. ‘We got some of the strongest pro-life bills through the last session.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/27/14]

Harris Participated In Anti-Abortion Protests. “Harris, 47, is convinced he can and is banking on voters’ weariness with Washington’s professional politicians to create a victory path for this first-time candidate. He plans

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 95

to talk about social issues, as expected from a minister who’s walked in anti-abortion marches and, as head of the state Baptist group, helped lead the successful campaign last year to pass a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

1990s: Harris Said He Marched In Washington With James Dobson’s March For Life. “Harris notes that he marched in Washington with James Dobson’s March for Life back in the early 1990s, prayed for the unborn at a Winston-Salem abortion clinic and headed the successful statewide effort in 2012 to pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages.” [News & Observer, Rob Christensen, 4/12/14]

Early Political Activity

Harris Went To Reagan’s Inauguration

Harris Went To Reagan’s Inauguration. Mark Harris: “When I was 14, my parents dropped me off at the Reagan office in 1980 that Jesse Helms had estab-lished in Winston-Salem and I stuffed envelopes and made phone calls and as a result of that I got to go to the inauguration of Ronald Reagan as a 14 year old; that’s a memory I’ll never forget.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

1980: Harris Stuffed Envelopes For Reagan’s Presidential Campaign

1980: Harris Stuffed Envelopes For Reagan’s Presidential Campaign. “This may be Harris’ debut run for office. But his relationship with politics goes way back. At 14, he stuffed envelopes for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. then took a bus to the inauguration in Washington a year later. At 17, he was back in D.C., as one of two North Carolina ‘senators’ at Boys Nation, posing for a picture on the U.S. Capitol steps with then- Sen. Jesse Helms. ’I am proud of you,’ Helms scribbled on the photograph, which is now framed and prominently fea-tured in Harris’ office at First Baptist.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris On Reagan: “He Said It’s Like Building A Three-Legged Stool…You Got To Have A Strong Domestic Agenda, A Strong Foreign Policy And You’ve Got To Have Strong Traditional Values.” “He planned to use his time at the dinner to introduce himself. He’s a Winston-Salem native. He worked for Ronald Reagan’s campaign when he was 14, an experience he said has influenced him. ’One thing Ronald Reagan taught all of us about building a strong America, he said it’s like building a three-legged stool,’ Harris said. ‘You got to have a strong domestic agenda, a strong foreign policy and you’ve got to have strong traditional values.’” [Asheville Citizen-Times, 12/8/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 96

Ethics

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said that President Obama had to “change his tone” or he would be impeached when Republicans won a majority of the House and Senate.

 In 2014, Harris said, “It would send a great signal if we would call up some of these federal judges for impeachment … who continue to refuse to understand their role is not to legislate.”

 In 2017, a North Carolina Republican donor filed an FEC Complaint, alleging that Harris failed to file official candidacy paperwork within the amount of time required to do so. The FEC conducted an investigation but did not file any charges against Harris upon conclusion of that investigation.

 In 2014, a pastor was recorded asking his congregants to contribute an offering for Harris, implying it could be used to support Harris’ campaign.

 Harris, when discussing the relationship between the tradition values of faith and family, said, “our elected officials must be held accountable for the oath they take or be removed from office.”

Impeachment

2014: Harris Said That President Obama Had To “Change His Tone” Or He Would Be Impeached When Republicans Won A Majority Of The House And Senate

2014: Harris On Impeachment: “We Can’t Live Inside This Lawlessness.” “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris, a U.S. Senate contender, recently criticized Congress for not taking ac-tion to impeach Obama. According to the Hendersonville Lightning, Harris stopped short of using the ‘i’ word but his message was clear. ’I know from a practical standpoint the reason that they haven’t is because Harry Reid and the United States Senate would not even pick it up and move it forward,’ Harris said at a Republican men’s club meeting, the publication reported. ‘But I would tell you if we manage to take back the U.S. Senate this fall, then I truly believe you will see this president either change his tone, change his actions or face the full double action of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. We can’t live inside this lawlessness.’” [News & Observer, 3/5/14]

2014: Harris On Impeachment: “I Know From A Practical Standpoint The Reason That They Haven’t Is Because Harry Reid And The United States Senate Would Not Even Pick It Up And Move It Forward.” “Charlotte pastor Mark Harris, a U.S. Senate contender, recently criticized Congress for not taking ac-tion to impeach Obama. According to the Hendersonville Lightning, Harris stopped short of using the ‘i’ word but his message was clear. ’I know from a practical standpoint the reason that they haven’t is because Harry Reid and

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 97

the United States Senate would not even pick it up and move it forward,’ Harris said at a Republican men’s club meeting, the publication reported. ‘But I would tell you if we manage to take back the U.S. Senate this fall, then I truly believe you will see this president either change his tone, change his actions or face the full double action of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate. We can’t live inside this lawlessness.’” [News & Observer, 3/5/14]

2014: Harris: “It Would Send A Great Signal If We Would Call Up Some Of These Federal Judges For Impeachment … Who Continue To Refuse To Understand Their Role Is Not To Legislate”

2014: Harris On “Family Values” And Government: “Our Elected Officials Must Be Held Accountable For The Oath They Take Or Be Removed From Office”

2014: Harris On “Family Values” And Government: “Our Elected Officials Must Be Held Accountable For The Oath They Take Or Be Removed From Office.” “I believe marriage is between one man and one woman, and was a founding member of the ‘Vote for Marriage NC’ campaign. I am an ardent proponent of life and believe every human life is precious and should be protected. For America to be the ‘great city on a hill’ that President Ronald Reagan spoke so passionately about, we must recommit to those values which made America great: the traditional values of faith and family. I will not compromise on the issues of family values. Our elected officials must be held accountable for the oath they take or be removed from office. We must hold fast to strong family values and reaffirm America's commitment to them. Federal programs that undermine these values must be eliminated.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Alleged Campaign Finance Violations

2017: A North Carolina Republican Donor Filed An FEC Complaint, Alleging That Harris Failed To File Official Candidacy Paperwork On Time; The FEC Never Filed Accompanying Charges

2017: A North Carolina Republican Donor Filed An FEC Complaint, Alleging That Harris Failed To File Official Candidacy Paperwork Within The Amount Of Time Required To Do So. “A prominent Republican donor from Fayetteville has filed a complaint with federal election authorities that accuses Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris of Charlotte of violating federal election law. […] Hutchens’ complaint says Harris broke a law that requires candidates to file official candidacy paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission no later than 15 days after they either raise at least $5,000 for their campaigns or spend at least $5,000 in their campaigns. Harris announced on June 11 that he would resign from his job as senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte because he was considering whether to run. Hutchens contends that the Harris 2018 campaign

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 98

started on that date — that Harris was calling people seeking support and had arranged to hire a campaign consultant. As a result, Hutchens said, Harris had until June 26 to file his candidacy paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission.” [Fayetteville Observer, 7/9/17]

The FEC Concluded Their Investigation Into The Matter Without Filing An Charges Against Harris. “Hutchens’ complaint says Harris broke a law that requires candidates to file official candidacy paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission no later than 15 days after they either raise at least $5,000 for their campaigns or spend at least $5,000 in their campaigns. […] ‘It’s sort of a laughable and pathetic attempt to try to create a story that isn’t a story, and maybe even a distraction from the ethical and legal issues that the congressman has continued to deal with himself,’ Harris said. Harris was referencing recent state and federal investigations of Pittenger’s former real estate business. The investigations ended in the spring with no charges being filed, The Charlotte Observer reported.” [Fayetteville Observer, 7/9/17]

Harris: “It’s Sort Of A Laughable And Pathetic Attempt To Try To Create A Story That Isn’t A Story, And Maybe Even A Distraction From The Ethical And Legal Issues That The Congressman Has.” “Hutchens’ complaint says Harris broke a law that requires candidates to file official candidacy paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission no later than 15 days after they either raise at least $5,000 for their campaigns or spend at least $5,000 in their campaigns. […] ‘It’s sort of a laughable and pathetic attempt to try to create a story that isn’t a story, and maybe even a distraction from the ethical and legal issues that the congressman has continued to deal with himself,’ Harris said. Harris was referencing recent state and federal investigations of Pittenger’s former real estate business.” [Fayetteville Observer, 7/9/17]

2014: A Pastor Was Recorded Asking His Congregants To Contribute An Offering For Harris, Implying It Could Be Used To Support Harris’ Campaign

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 99

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 100

Relationships

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris responded to an email from Tillis publicly shaming him for his record that “at the very least show terribly poor judgment, and at the worst, a lack of political character” during his primary race against him. They later reconciled, and Harris campaigned for Tillis in his general election.

 In 2013, Sen. Burr said that shutting down the government over funding for the Affordable Care Act was “the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard.” In response, Harris, who blamed the shutdown on the Democrats, said, “I’m not running against Richard Burr. I’m not answering for Richard Burr.”

 In 2013, Harris called for a probe into Sen. Hagan’s role in crafting the Affordable Care Act and called on Hagan to resign.

 In 2013, Harris flew around North Carolina on former congressman, Robin Hayes’ private plane. Tom Perdue, Hayes’ former campaign strategist, recruited Harris to run for Senate.

 In 2015, Harris attended Dan Forest’s “Black Mountain Weekend” – an invitation-only, Christian retreat for men.

 Gov. Mike Huckabee and Harris endorsed each other and campaigned with each other in multiple campaigns.

 In 2013, Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, arranged for Harris to meet and seek support from Cruz.

 Harris said while he found the allegations against Roy Moore to be “extremely disturbing,” “voters in Alabama are in the best position to judge the truth of these allegations.”

 In 2007, the Charlotte Observer reported that Harris said the highlight of his trip to Washington, D.C. was the respect Reps. Myrick and Pelosi showed his father who was a prisoner of war in World War II.

 In 2014, the Duggar family endorsed Harris in his U.S. Senate race.

 In 2012, Harris endorsed Supreme Court Justice candidate Paul Newby from the pulpit.

 In 2008, Mitchell Gold, a local businessman, who considered suicide as a youth because of his homosexuality, edited a book aimed at helping gay teens and planned to distribute the books to churches to spread acceptance. Harris told the Charlotte Observer that he would not distribute the books.

Barack Obama

Harris Said That President Obama Was “Building A Federal Government On Steroids” And Was “Drunk On Power”

2014: Harris: “We Need To Stand Up To A President Who Is Building A Federal Government On Steroids.” “At the two-hour forum, the five challengers - Ted Alexander, Brannon, Bill Flynn, Heather Grant and Mark Harris - struck similar themes as they emphasized the need to rein in what they called the fed-eral government’s

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 101

‘oppression’ of the states, limit entitlement spending and repeal the federal health care law. […] ‘We need to stand up to a president who is building a federal government on steroids,’ said Harris, a Charlotte pastor and former leader of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.” [News & Observer, 1/14/14]

2013: Harris: “We’ve Got A President…Who Is Drunk On Power.” “Harris said the election is ‘about the survival of the United States of America.’ ’We’ve got a president,’ he said, ‘who is drunk on power.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/21/13]

2012: Harris: “We Pray Regularly For Our President And Any Direction Our Lord Can Give Him”

2012: Harris: “We Pray Regularly For Our President And Any Direction Our Lord Can Give Him.” “‘This is Democracy in action,’ says Harris, who last week hosted a workshop of almost 300 ministers on staying politically active. ‘We are welcoming the DNC with open arms. We are praying for a peaceful meeting. We pray regularly for our president and any direction our Lord can give him.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

Thom Tillis

2014: Harris Hosted A Fundraiser & Campaigned For Tillis After Losing His Primary Against Him

2014: Harris Co-Hosted A Fundraiser For Tillis. “The Thom Tillis campaign for U.S. Senate ventures into potentially risky political territory this week-end. On Saturday, Rev. Mark Harris, one of Tillis’ primary election opponents and a Baptist minister, is co-hosting a fundraiser for Tillis in the Lincoln County community of Iron Station, near Charlotte.” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

2014: Harris On Tillis: “He Has A Proven Record…We Got Some Of The Strongest Pro-Life Bills Through The Last Session.” “About 60 abortion protesters rallied outside Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s Charlotte office Wednesday, hoping to influence not only North Carolina’s Senate election but control of the entire Senate. […] Tillis spokesmen could not be reached. But the Rev. Mark Harris, who lost to Tillis in the primary and attended the rally, said Tillis has a solid anti-abortion record. ’He has a proven record,’ said Harris, a Charlotte pastor. ‘We got some of the strongest pro-life bills through the last session.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/27/14]

2014: Tillis Called Harris “A Gentleman” After Harris Called Him To Concede

2014: Tillis Called Harris “A Gentleman” After Harris Called Him To Concede. “Harris, a former state Baptist convention leader, stressed a ‘values’ message that catered to his sup-porters in the faith community but struggled to get traction from a larger audience. Harris gathered across town in Charlotte from Tillis and called to concede shortly after the race was called. Tillis called him ‘a gentleman.’” [News & Observer, 5/6/14]

2014: Harris Responded To An Email From Tillis Publicly Shaming Him For His Record That “At The Very Least Show Terribly Poor Judgment, And At The Worst, A Lack Of Political Character”

2014: Harris Responded To An Email From Tillis By Publicly Shaming Him. “Harris sent his reply to Tillis, and later included it in an email to his supporters Wednesday evening. In the message, Harris rejected Tillis’ assertion, saying that ‘discussing the facts of one’s record is not ‘going negative.’ […] ‘You and I both know that the Democrats will have a field day with you in a general. One of the reasons I filed for this seat is my genuine concern about who is the best person to defeat Kay Hagan, and to represent North Carolina in the US Senate. If you think your record is a secret and is not to be shared with the public, then you and I have even more differences than you think we have.’” [News & Observer, 3/27/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 102

2014: Harris Responded To A Personal Email From Tillis Accusing Him Of “Going Negative” By Emailing His Supporters His Own Reply That “Discussing The Facts Of One’s Record Is Not ‘Going Negative.’” “House Speaker Thom Tillis recently sent a personal email to rival Mark Harris accusing him of ‘go-ing negative’ in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Tillis accused Harris’ campaign of trying to ‘tear (him) down’ and referenced the two Charlotte area residents’ mutual friends. Harris, a Baptist minister, responded quite publicly. Harris sent his reply to Tillis, and later included it in an email to his supporters Wednesday evening. In the message, Harris rejected Tillis’ assertion, saying that ‘discussing the facts of one’s record is not ‘going negative.’” [News & Observer, 3/27/14]

2014: Harris To Tillis: “You Have Managed To Accumulate A List Of Actions That At The Very Least Show Terribly Poor Judgment, And At The Worst, A Lack Of Political Character.” “Harris sent his reply to Tillis, and later included it in an email to his supporters Wednesday evening. In the message, Harris rejected Tillis’ assertion, saying that ‘discussing the facts of one’s record is not ‘going negative.’’ ’In all honesty, Thom, you have managed to accumulate a list of actions that at the very least show terribly poor judgment, and at the worst, a lack of political character applied to the decisions you made,’ Harris wrote. ‘I believe this is why people are so fed up with politicians and distrust them so.’ He added later, ‘You and I both know that the Democrats will have a field day with you in a general. One of the reasons I filed for this seat is my genuine concern about who is the best person to defeat Kay Hagan, and to represent North Carolina in the US Senate. If you think your record is a secret and is not to be shared with the public, then you and I have even more differences than you think we have.’” [News & Observer, 3/27/14]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Tillis Accuses Harris Of ‘Going Negative’ And Harris Fires Back.” [News & Observer, 3/27/14]

2013: News & Observer: Harris On Tillis: “The Last Thing We Need Is Kay Hagan-Lite Against Kay Hagan”

2013: News & Observer: Harris On Tillis: “The Last Thing We Need Is Kay Hagan-Lite Against Kay Hagan.” “The Republican U.S. Senate candidate and Charlotte pastor recently spoke to a Tea Party Express podcast and appeared to draw a strong contrast with his main rival Thom Tillis. ’Kay Hagan is vulnerable,’ Harris said. ‘I don’t think anyone questions that. But we must have a strong Republican nominee that is going to provide a contrast with Kay Hagan, someone that is solu-tions oriented, someone that has a conservative record, someone who is really not your professional politician. The last thing we need is Kay Hagan-lite against Kay Hagan.’” [News & Observer, 12/4/13]

Richard Burr

Harris On Burr’s Assessment That Shutting Down The Government Was “The Dumbest Idea I’ve Ever Heard;” “I’m Not Running Against Richard Burr. I’m Not Answering For Richard Burr”

Burr Called The Demand To Defund The ACA In Order To Avoid A Government Shutdown A “The Dumbest Idea I’d Ever Heard Of.” “Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who plans to formally join the race Oct. 2, says he also supports ef-fort to kill the federal health care law, much of which takes effect next week. ’I do

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 103

think that this is an opportunity to stop Obamacare,’ he said. ‘The solution doesn’t have to be to shut down the government. ... If the president himself chooses to shut down the government, that would be his decision, (and) that would be a shame.’ […] Burr, a North Carolina Republican, has called the demand to defund the health care law in order to avoid a government shutdown a ‘dumb idea.’ ’I said it was the dumbest idea I’d ever heard of,’ he told the Huffington Post. ‘I still think it’s a dumb idea because you can’t defund Obamacare.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/23/13]

Kay Hagan

2013: Harris Called On Hagan To Resign For “Dubious Reason”

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Mark Harris Calls For Kay Hagan To Resign, Citing Dubious Reason.” [News & Observer, 11/15/13]

2013: Harris Asked For A “Probe” Into Hagan’s Involvement With The Affordable Care Act

2013: Harris Asked For A “Probe” Into Hagan’s Involvement With The Affordable Care Act. “Kay Hagan asked for a federal probe of the new healthcare law but now Republican U.S. Senate can-didate Mark Harris wants a probe of Hagan. Harris is sending a package to Hagan’s office Thursday asking her to more fullly explain her involvement in drafting the law. […] ‘What was Kay Hagan’s role in crafting the language and provisions in the Obamacare legislation? When did Kay Hagan know that citizens would be booted from their healthcare plans? Why did Kay Hagan ignore the concerns of North Carolinians from 2009 until now? Did Kay Hagan actually read the legislation before voting on it? Has Kay Hagan read the Obamacare legislation as of today?’” [News & Observer, 11/14/13]

Harris Said Hagan Was Contributing To A Toxic Political Environment And Was Not Representing North Carolinians In Congress

2013: Associated Press: Harris Said Hagan’s Votes For The Economic Stimulus Package And The ACA And Endorsement Of Marriage Equality Were Not In Line With The Values Of North Carolinians. “As for Hagan, Harris said her votes for the economic stimulus and the federal health care overhaul, as well as her endorsement of gay marriage this year, aren’t in line with the values of most North Carolina residents. Harris was a prominent leader on the committee that helped win voter approval in 2012 of a constitutional amendment that limited marriage to a man and a woman.” [Associated Press, 9/12/13]

Harris On Hagan: “She Has Voted Down A Cue Card That Could Have Been Provided By The Obama Administration Or The Democratic National Committee.” “As for Hagan, Harris said her votes for the economic stimulus and the federal health care overhaul, as well as her endorsement of gay marriage this year, aren’t in line with the values of most North Carolina residents. Harris was a prominent leader on the committee that helped win voter approval in 2012 of a constitutional amendment that limited marriage to a man and a woman. ’She has voted down a cue card that could have been provided by the Obama administration or the Democratic National Committee,’ Harris said.” [Associated Press, 9/12/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 104

2013: Harris On Hagan: “Along With Other Liberal Democrats In Washington Has Contributed To An Absolutely Toxic Political Environment That Has Divided Our Nation.” “Republican Mark Harris officially joined North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race Wednesday with an ap-peal to social and small-government conservatives who helped him win passage of last year’s marriage amendment. […] He criticized Hagan for supporting the law known as ‘Obamacare.’ He also said she, ‘along with other liberal Democrats in Washington has contributed to an absolutely toxic political environment that has divided our nation.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Harris On Hagan: “Her Positions, Her Statements And Her Votes Will Stand In Stark Contrast To Mine.” “‘The contrast between myself and Kay Hagan is clear and will be even more clear in the days to come,’ Harris said. ‘Her positions, her statements and her votes will stand in stark contrast to mine.’ Harris, 47, was less detailed with reporters about how he differed from the other three announced GOP candidates, especially Tillis. But he said his 24 years in the ministry gave him leadership and fi-nancial experience, as well as empathy for people and what ails them such as unemployment, addic-tions and the breakdown of the family.” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

Robin Hayes

2013: Harris Flew Around North Carolina On Hayes’ Private Plane

2013: Harris Flew Around North Carolina On Hayes’ Private Plane. “Although Harris has never run for political office, he has put together an experienced team. He was flown around the state on a plane owned and piloted by former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes of Concord, the past state GOP chairman. His campaign strategist is veteran Tom Perdue, a Georgian whose wins include Republican Saxby Chambliss’ victory over Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia. The New York Times once described Perdue as ‘brilliant and ruthless.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Congressman Robin Hayes Was A Co-Chair Of Harris’ U.S. Senate Campaign

Tom Perdue

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 105

2013: Perdue Recruit Harris To Run For Senate And Was Harris’ Campaign Strategist

2013: The New York Times Described Perdue, Harris’ Campaign Strategist, “Brilliant And Ruthless.” “Although Harris has never run for political office, he has put together an experienced team. He was flown around the state on a plane owned and piloted by former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes of Concord, the past state GOP chairman. His campaign strategist is veteran Tom Perdue, a Georgian whose wins include Republican Saxby Chambliss’ victory over Democratic Sen. Max Cleland of Georgia. The New York Times once described Perdue as ‘brilliant and ruthless.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Tom Perdue Tried To Recruit Harris To Run For Senate. “Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, said Monday he’s listening to those who want him to run for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination next year. […] It was around the first of April that Harris met with GOP consultant Tom Perdue of Atlanta, onetime chief strategist for former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, now the state’s Republican chairman. Last week Perdue helped orchestrate the meeting at a Hampton Inn in Charlotte. He said he’s helping gauge the strength of any grassroots movement for a Harris candidacy. That was the message he left with those who attended. ’Go write your neighbors and coworkers and see if there is a groundswell of people who want a godly man like this to run for public office,’ Perdue recalled.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

1996: Perdue Was The Strategist For Hayes’ Successful GOP Primary Campaign For Governor. “Harris and Brannon are likely to portray Tillis as insufficiently conservative. Harris has hired a man who knows how do just that: Tom Perdue, a Georgia consultant whom The New York Times once de-scribed as ‘brilliant and ruthless.’ Perdue was the strategist behind Robin Hayes’ 1996 GOP primary campaign for governor, when Hayes took down frontrunner Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot. Among other things, Vinroot was attacked for having cut a ribbon for the opening of a Planned Parenthood facility.” [News & Observer, 10/5/13]

Roy Cooper

2014: Harris Called On Cooper To Resign As Attorney General For Deciding To No Longer Defend The Stat’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban After A Similar Law Was Overturned In Virginia

2014: Harris Called On Cooper To Resign As Attorney General For Deciding To No Longer Defend The Stat’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban After A Similar Law Was Overturned In Virginia. “The speakers also criticized Cooper, who said in late July that he would no longer defend North Caro-lina’s ban in court after a federal appeals court overturned Virginia’s similar constitutional prohibition. ’We have an attorney general who shows little to no passion for carrying out his sworn duty to defend our state’s constitution,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, a leader of the pro-amendment movement in 2012. He suggested that Cooper should step down from his job. ’In any other company in America, if you in good conscience cannot carry out the duties or responsi-bilities of your job, the burden would be upon you and me to resign from that position,’ said Harris, who finished third in the Republican U.S. Senate primary earlier this year. ‘Why would we expect any less from our elected officials?’” [Associated Press, 9/30/14]

Harris On Cooper Not Defending The Same-Sex Marriage Ban: “We Have An Attorney General Who Shows Little To No Passion For Carrying Out His Sworn Duty To Defend Our State’s Constitution.”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 106

“The speakers also criticized Cooper, who said in late July that he would no longer defend North Carolina’s ban in court after a federal appeals court overturned Virginia’s similar constitutional prohibition. ’We have an attorney general who shows little to no passion for carrying out his sworn duty to defend our state’s constitution,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, a leader of the pro-amendment movement in 2012. He suggested that Cooper should step down from his job. ’In any other company in America, if you in good conscience cannot carry out the duties or responsibilities of your job, the burden would be upon you and me to resign from that position,’ said Harris, who finished third in the Republican U.S. Senate primary earlier this year. ‘Why would we expect any less from our elected officials?’” [Associated Press, 9/30/14]

Harris: “If You In Good Conscience Cannot Carry Out The Duties Or Responsibilities Of Your Job, The Burden Would Be Upon You And Me To Resign From That Position.” “The speakers also criticized Cooper, who said in late July that he would no longer defend North Carolina’s ban in court after a federal appeals court overturned Virginia’s similar constitutional prohibition. ’We have an attorney general who shows little to no passion for carrying out his sworn duty to defend our state’s constitution,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church in Charlotte, a leader of the pro-amendment movement in 2012. He suggested that Cooper should step down from his job. ’In any other company in America, if you in good conscience cannot carry out the duties or responsibilities of your job, the burden would be upon you and me to resign from that position,’ said Harris, who finished third in the Republican U.S. Senate primary earlier this year. ‘Why would we expect any less from our elected officials?’” [Associated Press, 9/30/14]

2013: Harris On A Challenge Of The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage: “It’s My Hope That Attorney General Roy Cooper Will Recognize His Responsibility To … Defend The State Constitution”

2013: Harris On A Federal Challenge Of The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage: “It’s My Hope That Attorney General Roy Cooper Will Recognize His Responsibility To Support And Defend The State Constitution.” “The ACLU has asked Attorney General Roy Cooper, whose office is representing the state in the adoption case, to allow the gay-marriage challenge to be added to the adoption complaint. If he refus-es, the ACLU will petition the court directly. […] Harris, who is considering a run for the U.S. Senate, said North Carolinians should hold the line. As he tours the state to decide his candidacy, Harris said the defense of traditional marriage remains a pressing issue for voters. ’It’s my hope that Attorney General Roy Cooper will recognize his responsibility to support and de-fend the state constitution, and that this won’t go any further,’ Harris said. ‘The will of the voters was very clear.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/9/13]

The ACLU Asked Then Attorney General Cooper To Add A Complaint Against North Carolina’s Ban On Same-Sex Marriage To A Federal Lawsuit Against The State’s Ban Of “Second Parent Adoptions. “In North Carolina, the ACLU intends to fold its challenge of the 2012 marriage amendment into its existing federal lawsuit against the state’s ban of so-called ‘second parent adoptions.’ Under state law, a partner in a same-sex union cannot legally adopt the other partner’s biological or adopted children. […] The ACLU has asked Attorney General Roy Cooper, whose office is representing the state in the adoption case, to allow the gay-marriage challenge to be added to the adoption complaint. If he refus-es, the ACLU will petition the court directly.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/9/13]

Dan Forest

2015: Harris Attended Forest’s “Black Mountain Weekend” – An Invitation-Only, Christian Retreat For Men

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 107

together a couple hundred men at a mountain conference center. […] An event calendar on the Republican Party’s 11th District website features an invitation to the 2015 retreat from Mark Harris, the Charlotte pastor who has run for Congress and helped lead the fight to ban same-sex marriage in North Carolina. Contacted by email, Harris responded that he had a ‘phenomenal’ time last year and planned to take his two sons to this year’s retreat ‘to head up to the beautiful location of Black Mountain and enjoy being together with men and Brothers in Christ from all over the state.’” [News & Observer, 9/9/16]

2013: Forest On Harris: “Obviously, Mark Has A Built-In Base”

2013: Forest On Harris: “Obviously, Mark Has A Built-In Base.” “Making the rounds Saturday in a possible Senate bid was the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. […] While Tillis appeals to many establishment Republicans, and Brannon to libertarian or tea party Republicans, Harris could appeal to social conservatives. He was an outspoken backer of last year’s constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Supporter Mary Frances Forrester of Gaston County, also a leader in the effort, called him ‘a new Jesse Helms.’ ’Obviously, Mark has a built-in base,’ Lt. Gov. Forest said when asked about his possible candidacy. ‘You’re going to have a tight race in the primary.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/8/13]

Pat McCrory

2015: Harris Said He Was “Disappointed” That McCrory Did Not Enact A Religious Freedom Law In North Carolina Before The Supreme Court Overturned The Same-Sex Marriage Ban

2015: Harris Said That He Was “Highly Disappointed” That McCrory Did Not Enact A Religious Freedom Law In North Carolina Before The U.S. Supreme Court Overturned The State’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban. “The Rev. Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who ran last year for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, said he was ‘highly disappointed’ that McCrory did not see the benefit of having such a law in place before June, when many analysts are predicting the U.S. Supreme Court will rule same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. State religious freedom laws in North Carolina and elsewhere, said Harris, who leads First Baptist Church of Charlotte, ‘would protect Christians from governments eager to advance the agenda that sexual rights are superior to religious liberty.’ Asked for an example of what behavior such a law would protect, Harris and legislative sponsors of the bills referred to a florist in Washington state who was sued after she refused, on religious grounds, to sell and arrange flowers for a same-sex wedding.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/30/15]

2014: Harris Called On McCrory To Defend North Carolina’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban

2014: Harris Called On McCrory To Defend North Carolina’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban. “When McCrory ran for governor in 2012, he supported the state amendment that defined marriage as between a man and woman. But the socially moderate Republican governor has said little on recent lawsuits challenging the ban. […] The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor First Baptist Church in Charlotte, said he hopes McCrory will uphold his oath to defend the state constitution. ’Today all of us face a threat of judicial overreach. This issue is quickly becoming far more than some would ever have imagined,’ said Harris, a former U.S. Senate candidate who lost to House Speaker Thom Tillis in the Republican primary. ‘We are seeing judges who believe they cannot only interpret the law, they believe they can make and implement the law.’” [Associated Press, 7/15/14]

Harris: “Today All Of Us Face A Threat Of Judicial Overreach…We Are Seeing Judges Who Believe They Cannot Only Interpret The Law, They Believe They Can Make And Implement The Law.” “When McCrory ran for governor in 2012, he supported the state amendment that defined marriage as between a man and woman. But the socially moderate Republican governor has said little on recent lawsuits challenging the ban. […] The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor First Baptist Church in Charlotte, said he hopes McCrory will uphold his oath to defend the state constitution. ’Today all of us face a threat of judicial overreach. This issue is

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 108

quickly becoming far more than some would ever have imagined,’ said Harris, a former U.S. Senate candidate who lost to House Speaker Thom Tillis in the Republican primary. ‘We are seeing judges who believe they cannot only interpret the law, they believe they can make and implement the law.’” [Associated Press, 7/15/14]

2014: McCrory Called Harris A “Good Friend,” Though He Endorsed Tillis Over Harris In The U.S. Senate Primary Race

2014: McCrory Called Harris A “Good Friend,” Though He Endorsed Tillis Over Harris In The U.S. Senate Primary Race. “Gov. Pat McCrory on Tuesday further injected himself into the Republican primary for U.S. Senate, endorsing House Speaker Thom Tillis ahead of the May 6 vote. […] He thanked the other candidates for running, calling Harris a ‘good friend.’ McCrory also pledged to support any Republican candidate that wins. ‘I think all of them have the possibility to win’ in No-vember, he said.” [News & Observer, 4/29/14]

Harris Hosted McCrory At First Baptist Church At Least Twice

2006: Harris Hosted Charlotte Mayor McCrory At First Baptist Church. “Peter Gorman walked out of the headquarters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at 5:40 a.m. Monday. The skyline was still dark. His day was almost an hour old. Thus dawned one of the most eagerly anticipated careers in Charlotte history. The 42-year-old Californian takes charge of the Carolinas’ largest school district at a time when it is lauded nationally but assailed by an array of local critics. […] During Gorman’s last appearance, the Rev. Mark Harris asked Gorman, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick to tell the First Baptist congregation ‘what God means to them in their personal walk.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/06]

2005: McCrory Spoke At Harris’ Installation At First Baptist Church. “As the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church says, ‘There is a sense of readiness now to go after the future.’ […] Without being what he called ‘an attack dog,’ Harris said he’ll be a conservative who speaks out against abortion and homosexuality, and on other issues of the day. Noting that Mayor Pat McCrory spoke at his installation, Harris talks of the burden that comes with being pastor of the city’s First Baptist Church uptown and having a pulpit to speak out.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/24/05]

Sue Myrick

2016: Myrick Endorsed Harris And Campaigned With Him

2016: Myrick Endorsed Harris And Campaigned With Him. “After 27 years of leading churches, the Rev. Mark Harris again feels called - this time to serve in Congress. He’s challenging U.S. Robert Pittenger in the Republican primary for the 9th congressional district. […] And this Friday, Harris is scheduled to be joined at a campaign rally by another of his noted endors-ers: former U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, who held the 9th district seat from 1995 to 2013.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/20/16]

Myrick Fundraised With Harris. “Last Friday, Myrick, now 74, headlined a Harris fundraiser at Cedar Wood Country Club in south Charlotte. The Harris campaign has sent newspapers in the district an op-ed column she wrote ex-plaining her endorsement.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/2/16]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Simmering Feud Boils Over As Myrick Backs Pittenger’s 9th District Foe.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/2/16]

2007: Harris Administered The Morning Prayer At The U.S. House Of Representatives At The Request Of Rep. Myrick

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 109

2007: Harris Administered The Morning Prayer At The U.S. House Of Representatives At The Request Of Rep. Myrick. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church uptown, administered the morning prayer Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives. […] Harris was invited to give the prayer by Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C. She told the House he was a ‘dy-namic and true leader’ in the community as the head of one of the fastest growing Baptist churches in the area.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/30/07]

Myrick On Harris: “Dynamic And True Leader.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church uptown, administered the morning prayer Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives. […] Harris was invited to give the prayer by Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C. She told the House he was a ‘dy-namic and true leader’ in the community as the head of one of the fastest growing Baptist churches in the area.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/30/07]

2006: Harris Hosted U.S. Representative Myrick At First Baptist Church

2006: Harris Hosted U.S. Representative Myrick At First Baptist Church. “Peter Gorman walked out of the headquarters of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools at 5:40 a.m. Monday. The skyline was still dark. His day was almost an hour old. Thus dawned one of the most eagerly anticipated careers in Charlotte history. The 42-year-old Californian takes charge of the Carolinas’ largest school district at a time when it is lauded nationally but assailed by an array of local critics. […] During Gorman’s last appearance, the Rev. Mark Harris asked Gorman, Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick to tell the First Baptist congregation ‘what God means to them in their personal walk.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/06]

Mike Huckabee

2017: Harris Campaigned With Huckabee At A Country Club

2017: Harris Campaigned With Huckabee At A Country Club. “Mark Harris is running against Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-9) in the upcoming republican primary. This week he was with former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee at Rolling Hills Country Club to discuss his candidacy.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

2016: Huckabee Endorsed Harris In His 9th Congressional District Race And Fundraised For Him

2016: Huckabee Endorsed Harris In His 9th Congressional District Race. “One of three Republican candidates squaring off in a June 7 primary to represent the 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House, Harris spoke to roughly two-dozen pastors and lay leaders at a Pee Dee Baptist Association luncheon Tuesday. […] Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who has himself served as a Baptist preacher, has endorsed Harris and will be appearing with him at an April 21 speech in Monroe.” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Huckabee: Mark Harris Won’t Compromise Conservative Principles.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/21/16]

2016: Huckabee Campaigned And Fundraised For Harris. “The Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 110

Church of Charlotte, will kick off his campaign in a big way this Thursday. He’s bringing former Republican presidential candidate - and onetime Southern Baptist minister - Mike Huckabee to the 9th Congressional District for an endorsement, rallies in Mat-thews and Monroe, and a fundraiser.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/16]

2015: Harris Was A North Carolina State Campaign Chairman For Huckabee’s Presidential Race

2015: Harris Was A North Carolina State Campaign Chairman For Huckabee’s Presidential Race. “More Republican presidential hopefuls are rolling out their campaign’s leading political supporters for their bids in North Carolina. […] Earlier this week, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee named his state campaign chairmen as former U.S. Rep. Charles Taylor of Transylvania County and the Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte.” [Associated Press, 10/1/15]

2014: Huckabee Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race And Fundraised For Harris

2014: Huckabee Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race. “North Carolina U.S. Senate candidate the Rev. Mark Harris has received the endorsement of Mike Huckabee in the Republican primary. Harris announced Thursday the support of Huckabee, an ex-Arkansas governor, 2008 presidential hopeful and radio and TV show host. Huckabee is a favorite among Christian conservatives in the Republican Party.” [Associated Press, 1/16/14]

Harris On Huckabee: “Mike Counseled Me.” “That includes former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a longtime Baptist preacher who invited Harris to New York last May and is sending his wife, Janet, to North Carolina next month to headline some Harris-for-Senate fundraisers. ’Mike counseled me to really ... trust my instincts,’ Harris said. ‘And to never let anybody tell me that being a pastor is not tremendous preparation for the political arena.’ But most of all, Harris said, he prayed about his decision.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

HEADLINE: Associated Press: “US Senate Hopeful Harris Gets Huckabee Support.” [Associated Press, 1/16/14]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “Mike Huckabee Endorses Mark Harris For U.S. Senate.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/16/14]

2014: Huckabee’s PAC Contributed To Harris’ Campaign. “The seat is held by Sen. Kay Hagan. Ted Alexander, Alex Lee Bradshaw, Greg Brannon, Heather Grant, Mark Harris, Edward Kryn, Jim Snyder and Thom Tillis are in the Republican primary. Democrats Ernest T. Reeves and Will Stewart join Hagan in the Democratic race. […] Harris’ sole PAC contribution this quarter ($2,000) came from Huck PAC, controlled by former Ar- kansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.” [News & Record, 4/28/14]

2014: Huckabee Fundraised With Harris. “Another Republican candidate, Mark Harris, has his own big-name fundraiser coming up Saturday. Former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will headline a Raleigh event for the Char-lotte pastor. The Huckabee fundraiser is expected to draw more than 300 people, with hosts paying $2,500 and couples $500. The minimum ticket is $250. The event is at the North Ridge Country Club.” [News & Observer, 3/18/14]

Harris Raised Over $100,000 At His Fundraiser With Huckabee. “Tillis’ two rivals are accumulating funds to get on television in the final weeks. Harris announced he raised more than $100,000 over the weekend at a Raleigh fundraiser anchored by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.” [Associated Press, 3/25/14]

HEADLINE: Associated Press: “Huckabee Headlines Harris NC Senate Fundraiser.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Huckabee Invited Harris To Fundraise With Him In New York. “That includes former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a longtime Baptist preacher who invited Harris to New York last May and is sending his wife, Janet, to

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 111

North Carolina next month to headline some Harris-for-Senate fundraisers. ’Mike counseled me to really ... trust my instincts,’ Harris said. ‘And to never let anybody tell me that being a pastor is not tremendous preparation for the political arena.’ But most of all, Harris said, he prayed about his decision.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

Huckabee Sent His Wife To Headline Fundraisers For Harris. “That includes former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, a longtime Baptist preacher who invited Harris to New York last May and is sending his wife, Janet, to North Carolina next month to headline some Harris-for-Senate fundraisers. ’Mike counseled me to really ... trust my instincts,’ Harris said. ‘And to never let anybody tell me that being a pastor is not tremendous preparation for the political arena.’ But most of all, Harris said, he prayed about his decision.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Mike Huckabee’s Wife Will Stump For Harris In Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro.” [News & Observer, 11/6/13]

2010: First Baptist Hosted Mike Huckabee At Their 4th Of July Celebration At Harris’ Invitation

2010: First Baptist Hosted Mike Huckabee At Their 4th Of July Celebration At Harris’ Invitation. “This Fourth of July, First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte may seem like the setting for a national political convention. Right down to the 2,000-balloon drop, the confetti cannons and a 2012 presidential contender in the pulpit. The White House wannabe: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee , who will preach at 10:30 a.m. Before he went into GOP politics full time, Huckabee was a Southern Baptist pastor. […] Instead, Harris said he’s bringing in Huckabee, who ran for president in 2008 and may do so again in two years, because the preacher-politician’s life story fit in with church’s 2010 theme: ‘Mobilize.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Harris: “I Don’t Want Folks To Consider It A Republican Rally Or A Political Rally.” “First Baptist will also have an honor guard, bagpipes and patriotic music. Despite all these red-white-and-blue trappings, the Rev. Mark Harris , the senior pastor, called me to make sure people didn’t get the wrong idea. ‘I don’t want folks to consider it a Republican rally or a political rally,’ he said.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Harris Said He Did Not Invite Huckabee To Promote His Possible Candidacy But To Showcase “An Average Man Who Was Willing To Get Involved In Hopes Of Improving The Country.” “Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist, said he invited Huckabee not to promote Huckabee’s possible 2012 bid for the White House - churches, as tax-exempt institutions, are not permitted to endorse candidates - but to showcase for his flock an average man who was willing to get involved in hopes of improving the country. He said that fit into the church’s 2010 theme, which calls on Christians to ‘mobilize’ to make a difference.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/10]

Huckabee’s “Strong Views On Homosexuality…Will Not Be A Problem For Him At First Baptist”

Huckabee’s “Strong Views On Homosexuality…Will Not Be A Problem For Him At First Baptist.” “He may be inspirational, but Huckabee is also controversial these days, mostly for comments he made in a New Yorker magazine profile that ran this week. In opposing gay marriage, he referred to the ‘ick factor.’ Huckabee’s strong views on homosexuality, which he has said are Bible-based, will not be a problem for him at First Baptist. It’s a major member of the Baptist State Convention, which voted in 2006 that any churches in ‘friendly cooperative’ with the state Baptist group must reject homosexual behavior. That policy was framed by a committee whose chairman was First Baptist’s Pastor Harris.” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Charlotte Observer: Huckabee “Went From Pastor To Lieutenant Governor To Governor To Presidential Candidate - A Trajectory, Harris Said, That Should ‘Inspire And Encourage Folks’”

Charlotte Observer: Huckabee “Went From Pastor To Lieutenant Governor To Governor To Presidential Candidate - A Trajectory, Harris Said, That Should ‘Inspire And Encourage Folks.’” “This Fourth of July, First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte may seem like the setting for a national political convention. Right down

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 112

to the 2,000-balloon drop, the confetti cannons and a 2012 presidential contender in the pulpit. The White House wannabe: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee , who will preach at 10:30 a.m. Before he went into GOP politics full time, Huckabee was a Southern Baptist pastor. […] In 2009, when he realized July 4 would fall on a Sunday this year, Harris said he got the idea to invite Huckabee. Here was someone who started out ‘as an average guy like you and me.’ Then, he went from pastor to lieutenant governor to governor to presidential candidate - a trajectory, Harris said, that should ‘inspire and encourage folks.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Harris Brought In Huckabee Because His Story Fit With The Church’s “Mobilize” Theme. “This Fourth of July, First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte may seem like the setting for a national political convention. Right down to the 2,000-balloon drop, the confetti cannons and a 2012 presidential contender in the pulpit. The White House wannabe: Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee , who will preach at 10:30 a.m. […] Instead, Harris said he’s bringing in Huckabee, who ran for president in 2008 and may do so again in two years, because the preacher-politician’s life story fit in with church’s 2010 theme: ‘Mobilize.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/26/10]

Harris Said He Voted For Huckabee In The 2008 Presidential Primary And “Nothing Would Thrill Me More” If He Ran For President Again

Harris Said He Voted For Huckabee In The 2008 Presidential Primary. “Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist, said he invited Huckabee not to promote Huckabee’s possible 2012 bid for the White House - churches, as tax-exempt institutions, are not permitted to endorse candidates - but to showcase for his flock an average man who was willing to get involved in hopes of improving the country. […] Still, in an interview before the service, Harris said he voted for Huckabee in the 2008 N.C. GOP primary. And though Huckabee is still on the fence about 2012, Harris said that ‘personally ... nothing would thrill me more’ if he ran again.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/10]

Harris On Huckabee: “Personally ... Nothing Would Thrill Me More” If He Ran For President Again. “Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist, said he invited Huckabee not to promote Huckabee’s possible 2012 bid for the White House - churches, as tax-exempt institutions, are not permitted to endorse candidates - but to showcase for his flock an average man who was willing to get involved in hopes of improving the country. […] Still, in an interview before the service, Harris said he voted for Huckabee in the 2008 N.C. GOP primary. And though Huckabee is still on the fence about 2012, Harris said that ‘personally ... nothing would thrill me more’ if he ran again.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/10]

Harris On Huckabee: “The Lord Has Taken This Man And Used Him.” “Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at First Baptist, said he invited Huckabee not to promote Huckabee’s possible 2012 bid for the White House - churches, as tax-exempt institutions, are not permitted to endorse candidates - but to showcase for his flock an average man who was willing to get involved in hopes of improving the country. […] ‘The Lord has taken this man and used him,’ Harris said when later introducing Huckabee.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/4/10]

Tony Perkins

2013: Perkins Arranged For Harris To Meet And Seek Support From Cruz

2013: Perkins Arranged For Harris To Meet And Seek Support From Cruz. “Republican Mark Harris recently met with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz as he looks for support for his U.S. Senate bid in North Carolina. […] Spokesman Mike Rusher said Harris and Cruz met in Washington on a recent campaign trip. It was arranged with the help of Tony Perkins, the president of the Family Research Council, a social con-servative advocacy group. Perkins counts Cruz and Harris as allies.” [News & Observer, 11/21/13]

Harris Turned Over His Pulpit To Perkins

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 113

March 2012: Harris Said He Would Turn Over His Pulpit To Tony Perkins, President Of A Washington D.C.-Based Conservative Group, To Promote The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage. “In early March, Harris said he’ll turn his pulpit over to Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, who will speak about the amendment and its impact on marriage and family. The Washing-ton, D.C.-based conservative Christian group opposes expanded gay rights.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/12]

Perkins Spoke To Congregants At First Baptist Church. “The issue before North Carolina voters is a simple one, the guest preacher told his audience Sunday at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. ’God has defined marriage,’ said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. ‘It is not up to us to redefine it.’” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

Perkins Told Congregants At First Baptist That The Separation Of Church And State Was “The Separation Of Morality And Truth From Public Life.” “The issue before North Carolina voters is a simple one, the guest preacher told his audience Sunday at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. ’God has defined marriage,’ said Family Research Council President Tony Perkins. ‘It is not up to us to redefine it.’ […] Perkins picked up on that theme. The separation of church and state, he said, is actually ‘the separation of morality and truth from pub-lic life.’” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

Roy Moore

Harris Said While He Found The Allegations Against Moore To Be “Extremely Disturbing,” “Voters In Alabama Are In The Best Position To Judge The Truth Of These Allegations”

2017: Harris On Allegations Against Moore: “I Believe The Voters In Alabama Are In The Best Position To Judge The Truth Of These Allegations And That Determination Should Be Left To Them.” “Mark Harris called the allegations against Moore ‘extremely disturbing.’ ’If true, he has no business serving in the US Senate or in any elected position,’ Harris said in a statement. ‘I believe the voters in Alabama are in the best position to judge the truth of these allega-tions and that determination should be left to them. I have confidence the voters of Alabama will carefully evaluate both these allegations and Moore’s response over the coming days...’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/16/17]

Steve Bannon

Harris Distanced Himself From Bannon After Trump And Bannon’s Dramatic Split

2018: Charlotte Observer: Harris Distanced Himself From Bannon After Trump And Bannon’s Dramatic Split. “Last fall, former White House adviser Steve Bannon all but endorsed Charlotte Republican Mark Harris,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 114

pushing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District onto the front lines of a GOP civil war. But on Thursday, after President Donald Trump’s dramatic split with Bannon, Harris and his cam-paign distanced themselves from the controversial strategist. Harris is again challenging Rep. Robert Pittenger, who won a 2016 GOP primary.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/4/18]

Charlotte Observer: “Last Fall, Former White House Adviser Steve Bannon All But Endorsed Charlotte Republican Mark Harris.” “Last fall, former White House adviser Steve Bannon all but endorsed Charlotte Republican Mark Harris, pushing North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District onto the front lines of a GOP civil war. But on Thursday, after President Donald Trump’s dramatic split with Bannon, Harris and his cam-paign distanced themselves from the controversial strategist. Harris is again challenging Rep. Robert Pittenger, who won a 2016 GOP primary.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/4/18]

2017: Harris On Bannon: “There Are Qualities About My Candidacy He Certainly Would Like… We’ve Got To Start Draining The Swamp.” “Steve Bannon is telling people he’s not coming after mainstream Republicans in the House the way he’s targeting senators with anti-establishment disrupters in primaries. […] ‘There are qualities about my candidacy he certainly would like,’ Mark Harris, a former pastor set for a rematch with Pittenger in a district east of Charlotte, said of Bannon. ‘We’ve got to start draining the swamp.’ Harris lost in 2016 by fewer than 200 votes. He says he hasn’t talked to Bannon ‘as of yet.’” [Winston-Salem Journal, 11/27/17]

Nancy Pelosi

2007: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said The Highlight Of His Trip To Washington, D.C. Was The Respect Myrick And Pelosi Showed His Father Who Was A Prisoner Of War In World War II

2007: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said The Highlight Of His Trip To Washington, D.C. Was The Respect Myrick And Pelosi Showed His Father Who Was A Prisoner Of War In World War II. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church uptown, administered the morning prayer Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives. […] The highlight of his Washington visit was watching both a Republican and a Democrat, Myrick and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, show great respect for his father, Everette Harris, who was a prisoner of war in World War II. ’For them to offer that kind of appreciation, it was very moving and very gratifying to see,’ the pastor said. ” [Charlotte Observer, 4/30/07]

Harris: “For Them To Offer That Kind Of Appreciation, It Was Very Moving And Very Gratifying To See.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church uptown, administered the morning prayer Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives. […] The highlight of his Washington visit was watching both a Republican and a Democrat, Myrick and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, show great respect for his father, Everette Harris, who was a prisoner of war in World War II. ’For them to offer that kind of appreciation, it was very moving and very gratifying to see,’ the pastor said. ” [Charlotte Observer, 4/30/07]

Mitt Romney

2012: Harris Said That His And Romney’s Values Were “Far More Similar Than Nonsimilar”

2012: Harris: “I Recognize That The Values I Hold As An Evangelical Christian Do Line Up More Closely With The Philosophical Direction Romney Would Take The Country.” “‘I recognize that the values I hold as an evangelical Christian do line up more closely with the philo-sophical direction Romney would take the country,’ said Harris, president of the Baptist State Con-vention and a leader this year in the successful campaign to pass a constitutional amendment reaf-firming North Carolina’s ban on same-sex marriage.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/28/12]

2012: Harris On Romney: “While Certainly We Differ And Have Deep Theological Issues With Gov.

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 115

Romney’s Religion And Faith, We Do Share Similar Values.” “‘Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and president of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, says evangelicals now have a clear choice. ’While certainly we differ and have deep theological issues with Gov. Romney’s religion and faith, we do share similar values,’ Harris said. On topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion, ‘our values are far more similar than nonsimilar.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/17/12]

Charlotte Observer: Harris Said That On Same-Sex Marriage And Abortion Romney’s And Evangelicals’ “Values Are Far More Similar Than Nonsimilar.” “‘Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte and president of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention, says evangelicals now have a clear choice. ’While certainly we differ and have deep theological issues with Gov. Romney’s religion and faith, we do share similar values,’ Harris said. On topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion, ‘our values are far more similar than nonsimilar.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/17/12]

Rick Santorum

2012: Harris Hosted Rick Santorum At His Church

2012: Harris Hosted Rick Santorum At His Church. “Last year Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, campaigned heavily for Amendment One, which recognizes marriage between a man and a woman as the only valid union recognized in the state. He has hosted Republican precinct meetings at his church and last year brought in a number of prom-inent conservative speakers, including former presidential candidates Rick Santorum and Mike Huck-abee and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/6/13]

Josh Duggar & Duggar Family

2014: The Duggar Family Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race

2014: The Duggar Family Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race. “The Duggar family is visiting Raleigh on Friday to boost Charlotte pastor Mark Harris’ U.S. Senate campaign. All the family members - featured on TLC’s ‘19 Kids and Counting’ - will endorse Harris, 20 kids and two parents means 22 endorsements, according to the campaign. (The Duggars have 19 children - unless they haven’t had time to update their website - so presumably one of those endorse-ments is coming from a Duggar grandchild.) Jim Bob Duggar is a former Arkansas state representative and active in conservative politics. The Raleigh rally is planned for 5 p.m. at the Crabtree Marriott.” [Charlotte Observer, [News & Observer, 3/12/14]

The Duggar Family Campaigned And Fundraised With Harris In North Carolina

The Duggar Family Campaigned With Harris In North Carolina. “The Duggar family is visiting Raleigh on Friday to boost Charlotte pastor Mark Harris’ U.S. Senate campaign. All the family members - featured on TLC’s ‘19 Kids and Counting’ - will endorse Harris, 20 kids and two parents means 22 endorsements, according to the campaign. (The Duggars have 19 children - unless they haven’t had time to update their website - so presumably one of those endorse-ments is coming from a Duggar grandchild.) Jim Bob Duggar is a former Arkansas state representative and active in conservative politics. The Raleigh rally is planned for 5 p.m. at the Crabtree Marriott.” [Charlotte Observer, [News & Observer, 3/12/14]

HEADLINE: Associated Press: “Reality TV Family Helping NC Senate Hopeful Harris.” [Associated Press, 3/14/14]

2014: Duggar Campaigned And Fundraised With Harris. “Josh Duggar, a reality show star turned political

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 116

adviser, will joining U.S. Senate candidate Mark Har-ris for a series of fundraising and political events in Raleigh, Winston-Salem and Hendersonville early this week. Duggar’s family is featured on the TLC show ‘19 Kids & Counting.’” [News & Observer, 2/24/14]

Josh Duggar Worked For The Family Research Council Act. “The Rev. Mark Harris is getting a big personal endorsement from a large family in his bid to win the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in North Carolina. The Charlotte minister plans to share the stage Friday at a Raleigh hotel with the Duggar (DUG’-ur) family from the cable reality television show ‘19 Kids and Counting.’ Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are the Arkansas couple that leads the family of 19 children. The Duggar’s oldest son, Josh, works for the conservative Family Research Council Action, which has endorsed Harris. The event will include a rally and hot dog dinner.” [Associated Press, 3/14/14]

Milo Yiannopoulos

Harris Said That Students At Berkeley Protesting Yiannopoulos Was Evidence Of The Intolerance Of Liberals

2017: Harris Said That Students At Berkeley Protesting A Right-Wing Speaker Was Evidence Of The Intolerance Of Liberals. “Harris pointed to the recent protests at the University of California, Berkeley, where windows were broken and fires started by protesters who opposed a right-wing speaker scheduled to make an appearance on campus, as evidence of hypocrisy on the left. Trump threatened to withdraw federal funds from the university after the protest. The word tolerance is used all the time to talk about evangelicals, Harris said, arguing that the protests are examples of intolerant liberals.” [Star-News, 2/5/17]

There Were Large Protests At University Of California Berkeley When Yiannopoulos Planned To Speak There. Yiannopoulos “Protests that erupted at UC Berkeley ahead of a planned Wednesday appearance by right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos caused $100,000 worth of damage to the campus, the school said Thursday.” [CNN, 2/2/17]

Ted Cruz

2013: Harris Met With Cruz And Sought His Support For His U.S. Senate Race

2013: Harris Met With Ted Cruz. “But the others are bidding for tea party support. Harris acknowledged that he met this week with U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, a leader of the recent government shutdown effort.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/21/13]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “Senate Candidate Mark Harris Seeking Support From Ted Cruz.” [News & Observer, 11/21/13]

Rand Paul

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 117

2014: Harris: “I Just Find It Interesting That Rand Paul Would Come Down The Day Before The Election And Hitch His Wagon To” Brannon’s Campaign “… Maybe He Doesn’t Know”

2014: Harris: “I Just Find It Interesting That Rand Paul Would Come Down The Day Before The Election And Hitch His Wagon To” Brannon’s Campaign “… Maybe He Doesn’t Know.” “Thom Tillis and Mark Harris stood far apart as they joined a gauntlet of sign-waving candidates and volunteers greeting the last of the early voters at South Regional library. Along with Cary physician Greg Brannon, the two are considered the top candidates in a primary that could help decide control of the U.S. Senate. […] Harris, who has generally avoided criticizing his rivals, referred to Tillis as ‘Hagan Lite.’ And he questioned Paul’s judgment in stumping for Brannon, ordered in March to pay a $450,000 judgment after a Wake County jury found him guilty of misleading two investors in his failed startup. ’I just find it interesting that Rand Paul would come down the day before the election and hitch his wagon to that,’ Harris told reporters. ‘Maybe he doesn’t know.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/3/14]

Jesse Helms

Harris Had A Photo Of Helms Signed Framed In His Office At First Baptist

Harris Had A Photo Of Helms Signed Framed In His Office At First Baptist. “This may be Harris’ debut run for office. But his relationship with politics goes way back. At 14, he stuffed envelopes for Ronald Reagan’s 1980 presidential campaign. then took a bus to the inauguration in Washington a year later. At 17, he was back in D.C., as one of two North Carolina ‘senators’ at Boys Nation, posing for a picture on the U.S. Capitol steps with then- Sen. Jesse Helms. ’I am proud of you,’ Helms scribbled on the photograph, which is now framed and prominently fea-tured in Harris’ office at First Baptist.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/10/13]

2018: Harris On Helms: “When I Look Back Upon His Courage Of Conviction And His Willingness To Always Stand Strong—That To Me Is The Epitome Of Character, Consistency, And Courage.” “Dr. Harris: ‘If I had to choose somebody from North Carolina that has demonstrated the tenacity, the conviction, and the courage of conviction, it would be Jesse Helms. I was 14 years old when I went to work in the Americans for Reagan office three days a week, [a group] Jesse Helms founded in Winston Salem, North Carolina. I have a great found respect for who he was. When I look back upon his courage of conviction and his willingness to always stand strong—that to me is the epitome of character, consistency, and courage.’” [MerionWest.com, 5/8/18]

William Barber

2017: Harris Told Barber To “Visit Some Of Our Churches” After The Pastor Criticized Conservatives For Their Stances On Helping The Poor And For Praying For The President

2017: Harris Told Barber To “Visit Some Of Our Churches” After The Pastor Criticized Conservatives For Their Stances On Helping The Poor And For Praying For The President. “Conservative clergy are returning fire at the Rev. William Barber for his criticism of ministers who prayed over President Donald Trump in the Oval Office last week. At a news conference in Charlotte, five faith-based leaders said that Barber, the liberal president of the North Carolina NACCP, was misguided and un-biblical when he called the White House prayer ‘theological malpractice bordering on heresy.’ […] The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, cited another widely re-spected minister, Charlotte-born Billy Graham, a pastor to presidents who regularly prayed for occu-pants of the White House, Republicans and Democrats, for decades. Harris, who recently filed to run for Congress as a Republican in North Carolina’s Ninth District, also suggested Barber ‘visit some of our churches’ before criticizing conservative pastors for their stands regarding the poor.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/19/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 118

Mary Frances Forrester

2013: Forrester Was A Co-Chair Of Harris’ U.S. Senate Campaign

2013: Forrester Was A Co-Chair Of Harris’ U.S. Senate Campaign. “The Rev. Mark Harris said Thursday he’ll run for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year, adding a favorite of the party’s social conservatives to the list of potential challengers to Demo-cratic incumbent Kay Hagan. […] Former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes and longtime Republican activist Mary Frances Forrester will be co-chairs of Harris’ campaign, Perdue said. Forrester is the widow of state Sen. Jim Forrester, who helped get the amendment on limiting marriage on the ballot before his death.” [Associated Press, 9/12/13]

Forrester Said Harris Was “A New Jesse Helms.” “Making the rounds Saturday in a possible Senate bid was the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church and president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. […] While Tillis appeals to many establishment Republicans, and Brannon to libertarian or tea party Republicans, Harris could appeal to social conservatives. He was an outspoken backer of last year’s constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Supporter Mary Frances Forrester of Gaston County, also a leader in the effort, called him ‘a new Jesse Helms.’ ’Obviously, Mark has a built-in base,’ Lt. Gov. Forest said when asked about his possible candidacy. ‘You’re going to have a tight race in the primary.’” [Charlotte Observer, 6/8/13]

Beverly Lake

2014: Chief Justice Lake Endorsed Harris’ Campaign For U.S. Senate

2014: Chief Justice Lake Endorsed Harris’ Campaign For U.S. Senate. “Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake announced Thursday he is supporting Mark Harris in the Senate GOP primary for Democrat Kay Hagan’s senate seat. Lake said he had ‘full confidence in Mark’s leadership abilities, his courage, and his commitment to our Republican values.’” [News & Observer, 2/7/14]

Paul Newby

2012: Harris Endorsed Supreme Court Justice Candidate Paul Newby From The Pulpit

Buck Newton

2015 & 2016: Harris Contributed To Newton’s Campaign After Newton Endorsed Him

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 119

primary. ’Mark is exactly the kind of person we need,’ Newton said in a statement. ‘He will stand firm for conservative principles and our values.’” [News & Observer, 3/11/14]

Dan Bishop

2016: Harris Contributed To Bishop’s Campaign After Bishop Endorsed Him

2017: Harris Contributed $550 To The Bishop For Senate Committee. [North Carolina State Board of Elections & Ethics Enforcement, accessed 6/11/18]

Bishop Was The Author Of HB2. “Harris is an ally of state Rep. Dan Bishop, the Mecklenburg Republican who authored HB2 and who won a state senate seat last month.” [Charlotte Business Journal, 12/20/16]

Pete Brunstetter

2013: State Sen. Brunstetter Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race

2013: State Sen. Brunstetter Endorsed Harris In His U.S. Senate Race. “Mark Harris, who wants to be the next U.S. senator from North Carolina, has been endorsed by State Sen. Pete Brunstetter, the state’s chief budget writer who last week announced he was leaving the state Senate to work for Novant Health.” [News & Observer, 11/25/13]

Daniel Soucek

2013: Soucek Hosted A Fundraiser For Harris

2013: State Sen. Soucek Hosted A Fundraiser For Harris. “Fundraiser: Two state senators - Daniel Soucek and Warren Daniel - are hosting a fundraiser for Mark Harris on Friday in Hickory.” [News & Observer, 12/4/13]

Warren Daniel

2013: Daniel Hosted A Fundraiser For Harris

2013: State Sen. Daniel Hosted A Fundraiser For Harris. “Fundraiser: Two state senators - Daniel Soucek and Warren Daniel - are hosting a fundraiser for Mark Harris on Friday in Hickory.” [News & Observer, 12/4/13]

J.R. Rowell

2016: Rowell Endorsed Harris

2016: Rowell Endorsed Harris. “J.R. Rowell has endorsed Mark Harris in the race for North Carolina’s 9th

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 120

Congressional District. Rowell made the following statement: ‘Mark Harris is a man of integrity who will not sacrifice his conservative principles or bend to special interests in Washington. Mark has a record of fighting for our values as a leader in our com-munity. When Mark Harris says he’s going to fight against debt ceiling increases, or that he’ll work to lower taxes, or that he’ll defend our religious liberties while in Congress, I know that he’ll do what he says he’ll do.’” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/22/16]

J.R. Rowell Was The Clerk Of Superior Court In Union County, North Carolina. [Co.Union.NC.US, accessed 6/5/18]

Karl Rove

2017: Rove Fundraised For Harris’ Primary Opponent

2017: Rove Fundraised For Harris’ Primary Opponent. “Current Fox News political analyst and former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove is spending Monday in Charlotte. He’s in town to help raise money for incumbent Republican Congressman Robert Pittenger, who faces what is expected to be a close and contentious primary next spring against Mark Harris. […] Political aides and analysts point to Rove’s campaign appearance months before the primary as a sign of Pittenger recognizing the close race ahead. Harris’ campaign is using the former Bush adviser’s visit as a talking point, characterizing Rove as a Beltway establishment figure who favors the status quo. Rove has sharply criticized President Donald Trump, a fellow Republican.” [Charlotte Business Journal, 10/16/17]

Jennifer Roberts

2016: Harris: “Jennifer Roberts And The Charlotte City Council Ignored Repeated Warnings That This Wasn’t Going To Be Good For Charlotte … Roberts Has To Own This”

2016: Harris: “Jennifer Roberts And The Charlotte City Council Ignored Repeated Warnings That This Wasn’t Going To Be Good For Charlotte … Roberts Has To Own This.” “Charlotteans descended on Raleigh Monday morning by bus, car and carpool to join rallies for and against House Bill 2. Some joined people at the microphone. The Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, was getting ready to address a crowd of bill supporters outside the legislative building. ’I felt it was important for these folks and legislators to understand where all this started,’ Harris said by phone, referring to the Charlotte ordinance that extended anti- discrimination protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation. ’Jennifer Roberts and the Charlotte City Council ignored repeated warnings that this wasn’t going to be good for Charlotte and good for the state if they passed the ordinance like this,’ said Harris, who is challenging U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger in the June primary. ‘I think Jennifer Roberts has to own this because this was her agenda and the City Council’s to make this an issue.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/25/16]

Mitchell Gold

Mitchell Gold Edited A Book To Help Gay Teens And Planned To Distribute The Books To Churches To Spread Acceptance; Harris Said He Would Not Distribute The Books

A Local Businessman, Who Considered Suicide As A Youth Because Of His Homosexuality, Edited A Book Aimed At Helping Gay Teens And Planned To Distribute The Books To Churches To Spread Acceptance

A Local Businessman, Who Considered Suicide As A Youth Because Of His Homosexuality, Edited A Book Aimed At Helping Gay Teens And Planned To Distribute The Books To Churches To Spread Acceptance. “As a teenager, Mitchell Gold lived a dual life. One minute, he’d be talking and laughing with family or friends. The next, he’d feel a black cloud descend, reminding him of his enormous, unsolvable problem: He was attracted to

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 121

men. He vowed to himself that if he couldn’t change by the time he turned 21, he’d commit suicide. He never changed, but his outlook eventually did. Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.’ […] He plans to donate 1,000 books to churches to reach people with anti-gay views. ‘One thing I know: These are good people... They don’t realize the harm they’re causing.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Local Businessman And Owner Of Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams Furniture: “One Thing I Know: These Are Good People... They Don’t Realize The Harm They’re Causing.” “Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.’ […] Gold, however, remains optimistic. ’Where I live,’ he says, ‘so many people say to me privately, ‘I don’t know what to believe.’ We think there’s a big crack in the wall.’ He plans to donate 1,000 books to churches to reach people with anti-gay views. ‘One thing I know: These are good people... They don’t realize the harm they’re causing.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Harris: “I Would Most Likely Not Become A Distributor Of That Philosophy”

Harris: “I Would Most Likely Not Become A Distributor Of That Philosophy.” “Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.’ […] Harris says he’d pass up any free books. ‘I would most likely not become a distributor of that philosophy.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Harris “Doubts Conservative Christian Will Buy” Businessman’s Arguments. “Today, Gold co-owns the Taylorsville-based Mitchell Gold+Bob Williams, one of the country’s most successful furniture companies. Now he’s editor, with sister-in-law Mindy Drucker, of a book aimed at sparing gay teens the pain he suffered: ‘Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.’ […] Charlotte’s First Baptist Church Minister Mark Harris, who believes it is a sin, doubts conservative Christians will buy Gold’s arguments.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/16/08]

Marty Jacumin

2011: Rev. Marty Jacumin Nominated Harris To Be President Of The NC Baptist State Convention

2011: Rev. Marty Jacumin Nominated Harris To Be President Of The NC Baptist State Convention And Said Harris Was The Best Person To Lead At A Time When Many Baptist Churches Were Closing. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. […] Nominating Harris at the November meeting in Greensboro will be the Rev. Marty Jacumin, senior pastor at Bay Leaf Baptist Church in Raleigh. He said Harris is the best person to lead the group at a time when some Baptist churches in North Carolina are closing. Jacumin said Harris understands the need to plant more Baptist churches around the state and help existing churches struggling in this sour economy.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Jacumin Said Harris Would Help The Baptist Convention Become More Diverse. “The Rev. Mark Harris, senior pastor at Charlotte’s First Baptist Church, says he’ll be a candidate for president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention when the group meets in November. […] He also expects Harris to help the state convention

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 122

become more diverse. ‘We need to have more and more Southern Baptist churches that are Hispanic, African- American, Chinese,’ Jacumin said.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/18/11]

Sallie Saxon

Charlotte Observer: Harris “Said He Has Seen God Working Through The Saxons,” After The “Southpark Madam” And Her Husband Joined First Baptist

Charlotte Observer: Harris “Said He Has Seen God Working Through The Saxons,” After The “Southpark Madam” And Her Husband Joined First Baptist. “She wore a leopard coat over her shoulders and had a client list that threatened to expose some of Charlotte’s richest and most prominent men. The ‘SouthPark Madam,’ TV newscasts called her. […] Since their release from a halfway house in early 2010, Saxon and her husband have been renting an apartment and living on his salary at a dental company. She said she mended relationships with her family, and is a better mother to her two children, now grown. First Baptist is the center of her and Don’s lives. He sings in the choir and goes door to door in poor neighborhoods with other men from the church to talk about the Bible with anyone who will listen. Sallie volunteers with the 40 Days for Life an-ti-abortion movement. She hopes to write a book. She knows not everyone will believe her story. Just another jailhouse conversion.First Baptist senior pastor Mark Harris said people ‘in the lost world’ simply cannot understand. He said he has seen God working through the Saxons.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/3/11]

Saxon Attended A Sunday School Class Taught By A Volunteer From First Baptist Church While In Jail. “While in jail, Saxon went to a Sunday school class taught by a volunteer from First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte. Don Saxon was home alone and dejected. She urged him to call First Baptist. When he did, two men from the church drove to his house to minister to him.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/3/11]

“First Baptist Is The Center” Of Saxon And Her Husband’s Lives. “Since their release from a halfway house in early 2010, Saxon and her husband have been renting an apartment and living on his salary at a dental company. She said she mended relationships with her family, and is a better mother to her two children, now grown. First Baptist is the center of her and Don’s lives. He sings in the choir and goes door to door in poor neighborhoods with other men from the church to talk about the Bible with anyone who will listen. Sallie volunteers with the 40 Days for Life anti-abortion movement. She hopes to write a book.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/3/11]

Saxon Protested Outside Of Abortion Clinics. “On a quiet street outside an abortion clinic in Charlotte, Sallie Saxon clutched a Bible, closed her eyes and prayed. […] Saxon finds herself again in a place where women are at a crossroads. Is she taking advantage of them at their most vulnerable, or is she rescuing them from a precipice? It depends on which expert you ask. Some, like her pastor, believe she is saving women; others believe she is harassing them for exercising their legal right. Abortion is a decision best made between a woman and her doctor, her family and her faith, said Melissa Reed of Planned Parenthood Health Systems, which runs a health center in Charlotte where a woman can get an abortion.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/3/11]

Mel Graham

2016: Graham Fundraised For Harris

2016: Graham Fundraised For Harris. “The Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, will kick off his campaign in a big way this Thursday. […] In addition to bringing evangelical favorite Huckabee to the district, Harris also has recruited Char-lotte real estate developer Mel Graham, among others, to help him raise money to challenge Pittenger. As a nephew to Billy Graham and cousin to Franklin Graham, Mel Graham is part of evangelicalism’s royal family.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 123

Ron Baity

2014: Baity: “‘Mark Harris Is A Breath Of Fresh Air Because He Recognizes Our Judeo-Christian Values”

2014: Baity: “‘Mark Harris Is A Breath Of Fresh Air Because He Recognizes Our Judeo-Christian Values.” “The sanctuary of the small Baptist church was a comfortable setting for Mark Harris, who even slipped into the rhythmic cadences of a preacher as he spoke about his life, his values and his U.S. Senate campaign. […]’Mark Harris is a breath of fresh air because he recognizes our Judeo-Christian values,’ says pastor Ron Baity, who heads an activist group called Return America. ‘We need people of Biblical convic-tions. If all the Christians in North Carolina voted for him, it wouldn’t even be a contest.’” [Charlotte Observer, 3/13/14]

Baity Led The Activist Group, Return America. “The sanctuary of the small Baptist church was a comfortable setting for Mark Harris, who even slipped into the rhythmic cadences of a preacher as he spoke about his life, his values and his U.S. Senate campaign. […]’Mark Harris is a breath of fresh air because he recognizes our Judeo-Christian values,’ says pastor Ron Baity, who heads an activist group called Return America. ‘We need people of Biblical convic-tions. If all the Christians in North Carolina voted for him, it wouldn’t even be a contest.’” [Charlotte Observer, 3/13/14]

Fernando Cabrera

2012: Harris Intended To Turn Over His Pulpit To NYC Councilman Fernando Cabrera

2012: Harris Intended To Turn Over His Pulpit To NYC Councilman Fernando Cabrera. “On Sept. 2, Harris will turn over his pulpit to New York City Councilman Fernando Cabrera, a minister, a social conservative on many faith-related issues and a Democratic delegate. Between now and the convention, Harris also is leading ‘prayer walks’ to different convention sites. First Baptist members are praying ‘for God’s protection of our city’ and all who visit.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/17/12]

Richard Hicks

Hicks Hired Harris As A Youth Minister

Hicks Hired Harris As A Youth Minister. “The Rev. Mark Harris says he’s the only one in the U.S. Senate Republican primary field that can unite the three streams of the GOP in North Carolina and ultimately put Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan on the political ropes heading to November. […] ‘I always said he was well beyond his years in wisdom and in spirit and in his relations, in being able to work with people,’ said the Rev. Richard hicks, who helped hire Harris while in college as a youth minister at a Winston-Salem church.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Mike Whitson

2014: Whitson On Harris: “His Leadership In The Marriage Amendment Was The Crowning Jewel”

2014: Whitson On Harris: “His Leadership In The Marriage Amendment Was The Crowning Jewel.” “‘His leadership in the marriage amendment was the crowning jewel,’ says Whitson, pastor of Indian Trail’s First Baptist church. It wasn’t the first time Harris has waded into politics.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 124

Whitson Said That Harris Would Not Have Run For Office “Had He Not Sensed This Was Something God Had Planned For His Life.” “His leadership in the marriage amendment was the crowning jewel,’ says Whitson, pastor of Indian Trail’s First Baptist church. It wasn’t the first time Harris has waded into politics. […] Harris says faith guides his life and decisions, just as it did his decision to join the campaign. On that, Whitson was not surprised. ’I know he would never have done this,’ he said, ‘had he not sensed this was something God had planned for his life.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Richard Land

2014: Land On Harris: “He’s Very Committed To Things He Believes In And Able To Engender Trust And Inspire Support For Others To Follow Him”

2014: Land On Harris: “He’s Very Committed To Things He Believes In And Able To Engender Trust And Inspire Support For Others To Follow Him.” “Admirers call Harris a forceful speaker able to articulate a vision and build consensus. ’He’s very committed to things he believes in and able to engender trust and inspire support for others to follow him,’ says Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Matthews. ‘He’s a charismatic and strong leader.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Land Was The President Of The Southern Evangelical Seminary In Matthews. “Admirers call Harris a forceful speaker able to articulate a vision and build consensus. ’He’s very committed to things he believes in and able to engender trust and inspire support for others to follow him,’ says Richard Land, president of Southern Evangelical Seminary in Matthews. ‘He’s a charismatic and strong leader.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Joe Brown

2014: Brown On Harris: “Mark Is More Of What We Would Call Prophetic… Prophetic Preacher Is One Who Takes The Word Of God And Tries To Apply It To Everyday Life”

2014: Brown On Harris: “Mark Is More Of What We Would Call Prophetic… Prophetic Preacher Is One Who Takes The Word Of God And Tries To Apply It To Everyday Life.” “Harris brought a more fiery, evangelical style to the uptown church. ’Mark is more of what we would call prophetic, where Charles was more a teacher,’ says the Rev. Joe Brown, former pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist. ‘A prophetic preacher is one who takes the Word of God and tries to apply it to everyday life. A teacher lets you interpret it on your own.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Brown Was The Pastor Of Hickory Grove Baptist. “Harris brought a more fiery, evangelical style to the uptown church. ’Mark is more of what we would call prophetic, where Charles was more a teacher,’ says the Rev. Joe Brown, former pastor of Hickory Grove Baptist. ‘A prophetic preacher is one who takes the Word of God and tries to apply it to everyday life. A teacher lets you interpret it on your own.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/14]

Robbie Gibson

2014: Gibson Said Harris “Was Charismatic In His Leadership, Somebody That You Would Want To Stand Behind And Follow”

2014: Gibson Said Harris “Was Charismatic In His Leadership, Somebody That You Would Want To Stand Behind And Follow.” “The Rev. Mark Harris says he’s the only one in the U.S. Senate Republican primary field that can unite the three streams of the GOP in North Carolina and ultimately put Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan on the

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 125

political ropes heading to November. […] The Rev. Robbie Gibson, senior pastor of East Sanford Baptist Church, said during the marriage de-bate Harris ‘was charismatic in his leadership, somebody that you would want to stand behind and follow.’ He said he intends to urge his church members to back Harris.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Gibson Was The Senior Pastor Of East Sanford Baptist Church. “The Rev. Mark Harris says he’s the only one in the U.S. Senate Republican primary field that can unite the three streams of the GOP in North Carolina and ultimately put Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan on the political ropes heading to November. […] The Rev. Robbie Gibson, senior pastor of East Sanford Baptist Church, said during the marriage de-bate Harris ‘was charismatic in his leadership, somebody that you would want to stand behind and follow.’ He said he intends to urge his church members to back Harris.” [Associated Press, 3/22/14]

Bishop Davis

2012: Harris Worked With Davis Of Nations Ford Church To Pass An Amendment Banning Same- Sex Marriage

2012: Harris Worked With Davis Of Nations Ford Church To Pass An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage. “Harris is counting on the same black support that helped pass Proposition 8, California’s same-sex marriage ban. There, almost 60 percent of black voters backed the measure. Davis of Nations Ford Church, a black Southern Baptist congregation, says he has worked closely with Harris. Efforts to make gay marriage a civil rights issue, he says, ‘dishonors the blood, sweat and tears African-Americans have laid on the line.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/21/12]

Bishop Davis Was The Founder And Senior Pastor Of Nations Ford Community Church. “Bishop Phillip Davis, founder and senior pastor of Nations Ford Community Church in Charlotte, was found dead Saturday inside his Union County home, apparently the victim of an accidental gunshot wound, the Union County sheriff’s office said.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/29/15]

2015: Davis Passed Away. “Bishop Phillip Davis, founder and senior pastor of Nations Ford Community Church in Charlotte, was found dead Saturday inside his Union County home, apparently the victim of an accidental gunshot wound, the Union County sheriff’s office said.” [Charlotte Observer, 8/29/15]

Jason Williams

2018: Williams Was Harris’ Campaign Manager

2018: Williams Was Harris’ Campaign Manager. “Harris campaign manager Jason Williams noted that Pittenger has run TV ads accusing Harris of op-posing President Donald Trump.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/14/18]

Andy Yates

2017: Yates Was Harris’ Political Consultant For His Campaign

2017: Yates Was Harris’ Political Consultant For His Campaign. “Harris, who disclosed plans earlier this year to step down as pastor at First Baptist Church of Charlotte to focus on politics, also ran for the U.S. Senate seat ultimately won by Republican Thom Tillis in 2014. Andy Yates, Harris’ political consultant, told CBJ on Tuesday that by enlisting Rove, Pittenger ‘wants to preserve the status quo of a do-nothing Congress.’” [Charlotte Business Journal, 10/3/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 126

Mark Knoop

2016: Knoop Was Harris’ Campaign Spokesman

2016: Knoop Was Harris’ Campaign Spokesman. “‘Complete lies,’ Harris campaign spokesman Mark Knoop said about the Pittenger ad’s portrayal of Harris’ issue stands. ‘His latest false attack proves that Congressman Pittenger is running scared and Mark Harris’ message of standing up to the political elite in Washington, D.C., is resonating with vot-ers across the district.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/23/16]

Mark Rusher

2013: Mark Rusher, The Former Chief Of Staff Of The North Carolina GOP And Berger Staffer, Joined Harris’ U.S. Senate Race As Harris’ Campaign Manager

2013: Harris Announced That Rusher, A Former Berger Staffer, Would Manage His Campaign One Day After Berger Announced He Would Not Run As Well. “Harris announced that Mike Rusher will manage his campaign. Rusher, former chief of staff for the state GOP, joins former state party chairman Robin Hayes, who will co-chair the Harris campaign. […] Rusher headed the national GOP Victory Campaign in North Carolina in 2012. Before that he was an aide to state Senate leader Phil Berger. The announcement of his position with the Harris campaign came a day after Berger formally bowed out of the Senate race.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/28/13]

2013: Rusher: “Christian Conservatism Is Something That Is Respected Among Establishment Types And Tea Party Folks As Well…It Carries Weight Across All Spectrums Of The Republican Party.” “The Christian conservatism is something that is respected among establishment types and tea party folks as well…It carries weight across all spectrums of the Republican Party.” “Harris, the outgoing president of the Baptist State Convention, is expected to roll out his own en-dorsements in coming months. Spokesman Mike Rusher said Harris draws interest from more than just religious voters. ’The Christian conservatism is something that is respected among establishment types and tea party folks as well,’ he said. ‘It carries weight across all spectrums of the Republican Party.’” [News & Observer, 10/16/13]

Anna Gravely

2014: Harris Hired Gravely As The Political Director For His U.S. Senate Race

2014: Harris Hired Gravely As The Political Director For His U.S. Senate Race. “Anna Beavon Gravely is

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 127

tasked with developing a 100-county political network and building grass-roots support for Rev. Mark Harris’ U.S. Senate bid. The campaign announced Gravely’s hire Thurs-day. Her experience includes communications and operations for Americans for Prosperity, a conservative organization with strong roots in North Carolina. She also worked with the N.C. Family Policy Council. In a statement, Harris praised Gravely, calling her ‘one of the most respected field operatives in-volved in North Carolina politics.’ […] Gravely was the student body president at Meredith College in 2011. She is a Rocky Mount native. ” [News & Observer, 1/9/14]

Tracy Bengston

Harris’ Exploratory Committee Hired Tracy Bengston, A Former Staffer For Dan Forest And Joyce Krawiec, To Be Their Political Director

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 128

Donald Trump

Significant Findings

 In 2018, Harris said that he “appreciated” that President Trump “led by executive order.”

 In 2017, Harris said that he was concerned that Congress had not helped Trump enact his agenda.

 Harris campaigned for Trump after he secured the Republican nomination, and was a member of his North Carolina Spiritual Advisory Group.

 Harris said “I don’t think you can defend what (Trump) said 11 years ago” in reference to Trump bragging about sexual assault. He followed up his statement, however, arguing that he did not see many differences between Trump’s and Clinton’s characters and that he would support Trump because “this election is about… the vision of these two candidates and the direction they would lead America.”

 In October 2016, Harris said that evangelical Christians would have preferred to support a presidential nominee that “had been transformed by a deep faith in Jesus” rather than Trump.

 Harris supported Huckabee, then Cruz, and then Trump for president.

Trump’s Agenda

2018: Harris Said That He “Appreciated” That Trump “Led By Executive Order”

2018: Harris Said That He “Appreciated” That Trump “Led By Executive Order.” “One of the things that I have appreciated I guess about we've seen Donald Trump do. Is he's really had to step up and led by executive order. Of all many issues that that congress is just sort of let let go by the wayside and there were regulations. That that he took the lead owned.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

2017: Harris: “I’m Concerned Our Congress ... Has Not Taken More Action On The Policies The President Has Set Forth”

Charlotte Observer: “Harris Blames The Republican-Controlled Congress For Not Doing More To Help The President On Issues Such As Repealing The Affordable Care Act And Building Trump’s Promised Wall.” “But Harris blames the Republican-controlled Congress for not doing more to help the president on issues such as repealing the Affordable Care Act and building Trump’s promised wall on the border with Mexico. ’Pittenger is part of the establishment, the special interest establishment that is running Washington,’ Harris said Thursday. ‘And he’s just become a part of the system that is part of the problem.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/4/18]

2017: Harris: “(We Are) Still Waiting For The First Major Piece Of Legislation That Was Promised.” “As a pastor, Harris said he has spent his career walking through life with people of all kinds and that is what is needed in Congress. He said that it is mid-November and there is a Republican Congress and president, but there has not been major legislation. ‘(We are) still waiting for the first major piece of legislation that was promised,’ he said, adding that people are interested in results and not excuses.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

2017: Harris: “I’m Concerned Our Congress ... Has Not Taken More Action On The Policies The President Has Set Forth.” “In a three-way GOP primary last year, Harris narrowly lost. He’s launching a new campaign this

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 129

month. ’We believe that the district right now is poised for new leadership and we can do that,’ he said Friday. ‘I’m concerned our Congress ... has not taken more action on the policies the president has set forth.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/14/17]

Harris: “Trump Was Elected By The People And He Is Seeking To Fulfill Promises…He Is Trying To Work With The Congress, But Its Members Are Not Helping Him. They Are Not Doing Their Job.” “Harris said regardless of their personal feelings, members of Congress need to get in step with the president and work in the best interest of the people. ‘Donald Trump was elected by the people and he is seeking to fulfill promises he made,’ Harris said. ‘He is trying to work with the Congress, but its members are not helping him. They are not doing their job.’” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

Trump’s Presidential Campaign

Harris Campaigned For Trump And Was A Member Of His North Carolina Spiritual Advisory Group

Harris Was Part Of Trump’s North Carolina Spiritual Advisory Group. “By the time November rolled around, the Daily Beast wrote a story that referred to Harris as ‘part of Trump’s North Carolina spiritual advisory group.’ Yates said Harris ultimately traveled to six states to support Trump and that he endorsed Trump from the pulpit at Charlotte First Baptist, where he was a pastor.” [News & Observer, 3/16/18]

Harris Traveled To Six States To Campaign For Trump. “Harris went to the convention as a Cruz delegate. But later he was on board with Trump. That fall he traveled to six swing states as part of an effort to rally conservative Christians to Trump.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/18]

Harris Did Not Attend The Republican National Convention

Harris Intended To Attend The Republican National Convention As A Cruz Delegate But Withdrew Because He Had “To Be With A ‘Father In The Ministry’ Who Has Entered Hospice Care”

Harris Intended To Attend The Republican National Convention As A Cruz Delegate But Withdrew Because He Had “To Be With A ‘Father In The Ministry’ Who Has Entered Hospice Care.” “The Baptist Press reported in July that Harris was slated to attend the Republican National Convention as a Cruz delegate, but had to withdraw ‘to be with a ‘father in the ministry’ who has entered hospice care.’” [News & Observer, 3/16/18]

Harris On Supporting Trump After He Bragged About Sexual Assault: “This Election Is About… The Vision Of These Two Candidates And The Direction They Would Lead America”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 130

video captured lewd audio of Trump bragging in explicit terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, including a married one […] Harris said he and other evangelical Christians would have preferred to have a Republican presiden-tial candidate who had been transformed by a deep faith in Jesus. ’That didn’t happen. But we have to deal with what is facing us,’ Harris said. ‘This election is coming down to a reality check - one of these two candidates is going to win. His character put up against her character - I don’t see a lot of difference.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/8/16]

Harris Said He And Other Evangelical Christians Would Have Preferred To Support A Different Republican Presidential Candidate

Harris On Supporting Trump: “To Be Honest It’s A Very Concerning Decisions That’ll Have To Be Made... I Can’t Tell You I Feel Great About That By Any Stretch Of The Imagination”

Harris On Supporting Trump: “To Be Honest It’s A Very Concerning Decisions That’ll Have To Be Made... I Can’t Tell You I Feel Great About That By Any Stretch Of The Imagination.” “Interviewed before the convention by WBT radio, Harris talked about his support for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. At the time, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Marco Rubio were also in the race. ’Coalescing behind Ted Cruz is a way to stop Donald Trump and go into the convention, get our nominee and come out and beat Hillary Clinton in the fall.’ Asked in the same interview whether he could support Trump were he the nominee, he said, ‘To be honest it’s a very concerning decisions that’ll have to be made... I can’t tell you I feel great about that by any stretch of the imagination.’ Harris went to the convention as a Cruz delegate. But later he was on board with Trump. That fall he traveled to six swing states as part of an effort to rally conservative Christians to Trump.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/18]

Harris On Supreme Court Nominations: “I Feel Somewhat Better About Donald Trump Making Those Appointments But I Can’t Tell You I Feel Great About That By Any Stretch Of The Imagination.” “The radio host then asks Harris if he’d support Trump if Trump were to become the Republican nominee. ‘That’s an interesting question,’ Harris responds. ‘I think everyone is weighing that out and consider-ing that.’ ‘To be honest, it’s a very concerning decision that will have to be made because we’re looking at one entire generation of Supreme Court justices being nominated that will affect us and I’m truly con-cerned most of all of Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders having that ability to choose,’ Harris contin-ued. ‘I feel somewhat better about Donald Trump making those appointments but I can’t tell you I feel great about that by any stretch of the imagination.’” [News & Observer, 3/16/18]

Harris Said That Evangelical Christians Would Have Preferred To Support A Presidential Nominee That “Had Been Transformed By A Deep Faith In Jesus” Rather Than Trump

2016: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said That Evangelical Christians Would Have Preferred To Support A Presidential Nominee That “Had Been Transformed By A Deep Faith In Jesus.” “The video captured lewd audio of Trump bragging in explicit terms about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women, including a married one […] Harris said he and other evangelical Christians would have preferred to have a Republican presiden-tial candidate who had been transformed by a deep faith in Jesus. ’That didn’t happen. But we have to deal

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 131

with what is facing us,’ Harris said. ‘This election is coming down to a reality check - one of these two candidates is going to win. His character put up against her character - I don’t see a lot of difference.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/8/16]

2016: Harris On Trump: “I Would Love To Elect A President… Of A Strong Spiritual Foundation … In The End, Though, You Have To Go With The One You Believe Will Make A More Positive Difference.” “The senior pastor at First Baptist, the Rev. Mark Harris, said he’s taking the long view in personally supporting Trump for president. If Clinton wins, he said, ‘we’ll be making a 40-year decision’ because of the longstanding impact her likely liberal Supreme Court appointees will have on moral issues in the country. ’I would love to elect a president of the United States who was not only a solid leader but one whose positions were birthed out of a strong spiritual foundation in that person’s life,’ said Harris, a GOP congressional candidate this year who first endorsed former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and then Cruz. ‘In the end, though, you have to go with the one you believe will make a more positive differ-ence.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/1/16]

Harris Campaigned Against Trump

Harris: “Coalescing Behind Ted Cruz Is A Way To Stop Donald Trump And Go Into The Convention, Get Our Nominee And Come Out And Beat Hillary Clinton In The Fall”

Harris: “Coalescing Behind Ted Cruz Is A Way To Stop Donald Trump And Go Into The Convention, Get Our Nominee And Come Out And Beat Hillary Clinton In The Fall.” “‘There is no record whatsoever that I was part of a Stop Trump movement,’ Harris said. ‘To say that I was part of a Stop Trump movement is ludicrous.’ Interviewed before the convention by WBT radio, Harris talked about his support for Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. At the time, Ohio Gov. John Kasich and Sen. Marco Rubio were also in the race. ’Coalescing behind Ted Cruz is a way to stop Donald Trump and go into the convention, get our nominee and come out and beat Hillary Clinton in the fall.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/18]

Harris Supported Huckabee, Then Cruz, And Then Trump For President

Harris Backed Huckabee, Then Cruz, Then Trump For President. “Pittenger’s campaign answers that Harris first backed Mike Huckabee, and then Ted Cruz, in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries. He only turned to Trump after Trump secured the nomination.” [News & Record, 11/12/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 132

Issues

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 133

Arts & Quality Of Life Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2016, Harris called the NCAA an “immoral sports organizations” for opposing HB2.

 In 2014, Harris said that American families were in “absolute shambles” because Holder said he would not enforce federal drug laws criminalizing marijuana.

 In 2014, Harris maligned legalized gambling, calling it a “national epidemic with 93 billion dollars in annual revenue.”

 Harris said the decline of young people was directly related to parents’ lack of moral code, and that family in America had been destroyed.

 In 2012, Harris said, “We as evangelicals have lost the home field advantage. This week, in pews across America, people are going to live out their lives in a pagan culture.”

NCAA & College Basketball

Harris Called The NCAA An “Immoral Sports Organizations” For Opposing HB2

2014: Harris Retweeted And Later Deleted A Tweet Congratulating UConn For Advancing To The Elite 8

2014: Harris Retweeted And Later Deleted A Tweet Congratulating UConn For Advancing To The Elite 8. “In another sports team change-up, Mark Harris, a Republican running for U.S. Senate in North Carolina, deleted a retweet from Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James that said, ‘Wanna send a HUGE S/O to my former teammate Kevin Ollie and UCONN on advancing to the Elite 8. Keep it going K.O. #StriveForGreatness.’ The News & Observer’s Under the Dome politics blog caught this deletion and linked to Politwoops with the question, ‘MARK HARRIS A CLOSET UCONN FAN?’” [Sunlight Foundation, 4/4/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 134

News & Observer: “HARRIS A CLOSET UCONN FAN?” “MARK HARRIS A CLOSET UCONN FAN? Politwoops. See it here. #NCPOL.” [News & Observer, 4/2/14]

Marijuana

Harris Said That American Families Were In “Absolute Shambles” Because Holder Said He Would Not Enforce Federal Drug Laws Criminalizing Marijuana

2014: Harris Said That American Families Were In “Absolute Shambles” Because Holder Said He Would Not Enforce Federal Drug Laws Criminalizing Marijuana. [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it […] [12:12] The family is an absolute shambles this morning the drug situation after declining from the year 2000 to 2008 drug use is now back on the rise. In fact, we are told that 25% 1/4 of all 18 to 24 year olds in America are categorized as regular users of marijuana or other illegal drugs and after Colorado in the state of Washington legalized pot in direct violation of federal law your Attorney General Eric Holder declined to enforce the federal laws announcing that the justice department would no longer prosecute.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Gambling

Harris Maligned Legalized Gambling, Calling It A “National Epidemic With 93 Billion Dollars In Annual Revenue”

2014: Harris Maligned Legalized Gambling, Calling It A “National Epidemic With 93 Billion Dollars In Annual Revenue.” [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it […] legalized gambling is now a national epidemic with 93 billion dollars in annual revenue. [14:00] You through gambling today? 48 of our 50 states have some form of legalized gambling and get this 82 casinos have opened in America in just the last decade and then when you look at the entertainment industry violence, foul language and quite frankly sexually explicit material that once would have shocked us and also would have Sparks societal resistance doesn't even raise eyebrows anymore. Thanks to the entertainment industry if the foundation's be destroyed. What can the righteous do you see? The cultural wave is but one of the many waves that is already hitting I'm sure there's a second wave though.” [15:01] [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

“Sexually Explicit Material,” Art & Culture

Harris: “Foul Language And Quite Frankly Sexually Explicit Material…Even Raise Eyebrows Anymore…What Can The Righteous Do You See?”

2014: Harris: “Foul Language And Quite Frankly Sexually Explicit Material…Even Raise Eyebrows Anymore…What Can The Righteous Do You See?” [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it […] legalized gambling is now a national epidemic with 93 billion dollars in annual revenue. [14:00] You through gambling today? 48 of our 50 states have some form of legalized gambling and get this 82 casinos have opened in America in just the last decade and then when you look at the entertainment industry violence, foul language and quite frankly sexually explicit material that once would have shocked us and also would have Sparks societal resistance doesn't even raise eyebrows anymore. Thanks to the entertainment industry if the foundation's be destroyed. What can the righteous do you see? The cultural wave is but one of the many waves that is already hitting I'm sure there's a second wave though.” [15:01] [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 135

Harris: “What Can The Righteous Do Today …40 Million Americans Admit That They Visit Pornographic Websites Regularly”

2014: Harris: “What Can The Righteous Do Today …40 Million Americans Admit That They Visit Pornographic Websites Regularly 10 Percent Of All Americans Now Have Been Diagnosed As Addicted To Pornography.” [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it […] What can the righteous do today pornography is a 97 billion dollar a year industry in the United States alone 97 billion dollars a year 40 million Americans admit that they visit pornographic websites regularly 10 percent of all Americans now have been diagnosed as addicted to pornography legalized gambling is now a national epidemic with 93 billion dollars in annual revenue.” [14:00] [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Harris Said The Decline Of Young People Was Directly Related To Parents’ Lack Of Moral Code, And That Family In America Had Been Destroyed

2014: Harris Said The Decline Of Young People Was Directly Related To Parents’ Lack Of Moral Code, And That Family In America Had Been Destroyed. “Just think with me for a minute the decline of young people in our culture is directly related to the lack of parents moral code. The corruption of political leaders really is due to the fact Money is more important than morality drug abuse that we see in our culture is really an epidemic due to the fact that when you take greed and you take fleshly lust and you mix them together, the return is decadence family in America has been destroyed because marriage over a generation has become more of a social convenience than a Divine Covenant with almighty God.” [Ephesians Part 23, 11/30/14]

Harris Said People In America Lived Their Lives “In A Pagan Culture”

2012: Harris Said People In America Lived Their Lives “In A Pagan Culture.” [8:18] “We no longer live in the midst of a culture that shares our biblical convictions. We as evangelicals have lost the home field advantage. This week, in pews across America, people are going to live out their lives in a pagan culture. This week our students will go to many schools where they will be confronted with value systems foreign to what they hear on Sundays...This coming week we all will find ourselves living in a world with standards and principles foreign to the world of God.” [Daniel 1:1-8, 11/11/12]

2015: Harris Referred To A Pastor Who Maligned Three’s Company Because It Mentioned Homosexuality As A Prophet For Taking On The Issue

2015: Harris Referred To A Pastor Who Maligned Three’s Company Because It Mentioned Homosexuality As A Prophet For Taking On The Issue. [10:48] “Many of you have heard me share the story that Beth as a young girl growing up at First Baptist Church King’s Mountain and her pastor was Clyde Bearden. In the early 1970’s Clyde Bearden...begged them to please go home and to call the ABC affiliate...and urge them to not run that new sitcom that was coming out called Three’s Company because it was going to be about a guy living with two girls and the only way the landlord was going to allow it was the guy had to play like he was a homosexual, like he was gay. He wasn’t gay but he had to pretend to be. That was the whole premise of Three’s Company. Clyde Bearden, that great prophet of God, stood and begged and pled with the church to rise up and call and speak against that. Why?...Because he said the Devil knows if they can get us to laugh at it now we’re only one generation away from being asked to accept it as a purely alternative lifestyle. Some people called that preacher a fundamentalist, some called him too far to the right. I’ll tell you what I called him: a prophet…” [The Faith to Finish (James Chapter 1) 02-22-15 via Vimeo, 2/22/15]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 136

Budget Issues

Significant Findings

 Harris said that he would support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that would threaten Social Security and Medicare.

 In 2013, Harris said that if he were in Congress he would not support raising the debt limit without reducing spending.

 In 2014, Harris said America was being buried in “trillions upon trillions” in debt, and it would lead to a “catastrophe that no living American had ever experienced.”

 In 2013, Harris blamed the government shutdown on President Obama and Leader Reid.

Balanced Budget Amendments

Harris Said That He Would Support A Balanced Budget Amendment That Would Threaten Social Security And Medicare

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 137

amendment, it would essentially be unconstitutional for Social Security to draw down these savings to pay promised benefits. Instead, benefits could have to be cut, because all federal expenditures would have to be covered by tax revenues collected during that same year.” [CBPP, 3/16/18]

National Committee To Preserve Social Security And Medicare: A Constitutional Balanced Budget Amendment Threatens Social Security [NCPSSM, 7/2011]

National Women’s Law Center: A Balanced Budget Amendment Would Threaten Social Security [NWLC, 6/23/11]

Debt Limit

Harris Criticized Pittenger For Voting To Raise The Federal Debt Limit Twice

2016: Harris Criticized Pittenger For Voting To Raise The Federal Debt Limit Twice. “Harris did not mention Pittenger by name, but said ‘our sitting congressman’ had voted twice to raise the federal debt limit and had backed an omnibus budget bill last December that did not remove fed-eral funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides reproductive services, including abortions. ’We need to a new voice to stand up for our family values,’ Harris said.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/21/16]

Harris Said That He Would Not Support Raising The Debt Limit Without Reducing Spending

2013: Harris: “Would Not Support Raising The Debt Limit Without A Plan In Place That Would Reduce Government Spending.” “Republican Senate candidate Mark Harris aligned himself with congressional conservatives Thursday in the battle over the government shutdown, the president’s health care plan, and raising the federal debt limit. ’I would not support raising the debt limit without a plan in place that would reduce government spending, lower taxes and grant the American people the same waiver from Obamacare that has been granted to (Sen.) Kay Hagan,’ he said referring to the new health care law.” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris On The Debt Ceiling: “Bottom Line Is We’ve Got To Make Some Kind Of Reduction In Spending… There Are Some Common Sense Things Needed In Government Today.” “Harris also appeared to

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 138

take a hard line on this month’s pending debt ceiling debate. ’Bottom line is we’ve got to make some kind of reduction in spending,’ he said. ‘There are some common sense things needed in government today.’ In remarks to supporters, Harris promised to push for smaller government. ’Our federal government is too large, it taxes us too much, it wastes too much of our money and has intruded too deeply into our lives,’ he said.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Appeared To Take A Hard Line On This Month’s Pending Debt Ceiling Debate.” “Harris also appeared to take a hard line on this month’s pending debt ceiling debate. ’Bottom line is we’ve got to make some kind of reduction in spending,’ he said. ‘There are some common sense things needed in government today.’ In remarks to supporters, Harris promised to push for smaller government. ’Our federal government is too large, it taxes us too much, it wastes too much of our money and has intruded too deeply into our lives,’ he said.” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

Harris Said That He Intended To Limit And Lower The National Debt

2013: Harris On The National Debt: “I Think There Are Some Concerns If The Country Were Ever To Default… But I Don’t See That As Something That Is Going To Happen.” “Harris, a Charlotte pastor, said President Barack Obama was trying ‘to build a sense of fear in the fi-nancial markets,’ about the impact of the failure of raising the debt ceiling, but he said there is just as big a concern about the nation’s spending problem. ’I think there are some concerns if the country were ever to default,’ Harris said at a news conference outside the state Capitol. ‘But I don’t see that as something that is going to happen.’” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

2013: Harris Said He Planned To Go To Washington To Deal With The National Debt And Control Spending. “He said he did not think his role as a leading opponent of gay marriages would hurt his candidacy. ’I am not going up to Washington to pass legislation that limits homosexuals,’ Harris said. ‘But I am going up there to see changes in our nation such as repealing Obamacare, such as getting spending un-der control, and dealing with this national debt ’I don’t think that hurts, because I think that marriage amendment passed by 61 percent here in the state.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For … Reducing Government.” “Harris, the outgoing president of the state Baptist Convention, said he would campaign as a staunch advocate for lowering taxes, reducing government, ending Obamacare and protecting gun rights, that he would back measures that he believes would improve ‘traditional moral values.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2014: Harris Said America Was Being Buried In “Trillions Upon Trillions” In Debt, And It Would Lead To A “Catastrophe That No Living American Had Ever Experienced.” “You see our country is becoming so buried in the trillions upon trillions of dollars of debt that the government will either have to print huge amounts of money or default period and either way you make the choice either way, we will witness a catastrophe that no living American has ever ever experienced. Just imagine just imagine a dollar that buys one percent or even 1/10. Of one percent of what it buys today and you begin to get an idea of what's in store. If we don't get off the beach and run for Higher Ground if the foundation's be destroyed, what can the righteous do that cultural wave that economic wave, but then there's the spiritual wave which is perhaps the most powerful wave of this.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Harris Said That The Appropriations Process Should Be Changed To Separate Funding Decisions

2016: Harris Said That The Appropriations Process Should Be Changed, Arguing, “Planned Parenthood Should Not Be Handcuffed To The Department Of Defense Budget… Period. Plain And Simple.” “Harris said he would be that kind of congressman and would seek to change a system that bunched all variety of appropriations in the same voluminous budget bill. ‘Planned Parenthood should not be handcuffed to the Department of Defense budget,’ he said. ‘Period. Plain and simple.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/21/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 139

Harris Said That The Bible Warned Against Too Much Spending

2012: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said That The Bible Warned Against Too Much Spending. “Harris said after the service that the mingling of conservative spiritual and political messages is not incongruent. The Bible, he said, warns against too much spending. The debate over marriage ‘is a pure Biblical is-sue that we’re free to preach on.’” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

Government Shutdowns

2013: Harris Blamed The Government Shutdown On President Obama And Leader Reid

Harris Said That Members Of Congress Should Not Get Paid During Government Shutdowns

2013: Harris On Government Shutdowns: “If Government Employees Must Go Without Pay, If American Taxpayers Must To Without Services, Then The Elected Officials … Should Forfeit All Their Pay.” “At his news conference, Harris said that during future government shut downs, members of Congress and the White House staff should lose their pay and perks. ’If government employees must go without pay, if American taxpayers must to without services, then the elected officials who caused the mess should forfeit all their pay and perks as well,’ said Harris.” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 140

Funding And Budgets

2018

Harris Criticized Pittenger For Voting For February 2018 Government Funding Bill

2018: Harris On The Budget: “Out Of The 10 Republicans In The N.C. Delegation, Only 2 Of Them Went Along With Continuing To Bankrupt Our Economic Future. Sadly, Robert Pittenger Was One.” “Last week, when Congress briefly slipped into a second government shutdown in three weeks, the re-sulting budget provided fodder for Pittenger, who voted in favor of the measure, and Harris, who publicly opposed it, to take potshots at one another in a press-release battle filled with rhetoric. From Pittenger: ‘While I voted to support President Trump, Secretary (of Defense James) Mattis and our troops, Harris said no. He is standing with Nancy Pelosi and House Democratic leadership against the President’s budget.’ Harris’ perspective, as one might expect, differed from Pittenger’s: ‘As a mat-ter of fact, out of the 10 Republicans in the N.C. delegation, only 2 of them went along with continu-ing to bankrupt our economic future. Sadly, Robert Pittenger was one of those two. As usual, he is running for cover and blaming the ‘process’ for his vote.’” [Charlotte Business Journal, 2/12/18]

Harris Said The Budget Was “A Massive Spending Bill Further Mortgaging The Future Of Our Kids And Grand-Kids.” “But earlier this month, Pittenger voted for a spending bill experts say could increase the federal deficit by $320 billion over 10 years while adding $2 trillion to the national debt. The measure was backed by President Donald Trump but opposed by an unusual coalition of liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans. […] Harris called the Bipartisan Budget Act ‘a massive spending bill further mortgaging the future of our kids and grand-kids.’ ’Only two (N.C. Republicans) went along with continuing to bankrupt our economic future,’ he added in a statement. ‘Sadly, Robert Pittenger was one of those two.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/16/18]

2013

2013: Harris Said He Would Not Have Voted For The Budget Deal

2013: Harris Said He Would Not Have Voted For The Budget Deal. “Harris: ‘After a careful review of this 'budget deal' and the effects of its provisions, I could not have supported this legislation. The agreement will cause deficits to go up this year and next, and it does nothing to reduce the nation’s $17.2 trillion debt. This proposal undoes modest spending reforms and now takes us two steps back, by digging us deeper into debt.’” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, 12/18/13]

Harris Said That The Budget Deal “Undoes Modest Spending Reforms And Now Takes Us Two Steps Back, By Digging Us Deeper Into Debt”

2013: Harris On A Budget Deal That Ended Automatic Spending Cuts: “This Proposal Undoes Modest Spending Reforms And Now Takes Us Two Steps Back, By Digging Us Deeper Into Debt.” “The latest from Washington: The budget deal the Senate is likely to approve Wednesday will mean an easing of the automatic spending cuts, or sequester, but it’s also exposing a deep political rift among Republicans. […] ‘This proposal undoes modest spending reforms and now takes us two steps back, by digging us deeper into debt. While some supporters of this plan are celebrating more spending now in exchange for minor changes that may possibly reduce spending later, it appears this budget deal is merely kick-ing the can down the road, and we’ve seen first hand what that approach brings North Carolinians through years of Democrat control,’ Harris said in a statement.” [News & Observer, 12/18/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 141

Civil Rights & Liberties

Significant Findings

 In 2012, Harris said that the NAACP was out of touch with its supporters because it decided to work to defeat the ban on same-sex marriage.

 In 2015, Harris said that his interpretation of the Constitution allowed for local and state governments to establish sanctioned religions and only prevented the Federal government from interfering with these sanctioned religions.

 He further argued that “the majority of America has been solidly against anything that has represented the divorce of this nation from its godly heritage.”

 Harris said on several occasions that the Bible was foundational to North Carolina’s and our country’s legal systems.

 In 2010, Harris said, “Any decline of Great Britain and America will be in step with a growing independence from God.”

 In 2017, Harris compared taking down statues to “the Kings plan was to fill these young minds with Babylonian philosophy.”

 In 2014, Harris presented his congregants with a seven-minute “call to action” video warning them about Muslims taking over the world.

NAACP

2012: Harris Said That The NAACP Was Out Of Touch With Its Supporters Because It Decided To Work To Defeat The Ban On Same-Sex Marriage

Separation Of Church And State

Harris Said That His Interpretation Of The Constitution Allowed For Local And State Governments To Establish Religions And Prevented The Federal Government From Interfering

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 142

Harris Said That The Bible Was Foundational To North Carolina’s And Our Country’s Legal Systems

2014: Harris: “America Was Founded By Individuals Who Sought Freedom Of Religion, Not Freedom From Religion. Our Constitution Was Written To Protect Religious Liberty.” “SCOTUS RULING : ‘America was founded by individuals who sought freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Our Constitution was written to protect religious liberty, for our founders knew that such liberty is the foundation of a free society,’ Senate candidate Mark Harris said in a statement.” [News & Observer, 5/6/14]

2012: Harris: “I Believe That The Bible Is Clear And Foundational For Our Culture And Our Society.” “The measure would add a provision to the state constitution to limit legal unions to a man and a wom-an. Thirty-one states have taken similar votes; all have passed. Polls show a majority of N.C. voters support the measure. […] ‘I believe that the Bible is clear and foundational for our culture and our society,’ says the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and a leader in the campaign for passage. ‘If the voters decide that marriage is not reserved for a man and a woman, I do believe we as a state will have taken a disappointing stand before God.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/13/12]

2012: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Repeated His Belief That … A Link Between The Laws Of God And Man Has Long Been The Basis Of The Country’s - And The State’s - Legal System.” “Interviewed a few hours after his own church service, Harris repeated his belief that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible, that same-sex unions threaten traditional marriage, and that a link between the laws of God and man has long been the basis of the country’s - and the state’s - legal system.” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/12]

2018: Harris Expressed Disappointment Over Government Officials Offering “‘Token’ Prayers To A Nameless God” Instead Of “Devout And Often Lengthy Prayers To A Personal God”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 143

2010: Harris: “Any Decline Of Great Britain And America Will Be In Step With A Growing Independence From God”

Confederate Monuments

2017: Harris Compared Taking Down Statues To “The Kings Plan Was To Fill These Young Minds With Babylonian Philosophy”

2017: Harris Compared Taking Down Statues To “The Kings Plan Was To Fill These Young Minds With Babylonian Philosophy.” “[22:45] Would you underline that you said what do you mean change their literature? The Kings plan was to fill these young minds with Babylonian philosophy. To fill their young minds with Babylonian science to fill their minds with Babylonian astrology to fill their minds with Babylonian religion and by doing that they would be away from their roots and by removing their Roots, they would be free from their belief system. They would be set free from the roots of who they are and ladies and gentlemen, you've got your head in the sand. [23:40] If you're not already beginning to connect the dots of what's happening in 2017 America and what we see happening here because the whole idea is to separate people from their history separate people from their past. When you read educate them away from their roots of their previous belief system and lose all of their Traditions, then that's the way you began to change their whole outset in life. And that is extremely dangerous. We've been watching in America over the last few weeks. [24:20] I'm amazed. I was amazed as we watched statue after statue after statue come down across that monuments that had been set up and then the danger of that is it's as if somebody has a plan somebody has an idea that we're going to scrub from the minds of future Generations.” [Standing on the Promises of God: Part 2, 10/29/17]

2017: Harris: “If You Start Trying To Erase And Take Monuments Even Of The Good Or The Bad… Erase Our History You're Gonna Eventually Start Attacking The Very Founders Of Our Nation.” “[24:20] I'm amazed. I was amazed as we watched statue after statue after statue come down across that monuments that had been set up and then the danger of that is it's as if somebody has a plan somebody has an idea that we're going to scrub from the minds of future Generations. Listen, you can't erase the history of a Nation you must understand the history of the nation all of it the good and the bad and somebody warned just a few weeks ago that if you start trying to erase and take Monuments even of the good or the bad throughout this nation and erase our history you're gonna eventually start attacking the very founders of our nation and surprise surprise.” [Standing on the Promises of God: Part 2, 10/29/17]

2017: Harris Said “The Saddest Part Of All Is When The Church Is Now Getting Involved In” Taking Down Statutes. “[24:20] I'm amazed. I was amazed as we watched statue after statue after statue come down across that monuments that had been set up and then the danger of that is it's as if somebody has a plan somebody has an idea that we're going to scrub from the minds of future Generations. Listen, you can't erase the history of a Nation you must understand the history of the nation all of it the good and the bad and somebody warned just a few weeks ago that if you start trying to erase and take Monuments even of the good or the bad throughout this nation and erase our history you're gonna eventually start attacking the very founders of our nation and surprise surprise. The saddest part of all is when the church is now getting involved in it. [25:23]” [Standing on the Promises of God: Part 2, 10/29/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 144

Islam

Harris Presented His Congregants With A Seven-Minute “Call To Action” Video Warning Them About Muslims Taking Over The World

2014: Harris Said He Hoped That His Congregants Had Collected Copies Of A Clear And Present Danger By Perkins That He Had Provided After Presenting A Seven-Minute Video “Call To Action” About Islam. [20:30] Harris: ‘He was Actually doing a presentation on Islam and he showed a brief video that left all of us in the room quite frankly. Well will shocked to say the least. I mean what he showed presented some cold hard facts that need to be exposed and I mean need to be exposed quickly. There were facts. I had no knowledge of maybe you do maybe you don't either look at the video that I want you to watch on the screens for just a moment and you'll catch a glimpse of what I'm talkin about.’ […] [29:53] Hopefully as you came into the sanctuary day, you received a copy. I'll ask you to take him pick it up for a moment. And look at it copy of a clear and present danger. This is a document as you see is as recent as March 21st of 2014 that was published by the family research Council and Tony Perkins of Washington DC.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

2014: Harris Presented His Congregants With A Seven-Minute Video Warning Them About Muslims Taking Over The World. [20:30] Harris: ‘He was Actually doing a presentation on Islam and he showed a brief video that left all of us in the room quite frankly. Well will shocked to say the least. I mean what he showed presented some cold hard facts that need to be exposed and I mean need to be exposed quickly. There were facts. I had no knowledge of maybe you do maybe you don't either look at the video that I want you to watch on the screens for just a moment and you'll catch a glimpse of what I'm talkin about.’ […] [27:52] There were 100,000 Muslims in America today. There are over 9 million. The world is changing. It's time to wake up three years ago.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

“Personal Rights”

Harris Said Satan’s Temptation Was Telling People What Their Rights Were

2013: Harris Said Satan’s Temptation Was Telling People What Their Rights Were. [48:33] “It’s always going to involve Satan and his system trying to appeal to our personal rights...That’s always Satan’s temptation coming to you and telling you what your right is, what you deserve.” [Podcast, 1/20/13]

Religious Tolerance

Harris: “We’ve Helped A Generation Come To Believe That Tolerance Is The Buzzword Of The Day. Let Me Tell You Something, Daniel Walked In That Kind Of Culture And Did Not Give In”

2012: Harris: “We’ve Helped A Generation Come To Believe That Tolerance Is The Buzzword Of The Day. Let Me Tell You Something, Daniel Walked In That Kind Of Culture And Did Not Give In.” [24:20] Harris: “We’ve helped a generation come to believe that tolerance is the buzzword of the day. Let me tell you something, Daniel walked in that kind of culture and did not give in.” [11-11-12 Daniel 1:1-8 via Vimeo, 11/11/12]

Harris Said “Orthodox Christianity” Was The Only True Religion

2014: Harris: “Christianity Is True. All Other Religions Are False.” [38:59] “This is the take away from the sermon today... Number one, Christianity is true. Because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead we know that he is who he said he is. We know that he is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes through the father except through him… Christianity is true. All other religions are false.” [39:43] [Ephesians Part 5 (6-22-14) via Vimeo, 6/22/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 145

2013: Harris: “Cults Are Those Things That Are Not Orthodox Christianity That Holds To The Doctrine Of The Word.” 34:45 “If you’re growing as a believer of Christ you’re not going to be tossed about by every religious novelty that comes along...We’re living a world that is caught up in religion...There are some religious quacks out there that are simply waiting to kidnap God’s children and draw them into their false cult. That’s what cults are. That’s what they are. Cults are those things that are not orthodox Christianity that holds to the doctrine of the word. Listen, if you are growing in Christ and in his word you know what you do you are able to recognize false doctrine.” [36:03] [Grow (4-21-13) via Vimeo, 4/21/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 146

Consumer Protections & Regulations

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said he wanted to eliminate the Department of Commerce.

Department Of Commerce

Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Commerce

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Commerce. “It is a grim bunch, this group of North Carolina Republicans vying for the United States Senate seat now held by Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan. In a debate Tuesday, and for that matter in their individual campaigns, Thom Tillis, Mark Harris, Greg Brannon and Heather Grant have offered few new ideas for helping the people of their state. In fact, their entire approach is rather depressing. […] In addition, all say they would eliminate federal departments. Tillis would kill the Department of Edu-cation; Charlotte minister Mark Harris would shut down Education, Energy and Commerce.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 147

Crime & Public Safety Issues

Significant Findings

 First Baptist Church held services after the deaths of two Mecklenburg County police officers were killed, and Harris said, “If there’s ever a message of anti-violence, it’s the message of Christ and the word of God.”

Anti-Violence Activism

Harris: “If There’s Ever A Message Of Anti-Violence, It’s The Message Of Christ And The Word Of God”

Harris: “If There’s Ever A Message Of Anti-Violence, It’s The Message Of Christ And The Word Of God.” “First Baptist, which holds weekly Bible study groups at the complex, held similar services after Charlotte- Mecklenburg police officers Sean Clark and Jeff Shelton were shot to death there in May 2007. ‘We felt a real burden to reach out to this community,’ said Pastor Mark Harris. ‘If there’s ever a message of anti-violence, it’s the message of Christ and the word of God.’” [Charlotte Observer, 8/3/09]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 148

Economy & Jobs

Significant Findings

 In 2014, the News & Observer reported that Harris said that he opposed increasing the minimum wage.

 In 2014, Harris said “the Market ought to be what sets the wage…the free market has to be what drives the economic engine, period,” implying that he did not believe that government should regulate the minimum wage.

 In 2016, Harris made clear that he supported the prohibition against raising the minimum wage that was included in HB2, calling it part of the “heart of HB2.”

Minimum Wage

Harris Made Clear That He Supported The Prohibition Against Raising The Minimum Wage That Was Included In HB2

2016: Harris Said The “Heart Of HB2” Was Preventing Cities Governments From Increasing The Minimum Wage Above The State-Level. Mark Harris: “People need to understand what is in HB2, and we’ve got to get passed all the, as complicated as people have tried to make it, and understand the major clauses of HB2 were about three things: one, it kept cities from adding any new protected classes to non-discrimination ordinances, so that was simply going to allow people across the state who were doing business in Charlotte to expect the same things in doing business in Greensboro, the same things doing business in Raleigh. Number two it prohibited any local minimum wage increase beyond what is set by the state again that is just a uniformity, making sure everybody is on the same playing field in North Carolina. Third, in all restrooms across the state, people would use the bathroom that corresponds to their biological sex. That is the heart of HB2. Those three things.” [TheSteveNobleShow.com, 8/3/16]

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That He Opposed Increasing The Minimum Wage

2014: Harris On The Minimum Wage: “The Market Ought To Be What Sets The Wage…The Free Market Has To Be What Drives The Economic Engine, Period”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 149

views, and said he thinks the federal government needs to do less to regulate things such as the minimum wage. ’The market ought to be what sets the wage,’ Harris said. ‘The free market has to be what drives the economic engine, period.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/22/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 150

Education Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said he wanted to eliminate the Department of Education.

 Harris said he wanted public schools to compete with charter and private schools.

 In 2017, Harris said that higher education tended to dismiss a Christian worldview.

 In 2014, Harris said: “I believe that the legislature needs to take a look at how we’ve shortchanged our teachers.”

Department Of Education

Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Education

2014: Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Education. “Although they disagreed on which federal departments should be cut - Thom Tillis and Mark Harris wanted to take out the Department of Education; Heather Grant said the Environmental Protection Agency; and Greg Brannon named departments from the Internal Revenue Service to the Federal Reserve - all agreed that entire departments should be eliminated.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/22/14]

2014: Harris Said He Wanted To Reduce The Power Of The Department Of Education. “Harris said he wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, focusing on reforms that will harbor a free-market-driven health care system, as well as strengthening the military, securing the border and reducing the power of federal depar tments, mainly the federal Department of Education.” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

2014: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Said A Department Of Education Started As A Resource For Schools Has Gotten ‘On Steroids And Out Of Control.’” “More than 120 people packed a room at the Fox and Hound Pub & Grille to hear Greg Brannon, Heather Grant and Mark Harris. […] Harris said a Department of Education started as a resource for schools has gotten ‘on steroids and out of control.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/14]

Public Education

Harris Said He Wanted Public Schools To Compete With Charter And Private Schools

2017: Harris Cited Opportunity Scholarship, A Program That Provided Students A Scholarship To Attend Private School, As A Means To Force Public Schools To Compete With Private And Charter Schools

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 151

2014: Harris: “I Believe School Vouchers Offer Parents The Choices They That Should Have When Making Educational Decisions For Their Children”

2014: Harris: “I Also Support Merit-Based Pay” For Teachers And Faculty In Public Education

2014: Harris: “I Also Support Merit-Based Pay” For Teachers And Faculty In Public Education. “I strongly oppose Common Core, as I believe education functions best when handled at the local level, where parents and teachers have a direct say in what is in the best interest of students. Our children our too important to be left at the mercy of federal bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. I believe school vouchers offer parents the choices they that should have when making educational decisions for their children. I also support merit-based pay; however, I believe such assessments should be handled at the local level and not measured on arbitrary test scores that the federal government deems as appropriate markings of success. I will work to uphold the important role of parents in educational choices for their children, including the freedom to educate their children at home or other private schooling options without fear of government intervention.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Christianity & Education

2017: Harris Said That Higher Education Tended To Dismiss A “Christian Worldview”

2017: Star News: Harris Said That Higher Education Tended To Dismiss A “Christian Worldview.” “There is a genuine belief and great evidence to back it up that higher education in this country tends to dis a Christian worldview, said the Rev. Mark Harris, a North Carolina pastor who twice ran for Congress. I think we re going through a shift in the country, a sense that a Christian world view de-serves a seat at the table and in the marketplace of ideas.” [Star-News, 2/5/17]

2004: Harris Said He Opposed A Proposal Urging Southern Baptists To Pull Their Children Out Of Public Schools

2004: Harris Said He Opposed A Proposal Urging Southern Baptists To Pull Their Children Out Of Public Schools, Arguing, “We Cannot Move To An Isolationist Philosophy Of Christian Living.” “A proposal urging Southern Baptists to pull their children out of the ‘godless’ public school system didn’t play well among Augusta pastors headed to the denomination’s annual convention Tuesday and Wednesday in Indianapolis. […] It would be tragic to abandon Christian teachers and administrators who are serving in public educa-tion, Dr. Harris said. ’We cannot move to an isolationist philosophy of Christian living,’ he said. ‘We are to live in this world’ and be ‘salt and light.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/12/04]

Harris Said It Would Be Tragic To Approve A Proposal To Urge Southern Baptists To Pull Their Children Out Of Public Schools Because He Felt As Though It Would Abandon Christian Teachers. “A proposal urging Southern Baptists to pull their children out of the ‘godless’ public school system didn’t play well among Augusta pastors headed to the denomination’s annual convention Tuesday and Wednesday in Indianapolis. […] It would be tragic to abandon Christian teachers and administrators who are serving in public education, Dr. Harris said. ’We cannot move to an isolationist philosophy of Christian living,’ he said. ‘We are

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 152

to live in this world’ and be ‘salt and light.’” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/12/04]

Harris On Southern Baptists Pulling Their Children Out Of Public Schools: “I Am Not Ready To Throw Out The Baby With The Bath Water.” “A proposal urging Southern Baptists to pull their children out of the ‘godless’ public school system didn’t play well among Augusta pastors headed to the denomination’s annual convention Tuesday and Wednesday in Indianapolis. […] ‘I am not ready to throw out the baby with the bath water,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris, the pastor of Curtis Baptist Church. Curtis operates its own schools.” [Augusta Chronicle, 6/12/04]

Teacher Salaries

2014: Harris: “I Believe That The Legislature Needs To Take A Look At How We’ve Shortchanged Our Teachers”

2014: Harris: “I Believe That The Legislature Needs To Take A Look At How We’ve Shortchanged Our Teachers.” “Harris, whose wife and daughter are teachers, called the plan from Republican state leaders - including rival Tillis - to increase teacher pay ‘a step in the right direction.’ ’I believe that the legislature needs to take a look at how we’ve shortchanged our teachers,’ he said.” [News & Observer, 2/10/14]

Common Core

Harris Opposed The Common Core

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Opposed The Common Core. “Harris said he would consider a Fair Tax, which would also do away with the IRS, as part of tax reform. The four also were united in their opposition to Common Core, a set of national educational standards that has divided Republicans in North Carolina.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/21/13]

S.A.T.

2013: Harris Said People Were Lowering Bars In Society

2013: Harris Said People Were Lowering Bars In Society. [23:50] “God’s not about lowering bars. I know we are. We just keep lowering bars in our culture and our society. We’ve done it with the S.A.T. through the years...People weren’t scoring high enough so they lowered the bar so people would score higher. Then we got to a point where people weren’t scoring high enough on that so they decided that wasn’t a really good test...so we’re just going to throw it out.” [Grow, 4/21/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 153

Energy Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said he wanted to eliminate the Department of Energy.

Department Of Energy

Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Energy

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said He Wanted To Eliminate The Department Of Energy. “It is a grim bunch, this group of North Carolina Republicans vying for the United States Senate seat now held by Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan. In a debate Tuesday, and for that matter in their individual campaigns, Thom Tillis, Mark Harris, Greg Brannon and Heather Grant have offered few new ideas for helping the people of their state. In fact, their entire approach is rather depressing. […] In addition, all say they would eliminate federal departments. Tillis would kill the Department of Edu-cation; Charlotte minister Mark Harris would shut down Education, Energy and Commerce.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 154

Environmental Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said that the Federal government should not address climate change.

 In 2016, Harris said that he wanted to address unfunded mandates to ensure that “we’re not going to have the EPA … running amok doing their own thing.”

 In 2014, the Charlotte Observer reported that Harris “believes in a literal reading of the Bible and rejects Darwin in favor of a ‘Young Earth’ theory that creation dates back less than 10,000 years.”

Climate Change

Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Address Climate Change

Environmental Protection Agency

2016: Harris: “We’re Not Going To Have The EPA … Running Amok Doing Their Own Thing”

2016: Harris: “We Want To Deal With The $19 Trillion In Debt And $120 Trillion In Unfunded Liabilities. We’re Not Going To Have The EPA And The IRS Running Amok Doing Their Own Thing.” “Harris said he is candidate with equally strong domestic, foreign and social agendas. ‘We want to deal with the $19 trillion in debt and $120 trillion in unfunded liabilities. We’re not go-ing to have the EPA and the IRS running amok doing their own thing,’ he said.” [Red Springs Citizen, 6/4/16]

“Young Earth” Theory

2014: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Believes In A Literal Reading Of The Bible And Rejects Darwin In Favor Of A ‘Young Earth’ Theory That Creation Dates Back Less Than 10,000 Years”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 155

Foreign Policy Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2014, Harris said the United States had to be willing to use military action against Russia.

 Harris said that President Obama “failed to lead” in foreign policy.

Russia

Harris Said The United States Had To Be Willing To Use Military Action Against Russia

2014: Harris On Russia: “We Must Be Willing To Have (Military Action) On The Table…The Rebuilding Of The Former Soviet Union Is In The National Interest Of The United States To Stop It.” “The final debate explored new ground with multiple foreign policy questions, though it did little to separate the candidates. All advocated tougher stances against Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and tougher sanctions on Iran. ’We must be willing to have (military action) on the table,’ Harris said. ‘The rebuilding of the former Soviet Union is in the national interest of the United States to stop it.’” [News & Observer, 4/28/14]

2014: Harris On Russia: “We Must Be Ready To Make A Swift Move. We Must Be Ready To Use Economic Sanctions. We Must Be Ready To Put All Of The Issues And The Options On The Table.” “‘We must be ready to make a swift move. We must be ready to use economic sanctions. We must be ready to put all of the issues and the options on the table,’ Harris said. ‘You cannot do that unless you have a leader who is willing to stand.’ Harris said he thinks Russia is more of a threat than many Americans believe it is, and a strong mili-tary is critical to developing an effective solution.” [News & Observer, 3/6/14]

President Obama’s Foreign Policy

Harris Said That President Obama “Failed To Lead”

2014: Harris: “We’ve Got A President Who Introduced Us To A Phrase Called ‘Leading From Behind’ And I Think, Need I Say More.” Mark Harris: “Today, we’ve got a president who introduced us to a phrase called ‘leading from behind’ and I think, need I say more. That shows you the dramatic differences and the approach that we’re now operating under and it’s left us in a very difficult position on the world stage today.” [Reidsville Review, 4/6/14]

2013: Harris On President Obama’s Foreign Policy: “He Simply Has Failed To Lead.” “Harris hit on other topics of interest to primary voters, accusing Democrats and President Barack Obama of discouraging the rights of citizens to own guns. On foreign policy, Harris said, Obama has undermined the military, and allies can no longer trust America to have their back: ‘He simply has failed to lead.’” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 156

Gun Issues

Significant Findings

 Harris said that the federal government should not enact new gun safety laws and that he was opposed all gun regulations.

 Harris said that no fault divorce becoming a part of our culture caused our society to be sick, which in turn caused mass shootings.

 Harris repeatedly blamed the breakdown of families, mental illness, violent video games, and violence in the media for mass shootings.

Mass Shootings

Harris Said That No Fault Divorce Becoming A Part Of Our Culture Caused Our Society To Be Sick, Which In Turn Caused Mass Shootings

Harris Repeatedly Blamed The Breakdown Of Families, Mental Illness, Violent Video Games, And Violence In The Media For Mass Shootings

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 157

wanna get back get to the point that the role that government has in the issue of marriage is that we have seen over the last forty years is a break down in the family structure in this country that we continue to pay a price for. Even as we have this conversation were coming off another mass shooting. That is just taken place recently as we're recording this conversation today and we've seen seventeen high school student skilled. You go back and you look at the mass shootings that have happened. Over the last number of years those mass killings all seem to have about three things in common: one there was a breakdown of the family to there was some kind of addiction to violent video games and three there was some form of mental illness that was found there.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

Harris: “When Somebody Can Walk In To A Little Baptist Church In A Rural Town In Texas …And Pull A Gun And Shoot … We Live In A Wicked Wicked World”

2017: Harris: “When Somebody Can Walk In To A Little Baptist Church In A Rural Town In Texas …And Pull A Gun And Shoot Men Women Boys Girls And Babies … We Live In A Wicked Wicked World.” “I mean when somebody can walk in to a little Baptist Church in a rural town in Texas and walk at 11:30 on Sunday morning down the center aisle of that little church and pull a gun and shoot men women boys girls and babies at point-blank range. It doesn't take long to surmise. We live in a wicked wicked world when you can see just this weekend that some folks went into a mosque where a group of Muslims were worshipping as they saw fit. They not only blew themselves up and set off an explosion and killing people but when folks ran out the door planted on

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 158

either side were right people with rifles and shot one after another as they ran out of the mosque killing more than 300 in Egypt.” [Standing on the Promises of God: Part 6, 11/26/17]

Gun Safety Legislation

Harris Said That The Federal Government Should Not Enact New Gun Safety Laws And That He Was Opposed Any Gun Regulations

2014: Harris Said That Gun Control Legislation Was A “Political Haymaker.” “Harris said he is ‘absolutely opposed to restricting gun owners’ rights,’ saying that the nation’s capital is filled with men and women who react to tragedy instead of proactively working to prevent it. He said he found correlations among three recent high- profile shootings in the country: at Sandy Hook in Connecticut, the movie theater in Aurora, Colo., and the naval yard in Washington, D.C. In each inci-dent, he said, the shooter was mentally ill, influenced by violence in the media and a victim of the breakdown of the family, saying the people in the U.S. are ‘waiting for somebody to stand up and proclaim’ that these issues should be addressed instead of making gun control a ‘political haymaker.’” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For …Protecting Gun Right.” “Harris, the outgoing president of the state Baptist Convention, said he would campaign as a staunch advocate for lowering taxes, reducing government, ending Obamacare and protecting gun rights, that he would back measures that he believes would improve ‘traditional moral values.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

Harris Said That Democrats Discouraged “The Rights Of Citizens To Own Guns”

2013: Associated Press: Harris Accused “Democrats And President Barack Obama Of Discouraging The Rights Of Citizens To Own Guns.” “Harris hit on other topics of interest to primary voters, accusing Democrats and President Barack Obama of discouraging the rights of citizens to own guns. On foreign policy, Harris said, Obama has undermined the military, and allies can no longer trust America to have their back: ‘He simply has failed to lead.’” [Associated Press, 10/2/13]

The NRA Gave Harris An “A” Rating

2018: The NRA Gave Harris An “A” Rating. “Endorsed by the Tea Party Patriots Citizen Fund, the Family Research Council and WallBuilders President David Barton, Harris received an A rating from the National Rifle

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 159

Association.” [BaptistNews.com, 5/9/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 160

Health Care Issues

Significant Findings

 Harris said he would have shut down the government to defund the Affordable Care Act.

 Harris repeatedly said he wanted to repeal the Affordable Care Act without providing a replacement. In 2018, a radio show host asked Harris, “How would replacing Obamacare make government smaller and where in the Constitution does that the federal government have the authority to run any kind of health care program in the first place?” to which Harris replied, “As a conservative let me be very clear my first vote would be a clean repeal bill…100% it's not in the constitution. We don't bear the responsibility for providing health care.”

 Harris said he would have voted to defund the Affordable Care Act.

 Harris has been mostly vague on how he would like to replace the ACA, calling for a health care system based upon free-market principles.

 Harris said that mental illness was the product of “divided loyalty” between Jesus and the world.

 In 2014, Harris said he opposed legalizing medical marijuana.

Affordable Care Act (ACA)

Harris Said He Would Have Shut Down The Government To Defund The Affordable Care Act

2013: Harris Said He Would Not Have Supported Raising The Debt Limit And Funding The Government Without Defunding The Affordable Care Act

Harris Repeatedly Said He Wanted To Repeal The Affordable Care Act Without A Replacement

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 161

Harris On The ACA: “My First Vote Would Be A Clean Repeal Bill” Because The Constitution Does Not Give The Federal Government Authority To Run Health Care Programs

2014: Harris: “We’ve Got To Deal With Obamacare And Honestly, It Needs To Be Repealed…The Free Market Must Be What Drives The Economic Engine Of Our Country And Our Economy”

Harris Said That He Would Repeal The Affordable Care Act Because It Cannot Be Fixed

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 162

2017: Harris Said He Was Interested In Working To Solve The “Health Care Crisis”

2017: Harris Said He Was Interested In Working To Solve The “Health Care Crisis.” “Harris has divided his legislative priorities into domestic, foreign and social, something Pres. Ronald Reagan referred to as a three-legged stool. On the domestic front, Harris said he is interested in solv-ing the ‘health care crisis’ caused by the Affordable Care Act, calling it unsustainable.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

2014: Harris Said He Wanted To Repeal The Affordable Care Act And Replace The Legislation With A Free-Market-Driven Health Care System

2014: Harris Said He Wanted To Repeal The Affordable Care Act And Replace The Legislation With A Free-Market-Driven Health Care System. “Harris said he wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, focusing on reforms that will harbor a free-market-driven health care system, as well as strengthening the military, securing the border and reducing the power of federal departments, mainly the federal Department of Education.” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

2013: Harris On The Affordable Care Act: “Our Federal Government -- Listen To Me -- Has No Business Controlling Our Health Care.” “In remarks to supporters, Harris promised to push for smaller government. ’Our federal government is too large, it taxes us too much, it wastes too much of our money and has intruded too deeply into our lives,’ he said. ’And our federal government -- listen to me -- has no business controlling our health care.’ He called the Affordable Care Act, much of which took effect this week, ‘a disastrous piece of legis-lation.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/2/13]

2014: Winston-Salem Journal: Harris: Legislative Proposals On Health Care Should Keep Coverage For Those With Pre-Existing Conditions And Children On Their Parents’ Plans Until 26

2014: Winston-Salem Journal: Harris: Legislative Proposals On Health Care Should Keep Coverage For Those With Pre-Existing Conditions And Children On Their Parents’ Plans Until 26. “Harris said that any Republican proposal on health care insurance should retain the provisions under Obamacare that provides coverage for people with pre-existing conditions and allows children under 26 to remain on their parents’ plans.” [Winston- Salem Journal, 1/15/14]

Harris Said He Would Have Voted To Defund The Affordable Care Act

2014: Harris On Health Care: “If I Am Elected, I Will Vote To Repeal It And Defund It At Every Opportunity.” “President Obama’s solution to our healthcare problem resulted in the ‘Lie of the Year.’ Instead of being able to keep existing healthcare plans, Americans as well as North Carolinians saw increased premiums that tripled in some cases. This is unacceptable. The majority of North Carolinians have consistently favored repealing Obamacare and so do I. If I am elected, I will vote to repeal it and defund it at every opportunity. This egregious

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 163

law has done nothing to improve healthcare for Americans or even North Carolinians. I support common sense, free market solutions to our healthcare system that do not involve creating a bigger, more bloated federal government.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Harris Said That The Affordable Care Act Was Bad For Businesses

2016: Harris: “Obamacare Continues To Place Its Heel On The Neck Of Our Businesses”

2016: Harris: “Obamacare Continues To Place Its Heel On The Neck Of Our Businesses.” “The Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform, has raised the cost of health insurance premiums for small businesses and churches including his own Charlotte congre-gation, he said. ‘Obamacare continues to place its heel on the neck of our businesses,’ he said. ‘At First Baptist Church of Charlotte, our health insurance rates steadily go up. As a pastor of a church, I’ve seen it, and I’m sure some of you have seen it too.’” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

2013: Harris Said He Would Sponsor Legislation That Would Have Required Members Of Congress To Participate In The Affordable Care Act

2013: Harris Said He Would Sponsor Legislation That Would Have Required Members Of Congress To Participate In The Affordable Care Act. “Harris said he would propose legislation that would require members of Congress to participate in the Affordable Care Act.” [News & Observer, 10/10/13]

Mental Health

Harris Said That Mental Illness Was The Product Of “Divided Loyalty” Between Jesus And The World

2015: Harris Said That Mental Illness Was The Product Of “Divided Loyalty” Between Jesus And The World. [22:00] “If you stop and think about the people in your life that you know who are the most unstable people, right here in God’s word explains why they’re unstable. They’ve got a divided heart. They’ve got divided loyalties. The most unstable people in the world. Now, I understand that there are some medical things that go into the mental illnesses of instability, but the reality is it all starts with a divided heart. It all starts with being double minded. It all starts with knowing that you made a commitment and you want to hold on to Jesus but you’re holding onto the world with everything you got. You got one foot on this side of the fence and one foot on this side of the fence, and you know what happens when you try to straddle the fence. You get shot up on both sides...That’s the unstable man...the unstable woman. Divided loyalty.” [23:10] [The Faith to Finish (James Chapter 1) 02—08-15 via Vimeo, 2/8/15]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 164

Harris Said That Mental Illness “Starts With Being Double Minded. It All Starts With Knowing That You Made A Commitment And You Want To Hold On To Jesus But You’re Holding Onto The World.” [22:00] “If you stop and think about the people in your life that you know who are the most unstable people, right here in God’s word explains why they’re unstable. They’ve got a divided heart. They’ve got divided loyalties. The most unstable people in the world. Now, I understand that there are some medical things that go into the mental illnesses of instability, but the reality is it all starts with a divided heart. It all starts with being double minded. It all starts with knowing that you made a commitment and you want to hold on to Jesus but you’re holding onto the world with everything you got. You got one foot on this side of the fence and one foot on this side of the fence, and you know what happens when you try to straddle the fence. You get shot up on both sides...That’s the unstable man...the unstable woman. Divided loyalty.” [23:10] [The Faith to Finish (James Chapter 1) 02—08-15 via Vimeo, 2/8/15]

Insurance Rate Hikes At His Church

2016: Harris: “At First Baptist Church Of Charlotte, Our Health Insurance Rates Steadily Go Up. As A Pastor Of A Church, I’ve Seen It”

2016: Harris: “At First Baptist Church Of Charlotte, Our Health Insurance Rates Steadily Go Up. As A Pastor Of A Church, I’ve Seen It.” “The Affordable Care Act, President Barack Obama’s signature health care reform, has raised the cost of health insurance premiums for small businesses and churches including his own Charlotte congre-gation, he said. ‘Obamacare continues to place its heel on the neck of our businesses,’ he said. ‘At First Baptist Church of Charlotte, our health insurance rates steadily go up. As a pastor of a church, I’ve seen it, and I’m sure some of you have seen it too.’” [Red Springs Citizen, 4/12/16]

Medical Marijuana

2014: Harris Said He Opposed Legalizing Medical Marijuana

2014: Harris Said He Opposed Legalizing Medical Marijuana. “Despite their efforts to differentiate themselves, the candidates shared positions on many questions. They all affirmed their opposition to the Affordable Care Act, Common Core educational standards and medical marijuana legalization, and said they support stronger border security with Mexico and the cutting federal regulations. Although they disagreed on which federal departments should be cut - Thom Tillis and Mark Harris wanted to take out the Department of Education; Heather Grant said the Environmental Protection Agency; and Greg Brannon named departments from the Internal Revenue Service to the Federal Reserve - all agreed that entire departments should be eliminated.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/22/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 165

Immigration & Border Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2014, the News & Observer reported that Harris said that undocumented immigrants in the United States should be deported.

 In 2014, Harris said the United States needed to secure its border and enforce its law before introducing new immigration legislation, implying that he opposed new legislation addressing immigration.

 Harris said he supported building a wall on the border with Mexico.

 Harris said that a ban on Muslims entering the United States was “not in keeping with who we are as Americans.”

Comprehensive Immigration Reform

2014: Harris Said The United States Needed To Secure Its Border And Enforce Its Law Before Introducing New Immigration Legislation

2014: Harris Said The United States Needed To Secure Its Border And Enforce Its Law Before Introducing New Immigration Legislation. “Harris said he wants to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, focusing on reforms that will harbor a free-market-driven health care system, as well as strengthening the military, securing the bor-der and reducing the power of federal depar tments, mainly the federal Department of Education. The strongest reactions from the crowd came from Har ris’ comments on immigration, saying the U.S. needs to first secure the border and enforce current laws before introducing new legislation.” [News-Topic, 4/2/14]

Harris: “There Is No Other Conversation To Have About Immigration Until You No. 1, Secure The Border, Then No. 2, Enforce The Laws That We Currently Have In Place.” “On immigration, all the candidates except Tillis argued that immigrants in the United States illegally should be deported. […] All the candidates emphasized the need to secure the nation’s borders. ‘There is no other conversation to have about immigration until you No. 1, secure the border, then No. 2, enforce the laws that we currently have in place,’ said Harris, a Charlotte pastor.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

Deportation

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That Undocumented Immigrants In The United States Should Be Deported

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said That Undocumented Immigrants In The United States Should Be Deported. “On immigration, all the candidates except Tillis argued that immigrants in the United States illegally should be deported. […] All the candidates emphasized the need to secure the nation’s borders. ‘There is no other conversation to have about immigration until you No. 1, secure the border, then No. 2, enforce the laws that we currently have in place,’ said Harris, a Charlotte pastor.” [News & Observer, 4/23/14]

2014: Associated Press: Harris Said That Undocumented Immigrants Should Leave The United States And Go To The End Of The Line To Wait To Return To The United States. “The four leading candidates in North Carolina’s Republican U.S. Senate primary differed little from each other on issues important to the

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 166

conservative base Wednesday night during their second televised debate in as many days. […] Harris, Grant and Brannon all said immigrants determined to be in the country unlawfully should have to leave the U.S. and get to the back of the line to return to the country.” [Associated Press, 4/24/14]

2014: Harris On Immigration: “Those Who Immigrate Illegally Must Also Be Held Responsible For Their Actions. We Are A Nation Of Laws And Should Not Tolerate Any Form Of Lawlessness.” “Secure and protect our borders and enforce the immigration laws currently on the books. Reforming our immigration system is imperative for our national security. Amnesty is not the solution. Just as citizens must face consequences when breaking the law, those who immigrate illegally must also be held responsible for their actions. We are a nation of laws and should not tolerate any form of lawlessness. Securing the borders, enforcing the immigration laws on the books, and reforming the legal immigration process as a whole are necessary first steps to our illegal immigration problem.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Harris Said That He Supported Law Enforcement Deporting Undocumented Immigrants Convicted Of Crimes

2016: Harris: “There Are Means That The Federal Government, Working With Law Enforcement, Could Send Back Those Caught Doing Something Illegal. That Would Be A Great First Step”

2016: Harris: “There Are Means That The Federal Government, Working With Law Enforcement, Could Send Back Those Caught Doing Something Illegal. That Would Be A Great First Step.” “And where do they stand on Trump’s signature proposals: to build a border wall (and get Mexico to pay for it), to deport the millions of immigrants who came here illegally, and to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States? […] Harris: ‘Building a wall is consistent with my position that we must secure the border first. ... (On deportation), I think there are means that the federal government, working with law enforcement, could send back those caught doing something illegal. That would be a great first step.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/20/16]

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said He Wanted To Deport Undocumented Immigrants Caught Breaking The Law And Said He Opposed Amnesty

2014: News & Observer: Harris Said He Wanted To Deport Undocumented Immigrants Caught Breaking The Law And Said He Opposed Amnesty. “Mark Harris opposes the legal status for immigrants known as amnesty. He favors deporting immi-grants caught breaking another law, but he cautions there is no political or moral will to round up im-migrants here illegally.” [News & Observer, 4/26/14]

Border Wall

Harris Said He Supported Building A Wall On The Border With Mexico

2018: Harris: “Illegal Drugs, Violent Gang Members, And Terrorists Are Flowing Into Our Country. We Must Do Whatever Is Necessary To Secure The Border.” Mark Harris: “What are the three main issues in this campaign? And why? 1.) Truly standing with President Trump and enacting his agenda: To Make America Great Again. It is not enough to claim to vote with our President. We need real leaders who will fight every day to pass his agenda into law. 2.) Cutting spending and paying down the national debt. Our out-of-control debt is one of the biggest threats to our national security and to the future of our nation. 3.) Building the Wall and securing our border: Illegal drugs, violent gang members, and terrorists are flowing into our country. We must do whatever is necessary to secure the border.” [Enquirer-Journal, 5/6/18]

2017: Harris Said He Supported Building A Wall On The Border With Mexico. “Harris supports President Donald Trump in his efforts to build a wall along U.S. borders. ‘How many millions of illegal immigrants are in the United States?’ said Harris. ‘Building a wall is expensive, but it’s not more expensive than us having to build

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 167

schools and infrastructure to serve ille-gal immigrants. It’s expensive when we give them the same rights that we (citizens) have without any responsibilities.’” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

2017: Harris: “Building A Wall Is Expensive, But It’s Not More Expensive Than Us Having To Build Schools And Infrastructure To Serve Illegal Immigrants.” “Harris supports President Donald Trump in his efforts to build a wall along U.S. borders. ‘How many millions of illegal immigrants are in the United States?’ said Harris. ‘Building a wall is expensive, but it’s not more expensive than us having to build schools and infrastructure to serve ille-gal immigrants. It’s expensive when we give them the same rights that we (citizens) have without any responsibilities.’” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

2017: Harris: “It’s Expensive When We Give Them The Same Rights That We (Citizens) Have Without Any Responsibilities.” “Harris supports President Donald Trump in his efforts to build a wall along U.S. borders. ‘How many millions of illegal immigrants are in the United States?’ said Harris. ‘Building a wall is expensive, but it’s not more expensive than us having to build schools and infrastructure to serve ille-gal immigrants. It’s expensive when we give them the same rights that we (citizens) have without any responsibilities.’” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

2016: Harris: “Building A Wall Is Consistent With My Position That We Must Secure The Border First.” “And where do they stand on Trump’s signature proposals: to build a border wall (and get Mexico to pay for it), to deport the millions of immigrants who came here illegally, and to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States? […] Harris: ‘Building a wall is consistent with my position that we must secure the border first. ... (On deportation), I think there are means that the federal government, working with law enforcement, could send back those caught doing something illegal. That would be a great first step.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/20/16]

Pathway To Citizenship

2011: Harris Supported A Resolution That Called For “Compassionate Path To Legal Status, With Appropriate Restitutionary Measures” For Undocumented Immigrants

2011: Harris Supported A Resolution Before The Southern Baptist Convention For A “Compassionate Path To Legal Status, With Appropriate Restitutionary Measures” For Undocumented Immigrants. “Pittenger’s new ad, appearing on cable TV stations in Charlotte and Fayetteville, accuses Harris of making ‘false attacks’ on the congressman. The attacks, the ad alleges, ‘are to hide Harris’ record’ of support for amnesty for immigrants here illegally and opposition to ‘new funding for our troops.’ The ad pairs black-and-white photos of Harris and Democratic President Barack Obama. […] Pittenger’s campaign bases its charge that Harris supports amnesty on a 2011 resolution before the Southern Baptist Convention that called for secured borders first and then ‘a just and compassionate path to legal status, with appropriate restitutionary measures, for those undocumented immigrants al-ready living in our country.’ The allegation that Harris was against new funds for troops is based on Harris’ opposition to an omnibus budget bill that included $600 billion for the Pentagon.” [Charlotte Observer, 5/23/16]

2016: Harris’ Campaign Manager Said The Claims That Harris Supported Amnesty Were “Complete Lies.” “Pittenger's campaign bases its charge that Harris supports amnesty on a 2011 resolution before the South-ern Baptist Convention that called for secured borders first and then ‘a just and compassionate path to legal status, with appropriate restitutionary measures, for those undocumented immigrants already living in our country.’ […] ‘Complete lies,’ Harris campaign spokesman Mark Knoop said about the Pittenger ad's portrayal of Har-ris' issue stands. ‘His latest false attack proves that Congressman Pittenger is running scared and Mark Harris' message of standing up to the political elite in Washington, D.C., is resonating with voters across the district.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/23/16]

Muslim Ban

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 168

2016: Harris On Trump’s Muslim Ban: “Understand His Sentiment. But Choosing Any Particular Religion For Persecution Is Not In Keeping With Who We Are As Americans”

2016: Harris On Banning Muslims From Entering The United States: “Understand His Sentiment. But Choosing Any Particular Religion For Persecution Is Not In Keeping With Who We Are As Americans.” “And where do they stand on Trump’s signature proposals: to build a border wall (and get Mexico to pay for it), to deport the millions of immigrants who came here illegally, and to temporarily ban Muslims from entering the United States? […] Harris: ‘I understand his sentiment. But choosing any particular religion for persecution is not in keeping with who we are as Americans.’” [Charlotte Observer, 5/20/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 169

LGBT Issues

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 170

Significant Findings

 In 2018, Harris said he wanted to overturn marriage equality.

 In 2017, Harris said, “I don't care what the Supreme Court says… they're not marriage the Court can call it that, God says it's not marriage. The government can call it that god says it's not marriage… and you can try to hijack something. You can try to steal it from God.”

 In 2017, Harris said he believed supporting traditional marriage would have an impact on the economy and country.

 In 2012, the News & Observer reported that Harris said “the string of national amendment victories supports arguments for amending the U.S. Constitution to allow only heterosexual marriages.”

 In 2011, Harris said, “marriage between a man and a woman” was “absolutely essential to the future of humanity.”

 Harris repeatedly said same-sex marriages were not good for children.

 Harris said that he would not marry a same-sex couple in his church.

 In 2011, Harris said that one of his pledges as president of the NC Baptist State Convention was to work to pass an amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

 From 2011 through 2012, Harris traveled the state to urge North Carolinians to vote for an amendment banning same-sex marriage arguing the amendment was necessary to protect marriage.

 In 2012, Harris had agreed to co-write and sign a letter pledging not to engage in violence over the same-sex marriage ban amendment but did not, citing his lack of time.

 In 2014, Harris said he wanted legal challenges regarding same-sex marriage bans to go all the way through the courts after losing the legal battle, wasting taxpayer money.

 In 2016, Harris said that he had “been a supporter of” HB2 “from the beginning…not only a supporter of it, I’ve worked hard to get it there.”

 In 2016, Harris instructed that “Christian Conservatives must be vigilant in … fighting against subsequent efforts to pass LGBT ordinances in North Carolina cities” after the repeal of HB2.

 Harris repeatedly said he believed homosexuality was a choice and a sin.

 In 2017, Harris told his congregants to “share Jesus” with LGBTQ people and implied that he hoped that doing so would result in them becoming “eunuchs” or living a “life of singleness.”

 In 2013, Harris said, “There is not the medical evidence that an individual that chooses the homosexual lifestyle is born that way. That is a choice.”

 In 2005, Harris told the Charlotte Observer that he would speak out against homosexuality.

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 171

Marriage Equality

2018: Harris Said He Wanted To Overturn Supreme Court Marriage Equality Ruling

2018: Harris On Same-Sex marriage: “We Can Only Hope That Maybe Someday You May Have A Supreme Court That Looks At This Decision And Then Reverses It.” “Michael DeSantis: ‘How do you feel about the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage?’ Dr. Harris: ‘I thought the Obergfell decision was—I think this was maybe in Justice Scalia’s words law—’created out of whole cloth.’ There was no constitutional or legal basis for that decision, and great legal minds, great legal Scholars, far greater than I am, have attested to that very fact. It was a disappointment and a huge overreach by the judiciary, and we can only hope that maybe someday you may have a Supreme Court that looks at this decision and then reverses it.’” [MerionWest.com, 5/8/18]

Harris Said That He Did Not Respect The Court’s Decision Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

2017: Harris Said: “I Don't Care What The Supreme Court Says… They're Not Marriage The Court Can Call It That, God Says It's Not Marriage. The Government Can Call It That God Says It's Not Marriage.. And You Can Try To Hijack Something. You Can Try To Steal It From God.” [27:43] “Marriage is God's plan marriage is Design and regardless of how man May corrupt it regardless of how man may deny it regardless of how man may disregard God's design of it. Let me tell you something God established marriage so he gets to set the rules see then I don't care what the Supreme Court says. I don't care what what this view says or that view says God established it. There's a lot of things going on around our culture today in our nation. [28:23] Let's just be honest with you. They're not marriage the court can call it that God says it's not marriage the government can call it that God says it's not marriage. He designed it and and you can try to hijack something. You can try to steal it from God, but he established marriage in its design and you can try to corrupt it and deny it all you want to but you can't change it as we like to say in our culture.” [Book of Matthew Chapter 18, 5/7/17]

2017: Harris Said He Believed Supporting Traditional Marriage Would Have An Impact On The Economy And Country

2017: Harris Said He Believed Supporting Traditional Marriage Would Have An Impact On The Economy And Country. “On social policy, Harris believes that handling social policy correctly has an impact on the economy and country overall. As a pastor for more than 30 years, he believes in pro-life legislation, supporting traditional marriage and religious freedom.” [Enquirer-Journal, 11/15/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 172

Harris Said “The String Of National Amendment Victories Supports Arguments For Amending The U.S. Constitution To Allow Only Heterosexual Marriages”

2014: Harris Said That He Would Not Marry A Same-Sex Couple In His Church

2014: Harris Said That He Would Not Marry A Same-Sex Couple In His Church. “But it changed nothing at First Baptist Church of Charlotte, said pastor the Rev. Mark Harris. Only marriages sanctioned by the Bible - those between one man and one woman - will be performed in its sanctuary, he said. ’Our church has had established standards for weddings that are consistent with biblical principles,’ Harris said. ‘That’s the way it was when we woke up (Friday). And even though the world seemingly changed in North Carolina marriage law later Friday, that’s the way it was when we woke up Satur-day.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/11/14]

Harris Said Same-Sex Marriages Were Not Good For Children

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 173

Harris: “Marriage Between A Man And A Woman” Was “Absolutely Essential To The Future Of Humanity”

Amendment One

2014: Harris Said He Wanted Legal Challenges Regarding State Same-Sex Marriage Bans To Go All The Way Through The Courts After Losing The Legal Battle, Wasting Taxpayer Money

2014: Harris On Legal Challenges To North Carolina’s Same-Sex Marriage Ban: “It Becomes Much More Difficult For These Constitutional Amendments To Be Able To Stand Up… We’ll Have To Go Through The Process”

2014: Harris On Legal Challenges To The Same-Sex Marriage Ban: “It Becomes Much More Difficult For These Constitutional Amendments To Be Able To Stand Up… We’ll Have To Go Through The Process.” “Likewise, legal experts said the high court’s decision not to intervene in the marriage rulings in Virginia and four other states leaves North Carolina opponents little time or grounds for mounting a late de-fense. Thus, a July decision by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down the Virginia ban ap-plies to the Carolinas, too. A federal judge in Greensboro who is hearing two of the legal challenges to the state’s marriage laws seemed to be leaning that way Monday afternoon. […] ‘I think everybody’s a little bit in shock, people on both sides,’ said Mark Harris, who helped run the Amendment One campaign and later ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. ‘Admittedly it becomes much more difficult for these constitutional amendments to be able to stand up,’ Harris said. ‘But we’ll have to go through the process. ...’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/6/14]

2012: Harris Successfully Worked To Pass An Amendment To North Carolina’s Constitution Banning Same-Sex Marriage, Which He Attributed To The Work Of Baptists Across The State

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 174

2012: Harris On Passage Of Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “This Was An Issue Of Standing On The Principle Of God’s Word …And I Believe That Message Has Gotten Across”

2012: Harris: “The Involvement Of The Local Churches Across This State Was Absolutely The Turning Point” In The Campaign To Ban Same-Sex Marriage

2012: Harris: “The Involvement Of The Local Churches Across This State Was Absolutely The Turning Point” In The Campaign To Ban Same-Sex Marriage. “North Carolina has become the 31st state to add an amendment on marriage to its constitution, with voters banning same-sex marriage and barring legal recognition of unmarried couples by state and lo-cal governments. […] ‘The involvement of the local churches across this state was absolutely the turning point,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.” [News & Observer, 5/8/12]

2011: Harris: Baptists “Have Been Heavily Involved, Praying And Working” To Get An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage On The Ballot

Harris: Baptists “Have Been Heavily Involved, Praying And Working” To Get An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage On The Ballot. “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] ‘In the marketplace of ideas we certainly have a place, and Baptists across the state have been heavily involved, praying and working to get this amendment on the ballot.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

Harris On Baptists Working To Get An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage On The Ballot: “We Still Have A Voice In Speaking Into The Lives Of Our Government.” “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] ‘In the marketplace of ideas we certainly have a place, and Baptists across the state have been heavily involved, praying and working to get this amendment on the ballot,’ says the Rev. Mark Harris, pas-tor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and soon-to- be president of state Baptist convention. ‘We still have a voice in speaking into the lives of our government and on the issues of the day. I will indeed remind our folks, and I believe people across this state will respond.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

Harris On Baptists Working To Get An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage On The Ballot: “I Will Indeed Remind Our Folks, And I Believe People Across This State Will Respond.” “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] ‘In the marketplace of ideas we certainly have a place, and Baptists across the state have been heavily involved,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 175

praying and working to get this amendment on the ballot,’ says the Rev. Mark Harris, pas-tor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and soon-to-be president of state Baptist convention. ‘We still have a voice in speaking into the lives of our government and on the issues of the day. I will indeed remind our folks, and I believe people across this state will respond.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

Harris: “God Loves The Homosexual, But God Hates The Sin Of Homosexuality…From Our Perspective, It’s All About Protecting The Sanctity Of Marriage.” “Mark Harris, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and the president-elect of the Southern Baptist State Convention, has helped push the church further to the right. But he said that the proposed constitutional amendment is not about ‘banning gay marriage.’ ’We have to keep in mind that God loves the homosexual, but God hates the sin of homosexuality,’ Harris said. ‘From our perspective, it’s all about protecting the sanctity of marriage.’” [News 7 Observer, 9/18/11]

The Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage Would Add More Restrictions On Civil Unions And Domestic Partnerships. “Harris believes Scripture holds homosexuality as a sin. Tanner calls the proposed amendment an ef-fort to ‘legislate discrimination.’ […] North Carolina, which already has a law prohibiting same-sex marriage, will be the last Southern state to vote on the amendment. It would add more restrictions on civil unions and domestic partnerships, and make it much harder for future legislatures to rescind them. South Carolinians passed their consti-tutional ban in 2006.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

2011: Harris Said He Would Sermonize Often On The Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage And “Remind People Of The Importance Of What We Believe”

Harris Said He Would Sermonize Often On The Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage And “Remind People Of The Importance Of What We Believe.” “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] Between now and the May vote, Harris says he’ll sermonize on the decision often. ‘And I’ll remind people of the importance of what we believe.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

2011-2012: Harris Complained About Hateful Rhetoric Regarding Amendment One, But He Failed To Sign A Letter Pledging Not To Engage In Violence, Citing His Lack Of Time

2012: Harris Had Agreed To Co-Write And Sign A Letter Pledging Not To Engage In Violence Over The Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment But Did Not, Citing His Lack Of Time

2012: Harris Had Agreed To Co-Write And Sign A Letter Pledging Not To Engage In Violence Over The Same-Sex Marriage Ban Amendment But Then Failed To Do So, Citing His Lack Of Time. “The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage- amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. Then they would get other clergy to add their names, too. ‘The intention,’ Tanner said this week, ‘was to create a public covenant, a sacred relationship between religious leaders, that ‘We are pledging to you, city of Charlotte, that during this campaign we will not engage in any violence, and that includes language.’’ […] Tanner and Dean says emails and phone calls to Harris and his executive assistant suddenly went unanswered for days and even weeks. Harris says his schedule, already a balancing act between his church, the presidency of the state Baptists and the amendment campaign, was complicated further by a monthlong medical condition that required surgery. In the end, he says he didn’t have time to spend on the letter.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris Contended That They Ran Out Of Time To Finish The Letter. “With 10 days remaining before the May 8 amendment vote, an opportunity for a cross-denominational endorsement of public civility appears to have come and gone. In hindsight, supposedly simple tasks have a way of revealing their true complexities. Did

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 176

time, as Harris contends, simply run out? Or is there something septic in the public square that makes trust and cooperation across philosophical lines far more difficult than one might think?” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

January 2012: Harris Met With Pastors Who Were Against The Same-Sex Marriage Ban. “Tanner and Harris first got together in January, three months after their photos had appeared side-by-side in the Observer. In a Sunday front-page story, they had fervently represented the developing camps of the amendment debate. The amendment would limit marriage to a man and a woman and strengthen a current ban on same-sex unions. The pastors may have appeared to be opponents. Except they had never met. And that bothered Tanner. So the pastor of Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church and a leader in the statewide campaign to defeat the amendment invited Harris, the pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and a statewide leader in getting the proposal passed, to lunch. They chose Cabo Fish Taco in NoDa. At Tanner’s invitation, Park Road Baptist pastor Russ Dean joined them. So did Jonathan Rebsamen, Harris’ associate at First Baptist.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris Was Set To Write A Letter With Pro-Gay Marriage Pastor Pledging Civility, But “Three Months Later, The Letter Remains An Unfinished Draft.” “From a distance, it seems like a simple task: The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage-amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. Then they would get other clergy to add their names, too […] A group of spiritual leaders taking a stand against hate speech, how hard could that be? Three months later, the letter remains an unfinished draft.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris “Didn’t Call For Substantive Changes” To A Draft Of The Joint Statement Pledging Respect But Then He Did Not Meet With The Co-Authors Again As He Said He Would. “From a distance, it seems like a simple task: The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage-amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. […] The group met again on Valentine’s Day, at First Baptist. A draft of the statement was circulated, discussed. Harris didn’t call for substantive changes. But Tanner says he wanted to show the draft around, then have the group get back together in two weeks. The third meeting never took place.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris’ Co-Authors Said Their Attempts To Contact Him “Suddenly Went Unanswered For Days And Even Weeks.” “From a distance, it seems like a simple task: The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage-amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. […] Tanner and Dean says emails and phone calls to Harris and his executive assistant suddenly went unanswered for days and even weeks.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris’ Co-Authors said Harris “Was Somewhat Hesitant—Because Some Of His Folks Would Have An Issue With His Name Appearing In Print Alongside Ours.” “Harris, president of the state Baptist Convention, said he supported the plan. Dean, though, recalls that politics quickly became an issue. In a Jan. 13 column to his congregation about the lunch, he wrote: ‘While our conversation was genuinely gracious, and while Mark seemed not to disapprove of my suggestions, he was somewhat hesitant - because some of his folks would have an issue with his name appearing in print alongside ours.’ ‘Talk about incivility,’ Dean continued. ‘Some folks among us can’t even tolerate my name being associated with yours. I find that tragic.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris Said His Schedule Was Already Busy And Was Complicated “By A Monthlong Medical Condition That Required Surgery.” “From a distance, it seems like a simple task: The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage- amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. […] Harris says his schedule, already a balancing act between his church, the presidency of the state Baptists and the amendment campaign,

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 177

was complicated further by a monthlong medical condition that required surgery. In the end, he says he didn’t have time to spend on the letter.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

Harris: “I Certainly Bear A Good Bit Of Responsibility.” “From a distance, it seems like a simple task: The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage-amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. […] I’m saddened that we didn’t get further down the road in putting something together, and I certainly bear a good bit of responsibility. But time ran out. Looking back, we should have started this in November." [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

2012: Harris: “If There Is Ever A Desire In The Rest Of The Campaign To Rattle Off Some Rhetoric” About A Lesbian Pastor, “I Couldn’t Do That” Because “I Know Her”

2012: Harris: “If There Is Ever A Desire In The Rest Of The Campaign To Rattle Off Some Rhetoric” About A Lesbian Pastor, “I Couldn’t Do That” Because “I Know Her.” “They had plenty to talk about. Shortly after that first story appeared, Tanner, a lesbian, arrived home to find her house being picketed. The slurs poured in by emails, letters and phone calls. […] Harris says both campaigns have acted admirably, even without the shared statement. And he believes his meetings with Tanner have lasting worth. ‘It was extremely valuable early on to understand who Robin is and to know her as a person,’ he said. ‘If there is ever a desire in the rest of the campaign for me to rattle off some rhetoric, I couldn’t do that. Because I know her and I have sat across the table from her. I hope she would say the same thing about me.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

2012: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Had Grown Tired Of Hearing Amendment Supporters Described As Homophobic Hate-Mongers”

2012: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Had Grown Tired Of Hearing Amendment Supporters Described As Homophobic Hate-Mongers.” “The Revs. Mark Harris and Robin Tanner would co-write a letter to their city, pledging that in the widening divide of the marriage-amendment debate, they would treat each other with understanding and respect. Then they would get other clergy to add their names, too. […] Harris, also on the receiving end of abusive emails, had grown tired of hearing amendment supporters described as homophobic hate- mongers.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/27/12]

2012: Harris Said Describing Supporters Of An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage As “Homophobic” Would Be “A Very Strong Misstatement”

2012: Harris Said Describing Supporters Of An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage As “Homophobic” Would Be “A Very Strong Misstatement.” “Harris called the use of the word homophobic to describe supporters of the constitutional amendment ‘a very strong misstatement, in my personal opinion.’ He said the proposal does not mention homosexuality and instead protects the traditional Biblical defi-nition of marriage. He also downplayed the strength of the opposition. Harris, who is president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, said there is an over-whelming and increasing number of congregations that support the amendment, though not all seek the publicity.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/26/12]

2011: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Fielded A Threatening Voicemail” Telling Him To Stop “Spewing Hatred” Towards Homosexuals

2011: Charlotte Observer: Harris “Fielded A Threatening Voicemail” Telling Him To Stop “Spewing Hatred” Towards Homosexuals. “On the day he was elected to lead the state’s Baptist convention, the Rev. Mark Harris fielded a threatening voice mail that gave him a quick glimpse of the approaching battle over same-sex marriage in North Carolina. Harris didn’t want to describe the entire message, only the essence: He needed to stop ‘spewing hatred’ toward homosexuals and their families.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 178

Harris Hoped People On Both Sides Of Marriage Amendment Debate Could Express Themselves “In A Civil Way.” “On the day he was elected to lead the state’s Baptist convention, the Rev. Mark Harris fielded a threatening voice mail that gave him a quick glimpse of the approaching battle over same-sex marriage in North Carolina. […] He understands the debate will be emotional on both sides. ‘But I hope we can express our positions - keep the conversation to the facts and our principles - and do it in a civil way,’ Harris, 45, said. ‘It doesn’t mean I’m going to change someone else’s position or they’re going to change mine. But in America, we all ought to be able to express ourselves without things getting out of hand.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

Charlotte Observer: “Rev. Mark Harris: Pastor Hopes For ‘Civil’ Marriage Debate.” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

2011-2012: Harris Traveled The State To Urge North Carolinians To Vote For An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage Arguing The Amendment Was Necessary To Protect Marriage

2012: Harris Traveled The State To Urge North Carolinians To Vote For An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage

2012: Harris Traveled The State To Urge North Carolinians To Vote For An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage. “North Carolina is the last Southern state to consider a marriage amendment. Supporters say it adds weight to the state’s existing gay-marriage ban and would protect traditional unions from courts and advocacy groups. […] Harris, president of the State Baptist Convention, is crossing the state urging congregations to rally behind the amendment.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

2012: Harris On The Amendment To Ban Same-Sex Marriage: “Vote For The Values That God Has Placed In Your Hearts”

2012: Harris On The Amendment To Ban Same-Sex Marriage: “Vote For The Values That God Has Placed In Your Hearts.” “‘Vote for the values that God has placed in your hearts,’ said the Rev. Mark Harris, First Baptist’s pastor and one of the leaders of the campaign to get the amendment passed. North Carolina is the last Southern state to consider a marriage amendment. Supporters say it adds weight to the state’s existing gay-marriage ban and would protect traditional unions from courts and advocacy groups.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/5/12]

2012: Harris: “If The Voters Decide That Marriage Is Not Reserved For A Man And A Woman, I Do Believe We As A State Will Have Taken A Disappointing Stand Before God”

2012: Harris: “If The Voters Decide That Marriage Is Not Reserved For A Man And A Woman, I Do Believe We As A State Will Have Taken A Disappointing Stand Before God.” “The measure would add a provision to the state constitution to limit legal unions to a man and a wom-an. Thirty-one states have taken similar votes; all have passed. Polls show a majority of N.C. voters support the measure. […] ‘I believe that the Bible is clear and foundational for our culture and our society,’ says the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church in Charlotte and a leader in the campaign for passage. ‘If the voters decide that marriage is not reserved for a man and a woman, I do believe we as a state will have taken a disappointing stand before God.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/13/12]

Harris Said “There Is A Threat To Marriage Here In North Carolina” From “Activist Judges”

2012: Harris On The Necessity Of An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “There Is A Threat To Marriage Here In North Carolina.” “North Carolina is the last state in the Southeastern United States to preserve marriage with a constitutional amendment. […] There is a threat to marriage here in North Carolina, and we must act now before activists redefine marriage for all of society. Marriage is essential for the health of our economy and

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 179

for the stability of society. It is time for the people of North Carolina to preserve marriage before activists usurp the will of the people by redefining marriage. For thousands of years, marriage has been the building block of our society. Social science confirms that marriage is the best environment for having and rearing children. We must come together on May 8 to preserve the institution of marriage in North Carolina before it is too late.” [Charlotte Observer, Mark Harris, 4/8/12]

Harris Called On Voters To “To Preserve The Institution Of Marriage In North Carolina Before It Is Too Late.” “North Carolina is the last state in the Southeastern United States to preserve marriage with a constitutional amendment. […] There is a threat to marriage here in North Carolina, and we must act now before activists redefine marriage for all of society. Marriage is essential for the health of our economy and for the stability of society. It is time for the people of North Carolina to preserve marriage before activists usurp the will of the people by redefining marriage. For thousands of years, marriage has been the building block of our society. Social science confirms that marriage is the best environment for having and rearing children. We must come together on May 8 to preserve the institution of marriage in North Carolina before it is too late.” [Charlotte Observer, Mark Harris, 4/8/12]

2012: Harris On An Amendment To Ban Same-Sex Marriage: “It’s About Preserving Marriage As We’ve Always Known It And Making Sure That Activist Judges Can’t Re-Define It In The Future.” “The Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte, president of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, said opponents are trying to complicate the referendum. ’The marriage amendment is simple and straightforward,’ Harris said in a prepared statement. The convention, which represents about 4,300 churches and 1.3 million members, endorsed the amendment in the fall. ’It’s about preserving marriage as we’ve always known it and making sure that activist judges can’t re-define it in the future.’” [Associated Press, 1/24/12]

2011: Harris On An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “This Is An Opportunity To Protect Marriage From Being Redefined…Where Most North Carolinians And Americans Don’t Want To Go.” “The vote may be in May, but the campaign surrounding North Carolina’s same-sex marriage amendment - a campaign, some say, for the hearts, minds and souls of the state - already has divided the spiritual community. […] Likewise, Mark Harris at First Baptist says it’s critical how the issues are framed. This is not about bashing homosexuals, he says. ‘This is an opportunity to protect marriage from being redefined,’ a place ‘where most North Carolinians and Americans don’t want to go.’” [Charlotte Observer, 9/18/11]

2012: Harris Argued That The Government Regulated Marriage Because “Only Intimate Relations Between Men And Women Have The Ability To Produce Children.”

2012: Harris Argued That The Government Regulated Marriage Because “Only Intimate Relations Between Men And Women Have The Ability To Produce Children.” “Harris, on the other hand, said the amendment would add another layer of government protection between traditional marriage and those who would challenge the laws that define it. Six states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriages. ’Government doesn’t regulate friendship. It doesn’t regulate dating. You can have sexually intimate relations without any government involvement,’ he said. ‘But marriage is a special relationship re-served exclusively for heterosexuals for one reason. Only intimate relations between men and women have the ability to produce children.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/12]

Harris: “Government Doesn’t Regulate Friendship. It Doesn’t Regulate Dating. You Can Have Sexually Intimate Relations Without Any Government Involvement… But Marriage Is A Special Relationship.” “Harris, on the other hand, said the amendment would add another layer of government protection between traditional marriage and those who would challenge the laws that define it. Six states and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriages. ’Government doesn’t regulate friendship. It doesn’t regulate dating. You can have sexually intimate relations without any government involvement,’ he said. ‘But marriage is a special relationship re-served exclusively for heterosexuals for one reason. Only intimate relations between men and women have the ability to produce children.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/12]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 180

2011: Harris On An Amendment Banning Same-Sex Marriage: “If Homosexuals Choose To Maintain A Relationship And Live Together, That’s Their Business.” “On the day he was elected to lead the state’s Baptist convention, the Rev. Mark Harris fielded a threatening voice mail that gave him a quick glimpse of the approaching battle over same-sex marriage in North Carolina. […] ‘From a biblical position, all I can do is state my position: I believe that homosexuality is a sin... That said, I don’t believe that that position is at the heart of this amendment. If homosexuals choose to maintain a relationship and live together, that’s their business. I don’t believe people should be discriminated against.’” [Charlotte Observer, 12/27/11]

2011: Harris Said That One Of His Pledges As President Of The NC Baptist State Convention Was To Work To Pass An Amendment That Banned Same-Sex Marriage

2011: Harris Said That One Of His Pledges As President Of The NC Baptist State Convention Was To Work To Pass An Amendment That Banned Same-Sex Marriage. “N.C. Baptists meeting today in Greensboro elected Charlotte pastor Mark Harris to be their new president and endorsed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would reinforce North Caroli-na’s ban on same-sex marriage. Running unopposed, the 45-year-old Harris, who’s senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte, was elected to a one-year term as president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention. […] In an interview with the Observer, Harris said one of his pledges as president will be to work with other pastors and their congregations for passage of the proposed amendment and to push for other issues they consider family-friendly.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/8/11]

Harris: “We Want To Take A Stand On Marriage And ... Be Salt And Light For This State.” “In an interview with the Observer, Harris said one of his pledges as president will be to work with other pastors and their congregations for passage of the proposed amendment and to push for other issues they consider family- friendly. ’We are committed to building strong families,’ Harris said, ‘and, as a body of believers in this state, we are willing to stand up and be counted. We want to take a stand on marriage and ... be salt and light for this state.’” [Charlotte Observer, 11/8/11]

The NC Baptist State Convention Endorsed The Amendment To Ban Same-Sex Marriage. “N.C. Baptists meeting today in Greensboro elected Charlotte pastor Mark Harris to be their new president and endorsed a proposed state constitutional amendment that would reinforce North Caroli-na’s ban on same-sex marriage. Running unopposed, the 45-year-old Harris, who’s senior pastor at First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte, was elected to a one-year term as president of the N.C. Baptist State Convention.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/8/11]

HB2

Harris Said Charlotte’s Non-Discrimination Ordinance Was “Never About Civil Rights,” And He Urged Christian Conservatives To Fight Against Similar, Future Ordinances After HB2’s Repeal

2016: Harris: “Mayor Roberts And The Charlotte City Council Has Now Found That They Must Forget Their So-Called Principles, Admit …This Was Never About Civil Rights.” “Advocacy groups Human Rights Campaign and Equality NC again this week called for HB2’s repeal, but opted not to criticize council’s 10-0 vote to do away with the dormant ordinance, a move that as recently as several weeks ago was still considered non- negotiable by the mayor and other local Democrats. […] ‘What happened to change the situation?’ Harris asked. ‘The answer seems quite obvious: The polit-ical gamesmanship of Mayor Roberts and the Charlotte City Council has now found that they must forget their so-called principles, admit this was never needed as an action of non- discrimination and reverse their position. Clearly, this was never about civil rights because if citizens were truly being de-nied their constitutional rights, you don’t go back on that.’” [Charlotte Business Journal, 12/20/16]

2016: Charlotte Business Journal: Harris On The Repeal Of HB2: “Christian Conservatives Must Be

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 181

Vigilant In … Fighting Against Subsequent Efforts To Pass LGBT Ordinances In North Carolina Cities.” “Harris urged Republican lawmakers not to repeal HB2 during the special session called for Wednes-day that is all but certain to end with lawmakers striking down the law. If HB2 is abolished, Harris said, Christian conservatives must be vigilant in monitoring and fighting against subsequent efforts to pass LGBT ordinances in North Carolina cities and towns. ’We must be engaged and involved,’ said Harris, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2014 and Congress this year.” [Charlotte Business Journal, 12/20/16]

2016: Harris Rallied For HB2 And Urged Legislators Against Repealing The Law

2016: Harris Participated In A Press Conference Urging Lawmakers Against Repealing HB

2016: Harris Spoke At A Rally For HB2

2016: Harris On HB2: I “Have Been A Supporter Of It From The Beginning…Not Only A Supporter Of It, I’ve Worked Hard To Get It There, And I Don’t Mind Taking A Stand”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 182

Harris Said That Tolerance For Sexuality And Gender Identity Was “The Worst Thing We Can Do For Individuals Is Somehow Tell Them That It’s Okay And Codify It Into Law”

2015: Harris Said That A Nondiscrimination Ordinance For Sexuality And Gender Identity Was “The Worst Thing We Can Do For Individuals Is Somehow Tell Them That It’s Okay And Codify It Into Law.” [27:35] “That’s the reason I’ve shared with people so much about this whole issue that we’re dealing with about the Charlotte City Council wanting to codify law to say that everybody - whether you’re in a same sex union, or whether you’re a transgender, or whatever - they’re trying to make protected classes out of purely abnormal behavior. The truth is, that’s not necessary...The worst thing we can do for individuals is somehow tell them that it’s okay and codify it into law […] Maybe there’s someone who, for whatever reason, is choosing that lifestyle, they’ve been through something and come to the conclusion that’s what they’re to choose. But they know, and we know, according to the word of God, that it is a path that is going to lead to destruction. The last thing we do if we have any love in our body whatsoever is to share the truth and not just take a pacifist attitude and say, ‘Sure, go ahead.’” [29:07] [The Faith to Finish (James Chapter 1) 02-22-15 via Vimeo, 2/22/15]

Harris Said That The Charlotte City Council Should Not Pass A Nondiscrimination Ordinance Because Homosexuality And Transgender Identity Were “Going To Lead To Destruction”

Harris Said That The Charlotte City Council Should Not Pass A Nondiscrimination Ordinance Because Homosexuality And Transgender Identity Were “Going To Lead To Destruction.” [27:35] “That’s the reason I’ve shared with people so much about this whole issue that we’re dealing with about the Charlotte City Council wanting to codify law to say that everybody - whether you’re in a same sex union, or whether you’re a transgender, or whatever - they’re trying to make protected classes out of purely abnormal behavior. The truth is, that’s not necessary...The worst thing we can do for individuals is somehow tell them that it’s okay and codify it into law […] Maybe there’s someone who, for whatever reason, is choosing that lifestyle, they’ve been through something and come to the conclusion that’s what they’re to choose. But they know, and we know, according to the word of God, that it is a path that is going to lead to destruction. The last thing we do if we have any love in our body whatsoever is to share the truth and not just take a pacifist attitude and say, ‘Sure, go ahead.’” [29:07] [The Faith to Finish (James Chapter 1) 02-22-15 via Vimeo, 2/22/15]

2015-2016: Harris Protested A Charlotte City Ordinance Extending Discrimination Protections To Gay, Lesbian And Transgender Residents

Harris Spoke At Protests Against A Charlotte City Ordinance Extending Discrimination Protections To Gay, Lesbian And Transgender Residents

2016: Harris Spoke At A Protest Organized By N.C. Values Coalition Outside Of The Charlotte City Council As They Approved An Ordinance Protecting Residents Based Upon Sexual Identity And Sexual Orientation. “Charlotte City Council approved a non-discrimination ordinance on Monday night protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents and visitors by a vote of 7-4 - a year after a similar measure was rejected. […] Just before council met, several hundred protesters gathered in the rain outside the Government Cen-ter. The N.C. Values Coalition organized the rally and assembled a roster of speakers including First Baptist Charlotte senior pastor Mark Harris, who unsuccessfully ran as a Republican for a U.S. Sen-ate seat in 2014, parents, politicians and other activists. Harris told his audience a referendum similar to the Houston recall should give everyone comfort that the ordinance will be stopped one way or another.” [Charlotte Business Journal, 2/22/16]

2015: Harris Spoke At A Rally Against A Charlotte City Ordinance Extending Discrimination Protections To Gay, Lesbian And Transgender Residents. “As the Charlotte City Council prepares for a March 2 vote to extend protections to gay, lesbian and transgender residents, some religious leaders are opposing the measure, saying the non-discrimination proposal would infringe on their own freedom. […] As for transgender people using the bathroom they feel most comfortable using, said the Rev. Mark Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 183

Charlotte, ‘the obvious danger is a guy with a skirt and a wig would go into a (women’s) bathroom.’ Harris, who is scheduled to speak at Monday’s rally opposing the ordinance change, said the proposal is bad policy on several levels.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/24/15]

Harris Argued Against The Charlotte City Ordinance Sought To Address A Problem That Did Not Exist

2016: Harris: “People Did Feel Like Everybody Had Equal Protection ... There Was Never A True Case Made Of Untold Numbers Of People Hurt” Before Charlotte Passed Its Ordinance. “Harris, pastor of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, blamed the Charlotte City Council and Mayor Jen-nifer Roberts for going too far in passing the city ordinance HB2 was designed to kill. Until the city pushed the ordinance, Harris said, ‘people did feel like everybody had equal protection. ... There was never a true case made of untold numbers of people hurt or in any way mistreated.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/5/16]

2016: Harris: “It Set Up A Group Of People As A Protected Class Based Purely On How They Choose To Express Themselves Sexually…That’s Just, From My Perspective, Not Necessary.” “Mark Harris, pastor of in Charlotte, said he’s not seen evidence that companies here widely dis-criminate against LGBT people, and he’s skeptical any restaurant, in particular, would do so. Harris was vocal in his opposition to parts of the ordinance last year. If the debate resurfaces, he said he would likely get involved. ’For the first time in our city’s history, it set up a group of people as a protected class based purely on how they choose to express themselves sexually,’ he said. ‘That’s just, from my perspective, not nec-essary.’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/13/16]

2015: Harris On The Charlotte City Ordinance: “The Ordinance Is Addressing A Problem That Doesn’t Exist… Charlotte Is Already A Tolerant City.” “Feeling shut out from such deliberations and opposed to the ordinance on religious grounds, a group of 95 conservative pastors and business leaders criticized the ordinance in a letter Friday to the coun-cil. ’The ordinance is addressing a problem that doesn’t exist,’ said the letter, signed by the Rev. Mark Harris of First Baptist Church of Charlotte, among others. ‘Charlotte is already a tolerant city.’” [Charlotte Observer, 2/27/15]

Harris Argued That The Charlotte City Ordinance Endangered Children In Bathrooms

Harris Said That He Thought Parts Of The Charlotte City Council Ordinance That Prohibited Businesses From Refusing To Serve The LGBT Community Was Alright As Long As There Were Exceptions

2015: Harris Said That He Thought The Part Of The Charlotte City Council Ordinance That Prohibited Restaurants From Refusing To Serve Gay, Lesbian And Transgender Residents Was Alright. “As the Charlotte City Council prepares for a March 2 vote to extend protections to gay, lesbian and transgender residents, some religious leaders are opposing the measure, saying the non-discrimination proposal would infringe on their

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 184

own freedom. […] Harris of First Baptist Church said he is OK with some of the changes, such as ensuring that gay and lesbian residents be served at a restaurant. ’Nobody is for someone not to be served,’ Harris said.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/15]

2015: Harris Said That There Should Be Exceptions To The Charlotte City Council’s Ordinance That Would Have Allowed Florists And Caterers To Not Work At A Same-Sex Wedding. “As the Charlotte City Council prepares for a March 2 vote to extend protections to gay, lesbian and transgender residents, some religious leaders are opposing the measure, saying the non-discrimination proposal would infringe on their own freedom. […] Harris of First Baptist Church said he is OK with some of the changes, such as ensuring that gay and lesbian residents be served at a restaurant. ’Nobody is for someone not to be served,’ Harris said. But he said there should be exceptions that would, for instance, allow a florist or a caterer not to work at a same-sex wedding.” [Charlotte Observer, 2/19/15]

Homosexuality

Media Outlets Reported That Harris Remembered Fondly When “Homosexuality Was Once Criminalized”

2015: Harris Said The Country Was In “Moral Decay” Because “We Have Watched In One Generation Where Homosexuality Was Once Criminalized To Now We See The Criminalization Of Christianity.” “In previously unreported comments, Harris said in 2015 that the country had descended into ‘moral decay’ and cited as one of several examples that ‘we have watched in one generation where homosexuality was once criminalized to now we see the criminalization of Christianity.’ […] In a 2015, Harris spoke at an event in Jomeokee, NC, and complained that the nation is ‘floundering in moral decay,’ explaining in part that ‘we have watched in one generation where homosexuality was once criminalized to now we see the criminalization of Christianity.’ From his speech: In 2013, as then-Right Wing Watch writer Brian Tashman documented, Harris said: ‘I’ve yet to buy in, as there is not the medical evidence, that an individual that chooses the homosexual lifestyle is born that way. That is a choice.’ In a recent interview with Roll Call, Harris stood by those remarks.” [Media Matters, 8/10/18]

HEADLINE: Media Matters: “Right-Wing Media Pastor And GOP-Backed Congressional Nominee Favorably Remembered When ‘Homosexuality Was Once Criminalized.’” [Media Matters, 8/10/18]

HEADLINE: Hornet: “Watch This Republican Congressional Candidate Fondly Remember When Being Gay Was Illegal.” [Hornet, 8/10/18]

Harris Said He Believed Homosexuality Was A Choice And A Sin

2013: Harris: “There Is Not The Medical Evidence That An Individual That Chooses The Homosexual Lifestyle Is Born That Way. That Is A Choice”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 185

executive director of Faith in America. The case represents the latest high profile stance taken by the group, which seeks to combat ‘misguid-ed’ religious teachings in the nation that justify stigma and hostility toward homosexuals. […] Among the critics of Faith in America are First Baptist Church Pastor Mark Harris, who is also presi-dent of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina. ’It’s not the intention of most Bible-believing churches to discriminate, hurt or ostracize anybody,’ Harris says. ‘Does that mean we’ll no longer call homosexuality a sin, as the Bible does? No. We’ll continue to do that in love and ministry. I don’t define that as persecution.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/22/12]

2011: Harris: “I Believe That Homosexuality Is A Sin”

2008: Harris Believed Homosexuality Was A Sin

2005: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Said He’ll Be A Conservative Who Speaks Out Against Abortion And Homosexuality”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 186

Harris Referred To Homosexuality As The “Sin Of Sodomy”

2013: Harris: “Never Before This Week Has A Sitting President Publicly Congratulated Someone For Declaring Their Sin Of Sodomy.” [39:30] “I try to make my measurements based on the quote never befores instead of Shifting data and he said in just this one week the first week of May of 2013 the list grew dramatically and here's what he wrote never before this week has a sitting president publicly congratulated someone for declaring their sin of sodomy never before this week.” [Modern Family Part 5, 6/9/13]

Harris On Homosexual Behavior: “We Now Have The Acceptance Of Behavior Which Was Once Considered As Sick Is Now Looked Upon As Sophisticated”

Harris On Homosexual Behavior: “We Now Have The Acceptance Of Behavior Which Was Once Considered As Sick Is Now Looked Upon As Sophisticated.” [1:00] “I never would’ve imagined when we started our series through Ephesians, that we would find ourselves here this morning on the Sunday following a week that will go down in history in the state of North Carolina. A sad week in many ways as our state has now codified into law that which God says is an abomination.” [1:43] …[12:57] “I already stated this morning what God himself considers to be horrible sin is no being accepted as normal behavior, but what’s worse it’s now codified law in our land.” [13:16] … [14:30] “If you look at what our society turns to for entertainment you automatically get it. All you need to do is turn on your TV...shows are produced which portray anybody who holds traditional values as somehow the bigots...the narrow minded...the inhibited...the uncool. Why? Because we now have the acceptance of behavior which was once considered as sick is now looked upon as sophisticated.” [15:21] [Ephesians Part 18 (10- 12-14) via Vimeo, 10/12/14]

Harris On Homosexuality: “There Is Punishment For This Kind Of Lifestyle. There Is Punishment For The Man Or The Woman Who Lives In The Darkness Of This Lifestyle”

Harris On Homosexuality: “There Is Punishment For This Kind Of Lifestyle. There Is Punishment For The Man Or The Woman Who Lives In The Darkness Of This Lifestyle.” [1:00] “I never would’ve imagined when we started our series through Ephesians, that we would find ourselves here this morning on the Sunday following a week that will go down in history in the state of North Carolina. A sad week in many ways as our state has now codified into law that which God says is an abomination.” [1:43] …[12:57] “I already stated this morning what God himself considers to be horrible sin is no being accepted as normal behavior, but what’s worse it’s now codified law in our land.” [13:16] … [18:40] “Ladies and gentlemen, there is punishment for this kind of lifestyle. There is punishment for the man or the woman who lives in the darkness of this lifestyle...I know you love your son...your daughter…our family and our friends, but that’s God’s word.” [Ephesians Part 18 (10-12-14) via Vimeo, 10/12/14]

Harris Told His Congregants To “Share Jesus” With LGBTQ People And Implied That He Hoped That Doing So Would Result In Them Becoming “Eunuchs” Or Living A “Life Of Singleness”

2017: Harris Said That Congregants Should “Share Jesus” With LGBTQ People And Implied That He Hoped That Doing So Would Result In Them Becoming “Eunuchs” Or Living A “Life Of Singleness.” “There are eunuchs who were born from their mother's womb and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men. Could I tell you something when you look at the crisis that we're facing in the culture with the whole transgender movement and the whole LGBT movement I beg you I encourage you go back and look at the history of those individuals. And you will find in many cases there has been violence in their lives. There has been sexual abuse in their lives leading up to that decision […] We are to love them enough to share truth with them. We are to share Jesus. And his words with them he goes on to say and they're eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of Heaven's Sake he who is able to accept it. Let him accept it. Some people are called to this life of singleness. And that's great. Jesus makes it very clear. That one is not Superior over the other if you are called a life of singleness to God be the glory if you're called to get married to God be the glory one is not to be superior

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 187

over the other that's Jesus response.” [Book of Matthew Chapter 18, 5/7/17]

Harris Said There Was A National Agenda Promoting Homosexuality

Trans

Harris Said “The Crisis That We're Facing … With The Whole Transgender Movement And The Whole LGBT Movement” Was A Product Of “Violence” And “Sexual Abuse”

2017: Harris: “The Crisis That We're Facing … With The Whole Transgender Movement And The Whole LGBT Movement … You Will Find In Many Cases There Has Been Violence In Their Lives. There Has Been Sexual Abuse In Their Lives Leading Up To That Decision.” “There are eunuchs who were born from their mother's womb and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men. Could I tell you something when you look at the crisis that we're facing in the culture with the whole transgender movement and the whole LGBT movement I beg you I encourage you go back and look at the history of those individuals. And you will find in many cases there has been violence in their lives. There has been sexual abuse in their lives leading up to that decision.” [Book of Matthew Chapter 18, 5/7/17]

Harris Said “Extreme, Angry Feminists” Led To The “Whacked Out Idea” Of Daughters Wanting To Change Genders

2013: Harris Said “Extreme, Angry Feminists” Led To The “Whacked Out Idea” Of Daughters Wanting To Change Genders. [21:47] “You may say to me this morning, ‘Mark, that just sounds like some extreme, angry feminists.’ Yes it does, but if you don’t think that every piece of that plays a role in where we stand today then you don’t understand...if you go back to 1963 and you follow the trail it gives you a little bit more understanding when you look at CNN in the last few weeks and see the whacked out idea of a mother, who is sitting there with her daughter, wanting to change genders and wanting to be recognized not as a male, not as a female...but as neither.” [Modern Family, Part 2, 5/19/13]

Discrimination

2015: Harris Said That A Religious Freedom Laws “Would Protect Christians From Governments Eager To Advance The Agenda That Sexual Rights Are Superior To Religious Liberty”

2015: Harris Said That A Religious Freedom Laws “Would Protect Christians From Governments Eager To Advance The Agenda That Sexual Rights Are Superior To Religious Liberty.” “The Rev. Mark Harris, a Charlotte pastor who ran last year for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, said he was ‘highly disappointed’ that McCrory did not see the benefit of having such a law in place before June, when many analysts are predicting the U.S. Supreme Court will rule same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. State religious freedom laws in North Carolina and elsewhere, said Harris, who leads First Baptist Church of Charlotte, ‘would protect

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 188

Christians from governments eager to advance the agenda that sexual rights are superior to religious liberty.’ Asked for an example of what behavior such a law would protect, Harris and legislative sponsors of the bills referred to a florist in Washington state who was sued after she refused, on religious grounds, to sell and arrange flowers for a same-sex wedding.” [Charlotte Observer, 3/30/15]

2014: Harris: “Churches Are Scrambling To Make Sure We Have Protection In Our …Bylaws Against Any Kind Of Government Intervention,” After North Carolina’s Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Was Overturned. “On Saturday, the day after U.S. District Judge Max Cogburn rescinded that vote, Harris said he knows of no protests or prayer vigils planned in response. Instead, he said, churches like his will likely feel the need to protect themselves against a government he worries may try to dictate how they should engage with gays and lesbians. ’If anything,’ Harris said, ‘churches are scrambling to make sure we have protection in our docu-ments, our constitutions and bylaws against any kind of government intervention that would force things on churches.’” [Charlotte Observer, 10/11/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 189

National Security & Terrorism

Significant Findings

 Almost immediately after 9/11, Harris told his congregants “whether the World Trade Center would have been bombed Tuesday or not, we are one day closer to the coming of Christ.”

9/11

2001: Harris On 9/11: “Whether The World Trade Center Would Have Been Bombed Tuesday Or Not, We Are One Day Closer To The Coming Of Christ”

2001: Harris On 9/11: “Whether The World Trade Center Would Have Been Bombed Tuesday Or Not, We Are One Day Closer To The Coming Of Christ.” “The first Sunday after last week’s devastating terror strikes should find Augusta church-goers - and people who normally stay home - filling pews at services today. […] Curtis Baptist Church pastor Mark Harris said the tragedy could not only spark a patriotic awakening, but also a spiritual one. He said it would be wrong for ministers to give alarmist messages about the end times and fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, although it no doubt is on many people’s minds. ‘Whether the World Trade Center would have been bombed Tuesday or not, we are one day closer to the coming of Christ,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘Jesus taught us that we’ve got to know how to pray for our enemies,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘Only God can change a man’s heart.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/16/01]

2001: Harris On 9/11: “Jesus Taught Us That We’ve Got To Know How To Pray For Our Enemies…Only God Can Change A Man’s Heart”

2001: Harris On 9/11: “Jesus Taught Us That We’ve Got To Know How To Pray For Our Enemies…Only God Can Change A Man’s Heart.” “The first Sunday after last week’s devastating terror strikes should find Augusta church-goers - and people who normally stay home - filling pews at services today. […] Curtis Baptist Church pastor Mark Harris said the tragedy could not only spark a patriotic awakening, but also a spiritual one. He said it would be wrong for ministers to give alarmist messages about the end times and fulfillment of Biblical prophecy, although it no doubt is on many people’s minds. ‘Whether the World Trade Center would have been bombed Tuesday or not, we are one day closer to the coming of Christ,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘Jesus taught us that we’ve got to know how to pray for our enemies,’ the Rev. Harris said. ‘Only God can change a man’s heart.” [Augusta Chronicle, 9/16/01]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 190

State Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2013, Harris called public-private partnerships and proposed toll roads “a bad premise” and said that proposals to create toll roads had “got to be stopped.”

Toll Roads

2013: Harris Called Public-Private Partnerships And Proposed Toll Roads “A Bad Premise” And Said That “It’s Got To Be Stopped”

2013: Harris Called Public-Private Partnerships And Proposed Toll Roads “A Bad Premise” And Said That “It’s Got To Be Stopped.” “They also united against public-private partnerships, particularly proposed toll roads. Brannon and Flynn suggested such partnerships were close to ‘fascism.’ Grant said they were ‘detrimental.’ ’You and I know it’s a bad premise,’ Harris added. ‘You and I know it’s got to be stopped.’ The issue of toll roads appears to put the four at odds with Tillis, who has supported tolls on new lanes on Interstate 77 north of Charlotte.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/21/13]

Harris: “Why Would We Want To Pay Tolls From Now Until Jesus Comes?” “All three opposed public- private partnerships, particularly toll roads, a sentiment shared by the Lake Norman group. Harris said taxpayers already have paid for roads and asked, ‘Why would we want to pay tolls from now until Jesus comes?’” [Charlotte Observer, 1/30/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 191

Seniors’ Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2017, Harris said that “what churches are doing is the most effective means of truly helping the poor, not government programs where the money ... never seems to reach those who need it the most.”

 In 2017, 35,938 residents of North Carolina’s 9th District received Medicare benefits.

 In 2018, when a radio talk show host asked Harris, “How would replacing Obamacare make government smaller and where in the Constitution does that the federal government have the authority to run any kind of health care program in the first place?,” Harris said, “100% it's not in the constitution. We don't bear the responsibility for providing health care,” which seemed to discredit Medicare.

 In 2017, 145,092 residents of North Carolina’s 9th District received Social Security benefits worth nearly $189,850.

Medicare

2017: 35,938 Residents Of North Carolina’s 9th District Received Medicare Benefits

2017: 35,938 Residents Of North Carolina’s 9th District Received Medicare Benefits. [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 2017 Congressional District Report]

Harris On Federal Health Care Programs: “100% It's Not In The Constitution. We Don't Bear The Responsibility For Providing Health Care”

Social Security

2017: 145,092 Residents Of The North Carolina’s 9th District Received Social Security Benefits

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 192

2017: 145,092 Residents Of North Carolina’s 9th District Received Social Security Benefits Worth Nearly $189,850. [Social Security Administration, Congressional Statistics, December 2017]

In North Carolina’s 9th District, Social Security Beneficiaries Include 103,155 Seniors; 140,734 Were Retirees. Of the 145,092 social security beneficiaries in the 9th district, 103,155 were aged 65 or older; 140,734 were retirees. [Social Security Administration, Congressional Statistics, December 2017]

Social Services For Those In Need

2017: Harris: “What Churches Are Doing Is The Most Effective Means Of Truly Helping The Poor, Not Government Programs Where The Money ... Never Seems To Reach Those Who Need It The Most”

2017: Harris: “What Churches Are Doing Is The Most Effective Means Of Truly Helping The Poor, Not Government Programs Where The Money ... Never Seems To Reach Those Who Need It The Most.” “Harris, who recently filed to run for Congress as a Republican in North Carolina’s Ninth District, also suggested Barber ‘visit some of our churches’ before criticizing conservative pastors for their stands regarding the poor. Harris’ Charlotte church, for example, has provided space for Brookstone School, whose students are predominantly African American and from the inner city, and has a history of feeding 5,000 people every Thanksgiving. He added that ‘what churches are doing is the most effective means of truly helping the poor, not government programs where the money ... never seems to reach those who need it the most.’” [Charlotte Observer, 7/19/17]

2014: Harris: “We Must Create Initiatives That Help People Get Back On Their Feet Rather Than Force-Feeding Handout Programs That Entrap People Who Are In Poverty And Dependent”

2014: Harris: “We Must Create Initiatives That Help People Get Back On Their Feet Rather Than Force- Feeding Handout Programs That Entrap People Who Are In Poverty And Dependent On The Government.” “Washington politicians constantly talk about job creation. The problem is that government does not create jobs. When about 75% of new jobs are created annually by small businesses, the best thing that D.C. can do is create and support policies that encourage job growth and make it easier to start and run small businesses. It's time we cut the red tape created by Washington lawmakers that is strangling businesses. We must create initiatives that help people get back on their feet rather than force-feeding handout programs that entrap people who are in poverty and dependent on the government.” [MarkHarrisForSenate.com via Web.Archive.org, accessed 6/13/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 193

Tax Issues

Significant Findings

 Harris’ campaign said that Harris would have voted for the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act that would raise taxes on millions, while delivering tax breaks for the wealthy and for corporations.

 In 2013, the Charlotte Observer reported that Harris said he would consider a “Fair Tax.”

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act

2018: Harris’ Campaign Spokesperson Said That Harris Supported The Republican Tax Bill

Harris’ Campaign Spokesperson Said That Harris Supported The Republican Tax Bill

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Benefitted The Wealthy, Corporations, And Special Interests…

…While Millions Of Americans Would Pay More In Taxes

Politifact: GOP Tax Bill Would Raise Taxes For The Middle Class After Individual Tax Cut Provisions Expired In 2025. “Gillibrand said the Republican ‘tax [plan] raises middle-class taxes.’ That’s not true during the first years of the new tax provisions. If not for the sunset for the tax changes for individuals, we likely would have rated Gillibrand’s statement False or perhaps Mostly False. Middle-income taxpayers will either benefit or see no change in their tax liability through 2025. But her claim could hold up after the bill’s individual provisions expire that year. There’s no guarantee a future Congress will extend those parts of the bill.” [Politifact, 12/22/17]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 194

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Increased The Federal Debt – And Republicans Planned To Pay For It With Cuts To Medicare And Social Security

Official CBO Estimate Found Final Tax Bill Would Increase The Federal Deficit By $1.46 Trillion. “Republicans decided it would be all right to go into debt up to $1.5 trillion to fund the tax cut. In the end, they nearly hit that mark. The official estimate -- released Friday evening alongside the bill -- came in at $1.46 trillion.” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]

Center For A Responsible Federal Budget Found True Cost of Tax Bill Would Be $2 Trillion Or More, After Budget Gimmicks Were Accounted For. “Adding these gimmicks to the cost of the bill would increase the total cost to $2.0 trillion to $2.2 trillion. Though the dynamic effect of making the bill permanent is unknown, we estimate a permanent bill would produce roughly $450 billion of feedback,* leading to a dynamic cost of roughly $1.6 trillion to $1.7 trillion. With interest, these costs would rise to $2.4 trillion to $2.5 trillion, or $1.9 trillion to $2 trillion with dynamic effects included, over a decade.” [CRFB, 12/18/17]

HEADLINE: After Tax Overhaul, GOP Sets Sights on Medicare, Social Security [US News, 12/7/17]

HEADLINE: Ryan says Republicans to target welfare, Medicare, Medicaid spending in 2018 [Washington Post, 12/6/17]

HEADLINE: Paul Ryan Pushes to Keep Overhaul of Safety-Net Programs on GOP Agenda [Wall Street Journal, 2/4/18]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Would Increase Incentives To Move Jobs Overseas

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 195

Republican tax overhaul becomes law. The legislation fails to eliminate long-standing incentives for companies to move overseas and, in some cases, may even increase them, they say. ‘This bill is potentially more dangerous than our current system,’ said Stephen Shay, a senior lecturer at Harvard Law School and former Treasury Department international tax expert in the Obama administration. ‘It creates a real incentive to shift real activity offshore.’” [Washington Post, 12/15/17]

Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Would Lead To More Expensive Health Insurance; 13 Million More Uninsured

HEADLINE: Republican Tax Plan Will Make Health Insurance More Expensive [Newsweek, 12/18/17]

Fair Tax

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Would Consider A “Fair Tax”

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Would Consider A “Fair Tax.” “Harris said he would consider a Fair Tax, which would also do away with the IRS, as part of tax re-form.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/21/13]

Campaigning On Other Tax Cuts

2017: Harris: “We Need Real Tax Reform, Not Just Tax Cuts…We Want Tax Reform Where The Tax Code Becomes Clear And Simpler”

2017: Harris: “We Need Real Tax Reform, Not Just Tax Cuts…We Want Tax Reform Where The Tax Code Becomes Clear And Simpler.” “Harris said the system of paying taxes is too confusing. ‘We need real tax reform, not just tax cuts,’ he said. ‘We want tax reform where the tax code be-comes clear and simpler.’” [St. Pauls Review, 7/28/17]

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For Lowering Taxes”

2013: News & Observer: Harris Said He Was Going To Campaign “As A Staunch Advocate For Lowering Taxes.” “Harris, the outgoing president of the state Baptist Convention, said he would campaign as a staunch advocate for lowering taxes, reducing government, ending Obamacare and protecting gun rights, that he would back measures that he believes would improve ‘traditional moral values.’” [News & Observer, 10/2/13]

2013: Harris On The Federal Government: “It Taxes Us Too Much, Wastes Far Too Much Of Our Money, And Intrudes Far Too Deep Into Our Lives.” “The Rev. Mark Harris of Charlotte plans to run for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year, his political consultant said Thursday, adding another

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 196

name to the list of potential challengers to Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan. […] Harris said he was concerned about the federal government expansion. ‘It taxes us too much, wastes far too much of our money, and intrudes far too deep into our lives,’ he wrote.” [Charlotte Observer, 9/12/13]

Internal Revenue Service

2016: Harris: “We Want To Deal With The $19 Trillion In Debt And $120 Trillion In Unfunded Liabilities. We’re Not Going To Have The EPA And The IRS Running Amok”

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Would Consider Getting Rid Of The IRS

2013: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Would Consider Getting Rid Of The IRS. “Harris said he would consider a Fair Tax, which would also do away with the IRS, as part of tax re-form.” [Charlotte Observer, 11/21/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 197

Veterans & Military Personnel Issues

Significant Findings

 In 2002, Harris argued that Augusta should not allow an adult bookstore to open up in the city for fear that it would attract “young military servicemen,” who would commit “sex crimes.”

 In 2016, Harris described Arlington Cemetery, saying, “there's nothing but dead men and women's bones.”

 In 2014, Harris warned about the dangers of removing God from our military.

Harris Relationship With Military Personnel

2002: Harris Argued That Augusta Should Not Allow An Adult Bookstore To Open Up In The City For Fear That It Would Attract “Young Military Servicemen” Who Would Commit “Sex Crimes”

2002: Harris Argued That Augusta Should Not Allow An Adult Bookstore To Open Up Within City Limits Because It Would Attract “Young Military Servicemen” From Fort Gordon

Harris Said That “Sex Crimes Were Committed Six Times More Often” In Cities With Adult Bookstores, Implying That The Military Service Members Would Be Committing These Crimes

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 198

2016: Harris On Arlington Cemetery: “There's Nothing But Dead Men And Women's Bones.”

2016: Harris On Arlington Cemetery: “There's Nothing But Dead Men And Women's Bones.” “But as beautiful as Arlington National Cemetery is and as beautiful as God's acre is and Winston-Salem. There's not a deader place anywhere you think about it? No matter how perfect it looks on the outside. There's nothing but dead men and women's bones.” [Book Of Matthew, Chapter 2, 1/17/16]

2014: Harris Warned About The Dangers Of Removing God From Our Military

2014: Harris Warned About The Dangers Of Removing God From Our Military. [30:07] “What can the righteous do and you cannot talk about the spiritual wave of the coming tsunami without knowing what is being done so directly and brazenly to remove Faith to remove the acknowledgement of almighty God and his power from our United States military. Hopefully as you came into the sanctuary day, you received a copy. I'll ask you to take him pick it up for a moment. And look at it copy of a clear and present danger. This is a document as you see is as recent as March 21st of 2014 that was published by the family research Council and Tony Perkins of Washington DC. When you open it up, you'll find an introduction by Tony Perkins and general Jerry Boykin and I hope you'll take time to read that but what you basically find is starting in 2004 with Casey Weinstein a journey that you can take step by step to see what has happened almost as if you are reading a diary of what has happened in the United States military that is absolutely determined to remove the acknowledgement of God and of our dependence upon him from our military in this nation. Critical and I wanted you to have that because the first time I read this document I was blown away. I found myself in such shock.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 199

Women

Significant Findings

 Roll Call and the News & Observer reported Harris frequently preached that women needed to submit to their husbands, and Harris stood by his comments. Harris said God instructed women to submit to their husbands and that women rebelled against God when they rebelled against their husbands. He also told women to “get over this inequality thing because that’s not the point of submission.”

 In 2014, Harris said the “highest problem in marriages today” in part was the failure of wives to “submit to your own husbands.” In 2013, Harris said many marriages could save counseling money if wives submitted themselves under their husbands.

 Harris said that our “families are in shambles” because of the high number of children born into single- parent households.

 Harris wondered whether teaching girls to have a career was a “healthy pursuit for society.”

 Harris warned, “from the traditional pursuit of being a wife or a mother to the new pursuit of simply a career, independence, and sameness. All three of those run together if we’re not careful.”

 The News & Observer reported that Harris told congregants at First Baptist Church that “the Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’” They also reported that Harris warned congregants that “even basic things, like how to prepare a meal, how to sew on a button, how to keep a home, how to respond to a husband, just basic things - we’ve lost it.”

 The News & Observer reported that Harris said his “fear is that 20, 40 and even 50 years from now daughters all over this nation will have the same wound, the same anger, and the same disconnect, and the desperate need to connect, because mom wasn’t there,” implying that working mothers are hurting their daughters by working.

 Harris said that he would not have voted for a budget that included funding for Planned Parenthood.

 In 2014, Harris said he opposed abortion in all cases including rape and incest. He said he would have voted for a 20-week abortion ban. Harris also referred to the “morning-after pill” as abortion.

 Harris said he would support Supreme Court justices that would re-visit Roe v. Wade.

 Harris said that abortion was “to kill innocent life in the womb of the mother.”

 Harris said if women did not teach their daughters to love their children, they would abort them.

 In 2011, Harris told the Charlotte Observer that he believed one of his congregants who protested outside of abortion clinics was “saving women.”

 In 2018, he warned against litigating sexual harassment cases in the court of public opinion.

 In 2018, Harris said the decision of whether or not to employ someone who has been convicted of domestic violence was up to individual employers.

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 200

Marriage

Roll Call And Other Outlets Reported That Harris Frequently Preached About How Women Needed To Submit To Their Husbands, And Harris Stood By His Statements

2018: Roll Call Reported That Harris Frequently Preached About How Women Should Submit To Their Husbands, And Harris Stood By His Statements. “Mark Harris on multiple occasions — as a preacher and political candidate — has said that women should submit fully to their husbands and that he believed homosexuality is a choice. Before venturing into politics, he was a pastor at First Baptist Church in Charlotte. Harris said in a Friday interview with Roll Call that a wife submitting to her husband does not mean that they are not equal. He said he regularly mentions that in counseling sessions and when he presides at weddings. ‘I say [to the husband], ‘Here’s how this works. You’ve got to love your wife with an incredible love that can only come through Christ,’’ he said. ‘It’s really submitting one to another in a relationship.’ Harris said he did not consider submission to be a matter of one person being inferior to the other. ‘[Jesus] didn’t consider it wrong to submit himself to the Father,’ he said. […] Harris’ preaching frequently references Ephesians 5:22 in the Bible, which says, ‘Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord’ and the 25th verse, which says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.’” [Roll Call, 8/6/18]

HEADLINE: Roll Call: “North Carolina GOP Candidate Preached Extensively On Wives Submitting To Husbands.” [Roll Call, 8/6/18]

HEADLINE: Raw Story: “GOP Candidate Desperately Tries To Distance Himself From His Own Comments About Wives ‘Submitting.’” [Raw Story, 8/7/18]

HEADLINE: News & Observer: “In Sermons, NC Congressional Candidate Called On Women To ‘Submit’ To Their Husbands.” [News & Observer, 8/7/18]

HEADLINE: The Hill: “GOP Candidate Preaches That Wives Should 'Submit' To Husbands.” [The Hill, 8/7/18]

HEADLINE: Shareblue: “GOP Candidate Preached That Wives Should ‘Submit’ To Their Husbands.” [Shareblue, 8/8/18]

HEADLINE: Blue Ridge Public Radio: “NC Congressional Candidate's Views On Women Once Again In Focus.” [Blue Ridge Public Radio, 8/12/18]

[Charlotte Observer, Kevin Siers, 8/9/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 201

Harris Said That Wives Should Submit To Their Husbands

Harris Said That God Instructed Women To Submit To Their Husbands And That Women Rebelled Against God When They Rebelled Against Their Husbands

2014: Harris On Wives Having To Submit To Their Husband: “Submission Is Not About Inferiority In Any Way Any Shape And Any Form, It's Simply Reflects A God-Ordained Function Of Things.” [23:30] Well, what's the message to the wives? Well God instructs all Christian wives to submit to their husbands. You see that in verse 22 and frankly. You cannot look at verse 22 without recognizing that it is a carryover from verse 21 where all of us are exhorted to submit one to another And frankly ladies you get the honor of being the first example he is just said that everyone is to submit one to another and the verse right on the tail into that verse 22 says and wives you be the example and that word translated submit carries with it. […] [26:19] You see wives please hear me this morning. The message is not from your husband to submit the messages from the Lord You're not to ever submit ma'am, because your husband demands it but you do it because the Lord ordained it now ladies you can rebel against that command, but just please understand you're not rebelling

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 202

against your husband. When you do you are rebelling against the Lord and let me say something real important. In fact, I touched on it last week submission is not about the order of authority you remember I told you that last week it actually speaks to the operation of authority submission is not about inferiority in any way any shape and any form, it's simply reflects a god-ordained function of things.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said To “Get Over This Inequality Thing Because That’s Not The Point Of Submission”

Harris Said The “Highest Problem In Marriages Today” In Part Was The Failure Of Wives To “Submit To Your Own Husbands”

2014: Harris Said The “Highest Problem In Marriages Today” In Part Was The Failure Of Wives To “Submit To Your Own Husbands.” [21:14] “The highest problem in marriage is that would be quit preaching on the meddling wouldn't it? We're not even going to go there. Let me tell you according to the word here. What I'm convinced is the highest problem in marriage go back to verse 22 wives submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. [21:29] The husband is the head of the wife as also Christ as the head of the church and he's the savior of the body therefore just as the church is subject to Christ. So let the wives be to their own husband's in everything husbands. Love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for her stop right there for a minute the highest problem, honestly. That also often encounter and have seen and experienced over nearly 26 years of pastoring is more times than not when people come to this passage to talk about marriage. [22:20] […] Please hear me this morning. It's not rocket science verse 22 begins with the word wives verse 25 begins with the word husbands wives should listen to the words for wives and husbands should listen to the word of God for husbands. That's the biggest problem quite frankly the highest problem in marriages today. [23:30] Well, what's the message to the wives? Well God instructs all Christian wives to submit to their husbands.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said Submission Was Not Men’s Issue

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 203

2014: Harris Doubled-Down On His Quotes About Women’s Roles That Were Included In A News & Observer Story About Him

2014: Harris Confirmed That He Said All Of The Quotes About Women’s Roles That Were Included In A News & Observer Story About Him. [36:05] “I mean Observer, um back in September and you know what they found in this article that they wrote they they talked about. Uh, senator-elect Tillis was taking a real risk by showing up at an event that I was going to be at because of the Gap with Women Voters that he was going to have and it said newly surfaced audio of sermons Harris delivered in 2013 and 2009 at First Baptist Church of Charlotte may not sit. Well with some of the Women Voters he is hoping to tell us is hoping to bring to his side. Here's the three things that they picked out of sermons that I preached in 2009 and 13 Harris remarks included the scripture gives men the title quote head and women that title quote Helper and what he would call a man would be a servant leader and a woman a servant lover. I will tell you I said that and I stand by that to this day because that's the word of God Harris made this quote even basic things like how to prepare a meal how to sew on a button how to keep a home how to respond to a husband just basic things. We've lost it in quote. I said that and I'd stand by it regarding children. Quote my fear is that 2040 even 50 years from now daughters all over this nation will have the same wound the same anger and the same disconnect and the desperate need to connect because Mom wasn't there end quote. [38:17] I said it let me tell you something you and I are living in a culture that will take our words and will twist them.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Harris Said Many Marriages Could Save Counseling Money If Wives Submitted Themselves Under Their Husbands

2013: Harris Said Many Marriages Could Save Counseling Money If Wives Submitted Themselves Under Their Husbands. [36:39] “Many marriages could save beaucoups of marriage counseling money if they would just understand; husbands love your wives even as Christ loved the church, wives submit yourselves under your own husbands as unto the lord. You get those two things right, you settle ninety percent of the marital conflicts in our nation today.” [Mark 15:16-34, 2/3/13]

2013: Harris Said He Believed Women Were “Ready To Live Out Biblical Submission”

2013: Harris Said He Believed Women Were “Ready To Live Out Biblical Submission.” [46:18] “The truth is, I believe most women today are ready to live out biblical submission.” [Modern Family, Part 2, 5/19/13]

Single-Parent Households

Harris Said That Our “Families Are In Shambles” Because Of The High Number Of Children Born Into Single-Parent Households

2014: Harris Said That Our “Families Are In Shambles” Because Of The High Number Of Children Born Into Single-Parent Households. [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it […] Our families are in shambles this morning would you know for instance that in 2010 40% 40% of all births in America take place out of wedlock, not for 40% 50% of all Hispanic births in America take place outside of wedlock in those same statistics of 2010. 70% of all African-American Burrs in America take place outside of wedlock. [12:12] [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 204

Equal Pay

Women In North Carolina Made 82 Cents For Every Dollar A Man Made

Women In North Carolina Made 82 Cents For Every Dollar A Man Made. [National Women’s Law Center, accessed 6/4/18]

2018: 41 Charlotte-Area Women Pastors And Faith Leaders Signed A Declaration Admonishing Harris For His “Sexist Sermon,” Prompting Harris To Argue His Comments Were Out Of Context

HEADLINE: WCNC: “NC Pastors Call Out Congressional Candidate For ‘Sexist Sermon.’” [WCNC, 7/11/18]

2018: Harris Issued A New Statement, Saying “I’m Truly Disappointed With How My Comments Have Been Taken Out Of Context…My Mother, My Wife And My Daughter…Have Been Working Mothers.” “41 local female pastors and faith leaders have signed a moral declaration admonishing North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris for giving what they are calling a ‘sexist sermon.’ That sermon, which Reverend Harris delivered in Charlotte in 2013, was recently uncovered and released by a Democratic PAC. […] In a statement, Harris told NBC Charlotte, ‘I’m truly disappointed with how my comments have been taken out of context. My entire life I have been surrounded by inspiring and successful women, including my mother, my wife and my daughter: all of whom have been working mothers. Starting a family is a blessing and being a parent is among the greatest callings in life. Raising a family and pursuing a career is something to be admired. We are created equally in God’s image and must be respected as such, regardless of how we answer his calling.’” [WCNC, 7/11/18]

Harris: “Raising A Family And Pursuing A Career Is Something To Be Admired. We Are Created Equally In God’s Image And Must Be Respected As Such.” “41 local female pastors and faith leaders have signed a moral declaration admonishing North Carolina congressional candidate Mark Harris for giving what they are calling a ‘sexist sermon.’ That sermon, which Reverend Harris delivered in Charlotte in 2013, was recently uncovered and released by a Democratic PAC. […] In a statement, Harris told NBC Charlotte, ‘I’m truly disappointed with how my comments have been taken out of context. My entire life I have been surrounded by inspiring and successful women, including my mother, my wife and my daughter: all of whom have been working mothers. Starting a family is a blessing and being a parent is among the greatest callings in life. Raising a family and pursuing a career is something to be admired. We are created equally in God’s image and must be respected as such, regardless of how we answer his calling.’” [WCNC, 7/11/18]

ABC News And Other Outlets Reported On Harris’ Sermon Referring to Women As “Helpers” And Questioning Whether Women Working Was A “Healthy Pursuit For Society”

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 205

2018: ABC Reported That Harris Said, “The Scripture Gives Men The Title ‘Head’ And Women ‘Helper,’ And What He Would Call A Man Would Be ‘Servant Leader’ And A Woman ‘Servant Lover’”

2018: ABC Reported That Harris Said, “The Scripture Gives Men The Title ‘Head’ And Women ‘Helper,’ And What He Would Call A Man Would Be ‘Servant Leader’ And A Woman ‘Servant Lover.’” “In an earlier portion of Harris' sermon, Harris tells parishioners that ‘only one title is given to a woman in all of scripture... the title given to a woman is 'helper.'‘ He then quotes from the Epistle of Paul to Titus, reading, ‘The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior… that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed.’ After noting that he considers the verse to be ‘pretty important stuff’ – he later characterizes the principles outlined in passage as ‘timeless’ – Harris openly acknowledges that his commentary could be considered controversial and ‘not politically correct in 2013,’ and preemptively answers critics while recognizing he may be ‘taken out of context.’” [ABC, 7/5/18]

2018: ABC Reported That Harris Wondered Whether Teaching Girls To Have A Career Was A “Healthy Pursuit For Society” In A Sermon Five Years Earlier

2018: ABC Reported That Harris Delivered A Sermon Questioning Whether A Career Was The “Healthiest Pursuit” For A Woman. “The insurgent Republican congressional candidate in a newly competitive North Carolina district once delivered a religious sermon questioning whether it was the ‘healthiest pursuit’ for women to prioritize their careers and independence in lieu of their biblical ‘core calling,’ comments recently uncovered by a Democratic group. […] ‘In our culture today, girls are taught from grade school that we tell them that what is most honorable in life is a career, and their ultimate goal in life is simply to be able to grow up and be independent of anyone or anything,’ said Harris, then the senior pastor at First Baptist Church in Charlotte, adding, ‘But nobody has seemed to ask the question that I think is critically important to ask: Is that a healthy pursuit for society? Is that the healthiest pursuit for our homes? Is that the healthiest pursuit for our children? Is that the healthiest pursuit for the sexes in our generation?’” [ABC, 7/5/18]

HEADLINE: ABC News: “Congressional Candidate Once Asked If Careers Were 'Healthiest Pursuit' For Women.” [ABC, 7/5/18]

Harris Responded To The Article By Calling ABC “Hypocritical” In Publishing The Story As The “Network That Brought Us The Bachelor” And His Campaign Said Harris Stood By His Statement

2018: Harris Tweeted: “I Find It Hypocritical That @ABC, The Network That Brought Us The Bachelor, Feels It Has The Moral High Ground To Lecture Anyone On Respecting Women. #Liberalhypocrisy.” “I find it hypocritical that @ABC, the network that brought us The Bachelor, feels it has the moral high ground to lecture anyone on respecting women. #LiberalHypocrisy.” [Mark Harris Twitter, 7/6/18]

Harris’ Campaign: “Mark …Stands By … His Admonition To Young Ladies That They Can Do Anything… While Encouraging Them To Remember There Is No Higher Calling Than To Be A Mother And Wife.” “The insurgent Republican congressional candidate in a newly competitive North Carolina district once delivered a religious sermon questioning whether it was the ‘healthiest pursuit’ for women to prioritize their careers and independence in lieu of their biblical ‘core calling,’ comments recently uncovered by a Democratic group. […] The campaign added that Harris ‘has a proven history of working alongside women and men who view the world very differently than he does to strengthen his community and for the greater good’ and that he ‘doesn't feel it's necessary to defend the statements from Scripture.” [ABC, 7/5/18]

Harris’ Campaign: “A Man Is To Lead The Family But To Also Serve His Wife And Children…Being A Leader Isn't About Being A Dominant Figure, But Also A Servant To His Wife As Jesus Demonstrated.” “The insurgent Republican congressional candidate in a newly competitive North Carolina district once delivered a religious sermon questioning whether it was the ‘healthiest pursuit’ for women to prioritize their careers and

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 206

independence in lieu of their biblical ‘core calling,’ comments recently uncovered by a Democratic group. […] Reached for comment, a spokesperson for Harris' campaign provided a statement that clarified that by ‘core calling,’ Harris meant that ‘there is no higher calling that a woman has than to be a helper to her husband and mother to her children.’ ‘This statement can't exist in a vacuum. Proper context also clarifies a man's role. A man is to lead the family but to also serve his wife and children. The New Testament teaches that being a leader isn't about being a dominant figure, but also a servant to his wife as Jesus demonstrated,’ the statement continued.” [ABC, 7/5/18]

Harris’ Campaign: Harris “Has A Proven History Of Working Alongside Women And Men Who View The World Very Differently Than He Does To Strengthen His Community And For The Greater Good.” “The insurgent Republican congressional candidate in a newly competitive North Carolina district once delivered a religious sermon questioning whether it was the ‘healthiest pursuit’ for women to prioritize their careers and independence in lieu of their biblical ‘core calling,’ comments recently uncovered by a Democratic group. […] The campaign added that Harris ‘has a proven history of working alongside women and men who view the world very differently than he does to strengthen his community and for the greater good’ and that he ‘doesn't feel it's necessary to defend the statements from Scripture.’ ‘Within the proper context, Mark absolutely stands by his personal statements and his admonition to young ladies that they can do anything they want to do and be anything that want to be while encouraging them to remember there is no higher calling than to be a mother and wife just as young men should be encouraged to remember there is no higher calling than to be a husband and father,’ the statement concluded.” [ABC, 7/5/18]

Other Outlets Reported On Harris Delivering A Sermon Questioning Whether A Career Was The “Healthiest Pursuit” For Women

2018: The Charlotte Observer Reported On Harris Delivering A Sermon Questioning Whether A Career Was The “Healthiest Pursuit” For Women. “Republican congressional candidate Mark Harris, a former Baptist pastor, once delivered a sermon questioning whether a career was the ‘healthiest pursuit’ for women. The 2013 sermon was discovered by a Democratic-linked Super PAC, American Bridge, and first reported Thursday by ABC News. In the sermon, Harris, then pastor of Charlotte's First Baptist Church, spoke about ‘God's plan for biblical womanhood’ and barriers to it.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/5/18]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: “NC Congressional Candidate Suggested Woman's Career Can Interfere With Biblical Role.” [Charlotte Observer, 7/5/18]

HEADLINE: MSNBC: “House GOP Candidate Questioned Whether Careers Were Women’s ‘Healthiest Pursuit.’” [MSNBC, 7/6/18]

Washington Examiner: “GOP House Candidate In North Carolina Asked In 2013 Sermon Whether Careers Were 'Healthiest Pursuit' For Women.” [Washington Examiner, 7/6/18]

Charlotte Observer Editorial Board: “Harris Didn’t Just Praise Motherhood; He Demonized Women (But Not Men) Who Put Great Value On A Career. Voters In The 9th Should Consider…Those Views”

Charlotte Observer Editorial Board: “Harris Didn’t Just Praise Motherhood; He Demonized Women (But Not Men) Who Put Great Value On A Career. Voters In The 9th Should Consider…Those Views.” “Harris adviser Andy Yates said the sermon was for Mother’s Day, though it was actually delivered the following Sunday. Yates told Observer reporter Jim Morrill, ‘Almost to a person every mom in the 9th District … would agree that there is no higher calling than being a mother and a wife … (or) a husband and a father.’ Let’s be clear: There is no shame in being a stay-at-home mom – or dad. For many of us, there truly is no higher calling than being a loving spouse and parent, and society would be better off with more of them. Political observers remember how it rightly backfired in 2012 when Democrats went after Mitt Romney’s wife, Ann, for not working. ‘I made a choice to stay home and raise five boys,’ Ann Romney responded. ‘Believe me, it was hard work.’ It is hard work, and it should

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 207

be valued. But Harris didn’t just praise motherhood; he demonized women (but not men) who put great value on a career. Voters in the 9th should consider whether those views are in step with their own.” [Charlotte Observer, Editorial, 7/6/18]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: Editorial: “Paging Mark Harris; It's The 21st Century.” [Charlotte Observer, Editorial, 7/6/18]

2018: Watts Henderson: “A Candidate Who Confines Women’s ‘Core Calling’ To The Home Isn’t Just Out Of Step With The 21st Century; He’s Out Of Step With The 1st-Century Version Of ‘God’s Design.’” “Five years ago, Pastor Mark Harris preached a sermon that said a woman’s ‘core calling’ is to serve as ‘a supporter, a nurturer, a caregiver.’ He lamented a culture that makes it ‘extremely difficult for any woman to live out and fulfill God’s design.’ After all, he said, ‘only one title is given to a woman in all of scripture … [T]he title is ‘helper.’’ […] It’s one thing for a pastor to interpret scripture, quite selectively, for a group of devoted followers. It’s quite another for that pastor to aspire to represent the constituents of North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District. A candidate who confines women’s ‘core calling’ to the home isn’t just out of step with the 21st century; he’s out of step with the 1st-century version of ‘God’s design’ proclaimed and lived out by Jesus.” [Charlotte Observer, Suzanne Watts Henderson Opinion, 7/14/18]

HEADLINE: Charlotte Observer: Opinion: “Mark Harris Is Forgetting A Lot Of What The Bible Says About Women.” [Charlotte Observer, Suzanne Watts Henderson Opinion, 7/14/18]

Harris Wondered Whether Teaching Girls To Strive To Have Careers Was A “Healthy Pursuit For Society”

Harris Said That Women Were Intended To Be Their Husbands’ Helpers

Harris: “The Scripture Gives Men The Title ‘Head’ And Women ‘Helper,’ And What He Would Call A Man Would Be ‘Servant Leader’ And A Woman ‘Servant Lover’”

Harris: “The Scripture Gives Men The Title ‘Head’ And Women ‘Helper,’ And What He Would Call A Man Would Be ‘Servant Leader’ And A Woman ‘Servant Lover.’” “Newly surfaced audio of sermons Harris delivered in 2013 and 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte may not sit well with some of the women voters Tillis is hoping to bring to his side. Some of Harris’ remarks include: o The Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

Harris: “Even Basic Things, Like How To Prepare A Meal, How To Sew On A Button, How To Keep A Home, How To Respond To A Husband, Just Basic Things - We’ve Lost It”

Harris: “Even Basic Things, Like How To Prepare A Meal, How To Sew On A Button, How To Keep A Home, How To Respond To A Husband, Just Basic Things - We’ve Lost It.” “Newly surfaced audio of

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 208

sermons Harris delivered in 2013 and 2009 at the First Baptist Church of Charlotte may not sit well with some of the women voters Tillis is hoping to bring to his side. Some of Harris’ remarks include: o The Scripture gives men the title ‘head’ and women ‘helper,’ and what he would call a man would be ‘servant leader’ and a woman ‘servant lover.’ o ‘Even basic things, like how to prepare a meal, how to sew on a button, how to keep a home, how to respond to a husband, just basic things - we’ve lost it.’” [News & Observer, 9/19/14]

Harris: “You Were Created To Be...A Supporter…A Caregiver. Ladies, Listen, That’s Your Essential Calling By God That Is Absolutely Irreplaceable In A Relationship That Is Ever Going To Be Successful”

2013: Harris: “You Were Created To Be...A Supporter…A Caregiver. Ladies, Listen, That’s Your Essential Calling By God That Is Absolutely Irreplaceable In A Relationship That Is Ever Going To Be Successful.” [10:51] “As the servant-lover, ladies...or as I prefer to call her the woman of valor...God’s word give us a picture of her and tells us what is at the core of what you were created to be...a supporter, a nurturer, a caregiver. Ladies, listen, that’s your essential calling by God that is absolutely irreplaceable in a relationship that is ever going to be successful.” [Modern Family Part 2 (5-19-13) via Vimeo, 5/19/13]

Harris: “From The Traditional Pursuit Of Being A Wife Or A Mother To The New Pursuit Of Simply A Career, Independence, And Sameness. All Three Of Those Run Together If We’re Not Careful”

2013: Harris: “From The Traditional Pursuit Of Being A Wife Or A Mother To The New Pursuit Of Simply A Career, Independence, And Sameness. All Three Of Those Run Together If We’re Not Careful.” [16:01] “We’ve had in our own culture a new supreme pursuit. There is a new supreme pursuit from the traditional pursuit of being a wife or a mother to the new pursuit of simply a career, independence, and sameness. All three of those run together if we’re not careful.” [16:17] [Modern Family Part 2 (5-19-13) via Vimeo, 5/19/13]

Harris Said That Working Mothers Hurt Their Daughters By Working

Planned Parenthood

2016: Harris Said That He Would Not Have Voted For A Budget That Included Funding For Planned Parenthood

2016: Harris Said That He Would Not Have Voted For A Budget That Included Funding For Planned Parenthood. “They have criticized Pittenger’s decision to vote for an omnibus budget bill last December that includ-ed federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides reproductive services, including abortions. ’I

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 209

would not have voted for that,’ Harris said. ‘We need new leaders who are consistent conserva-tives and can work with passion and determination.’” [Charlotte Observer, 4/16/16]

Abortion

Harris Said He Opposed Abortion In All Cases

2014: News & Observer: Harris Opposed Abortion In All Cases Including Rape And Incest

2014: News & Observer: Harris Opposed Abortion In All Cases. “Brannon, Harris and Heather Grant, a nurse from Wilkesboro, oppose abortion in all cases, including rape and incest. Tillis believes abortion should be permitted in the case where the mother’s health is at risk and in cases of rape and incest.” [News & Observer, 1/31/14]

Harris Said He Would Have Supported A 20-Week Abortion Ban

2013: Harris On A 20-Week Abortion Ban: “When It Comes To Protecting The Lives Of Unborn Babies Beginning At 20 Weeks…It Shouldn’t Take Much Time To Offer Support.” “Anti-abortion factions began lining up Thursday to pressure U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan to support a Republican-backed bill that would ban abortions beginning at 20 weeks. […] ‘This is an issue that comes down to plain common sense,’ Harris said in a statement his campaign released. ‘When it comes to protecting the lives of unborn babies beginning at 20 weeks, more than halfway through pregnancy, it shouldn’t take much time to offer support.’” [News & Observer, 11/14/13]

2005: Charlotte Observer: “Harris Said He’ll Be A Conservative Who Speaks Out Against Abortion And Homosexuality”

Harris Called The “Morning-After Pill” An “Abortion Procedure”

2013: Harris Called The “Morning-After Pill” An “Abortion Procedure.” [39:30] “I try to make my measurements based on the quote never before instead of Shifting data and he said in just this one week the first week of May of 2013 the list grew dramatically and here's what he wrote never before this week has a sitting president publicly congratulated someone for declaring their sin of sodomy never before this week. […] never before this week has the government approved an abortion procedure morning-after pill being made available over- the-counter to girls as young as 15 years of age.” [Modern Family Part 5, 6/9/13]

Harris Said He Would Support Supreme Court Justices That Would Re-Visit Roe V. Wade

2018: Harris Said He Would Support Supreme Court Justices That Would Re-Visit Roe V. Wade. “One of the most devastating blows to the American way of life has been the breakdown the family unit. A marriage consists of one man and one woman. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision decided otherwise. I would support the nomination of conservative Supreme Court Justices that would re-visit this decision as well as ‘Roe v. Wade.’” [MarkHarrisForCongress.com, accessed 5/10/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 210

Harris Said If Women Did Not Teach Their Daughters To Love Their Children, They Would Abort Them

2013: Harris Said If Women Did Not Teach Their Daughters To Love Their Children, They Would Abort Them. [27:16] “Ladies if you don’t teach your daughters to love children, guess what? They won’t. You know what they’ll do? They’ll abort them. They’ll kill them.” [Modern Family, Part 2, 5/19/13]

Harris Said That Abortion Was “To Kill Innocent Life In The Womb Of The Mother”

Harris Said That Abortion Was “To Kill Innocent Life In The Womb Of The Mother.” “‘Where were the voices, the Christian leaders?’ thundered the Rev. Mark Harris, president of the Baptist State Convention when Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, affirming a woman’s right to choose whether to terminate her pregnancy - or, as Harris put it, ‘to kill innocent life in the womb of the mother.’” [Independent Weekly, 4/4/12]

2011: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Believed One Of His Congregants Was “Saving Women” For Protesting Outside Of Abortion Clinics

2011: Charlotte Observer: Harris Said He Believed One Of His Congregants Was “Saving Women” For Protesting Outside Of Abortion Clinics. “First Baptist senior pastor Mark Harris said people ‘in the lost world’ simply cannot understand. He said he has seen God working through the Saxons. Because of Sallie, Harris said, First Baptist is committed to 40 Days for Life. Because of her, pregnant women who changed their minds about abor-tions have worshiped at the church. […] Saxon finds herself again in a place where women are at a crossroads. Is she taking advantage of them at their most vulnerable, or is she rescuing them from a precipice? It depends on which expert you ask. Some, like her pastor, believe she is saving women; others believe she is harassing them for exercising their legal right. Abortion is a decision best made between a woman and her doctor, her family and her faith, said Melissa Reed of Planned Parenthood Health Systems, which runs a health center in Charlotte where a woman can get an abortion.” [Charlotte Observer, 4/3/11]

Harris: “If You Ask The Cultural Elites … The Most Important Civil Rights Issue … Would Be Very Hard-Pressed To Choose Between Abortion On Demand And Same-Sex Marriage”

2017: Harris: “If You Ask The Cultural Elites … What Did They Consider … The Most Important Civil Rights Issue … Would Be Very Hard-Pressed To Choose Between Abortion On Demand And Same-Sex Marriage.” [9:59] “Of the waves that are already hitting our shore several waves of this tsunami that we're beginning to recognize number one would have to be the cultural wave the cultural wave I’ll call it see there's no question that if if you ask the cultural Elites and the media in America this morning that that what did they consider to be? Maybe the most important civil rights issue of our time the cultural media Elite would be very hard-pressed to choose between abortion on demand and same-sex marriage one ignoring The Unborn child's competing claim to life and the other ignoring the foundational principle of marriage that was defined and designed by God himself who gave us marriage as the union of one man and one woman period they would be hard-pressed to select which one of those they consider the most pressing.” [Ephesians Part 6, 6/29/14]

Sexual Harassment

2018: Harris Warned Against Litigating Sexual Harassment Cases In The Court Of Public Opinion

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 211

are found. And that ultimately we get to conclusions and then justice is served. There is and should be zero tolerance for sexual harassment zero tolerance for any of those things but I do think that we got to be careful not to let decisions be made in the court of public opinion when each case may be unique and we seem to have something going on in our society right now where everybody gets on the bandwagon whatever the issue is and everybody just jumps.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18]

Domestic Violence

2018: Harris Said “Employers Ultimately Would Be The Ones To Make That Decision” To Employ Those Convicted Of Charges Of Domestic Violence

2018: Harris Said “Employers Ultimately Would Be The Ones To Make That Decision” To Employ Those Convicted Of Charges Of Domestic Violence. Mark Thomas: “And some with some of the people who work in the White House have lost their jobs. Over what our criminal acts then obviously. But she should someone who commits an act of domestic violence be denied employment for the rest of your life?” Mark Harris: “Well I don't think they should be denied employment for the rest of their life I do think it's important that depending on whatever particular job or or company or business they're working and that's up to whoever chooses to employ them. And I think the employer at that point has to make a decision based on this individual's judgment, this individual's ability to cope this individual's ability to make rational decisions, or are they struggling with the other issues I think that somebody who commits some kind of abusive act obviously has some kind of issues going home that probably needs help he needs treatment. And I think that I employers ultimately would be the ones to make that decision.” [WBTRadio.com, 2/23/18] Feminism

Harris: “There Still Is The Women's Lib The Feminazi Movement That's Masquerading Around Our Country As Freedom”

2014: Harris: “There Still Is The Women's Lib The Feminazi Movement That's Masquerading Around Our Country As Freedom.” “I continue to be amazed now after 26 years nearly as a pastor to find that even in Christian circles too often we are Influenced and we are accepting the attitudes of our culture without really looking at them in light of the scripture. We have allowed the world to influence the church rather than the church to influence the world on this critical issue. And as a result of that we've got a mess there's male chauvinist pigs a movement around that's masquerading as manliness in our culture today on the other hand. [12:38] “There still is the women's lib the feminazi movement that's masquerading around our country as freedom. And the reality is both are dead wrong and it's critical that you and I understand that. So let me ask you a question this morning what goes on in your home seriously What goes on in your relationships what's going on in the relationships in your home? Because you see if a man and woman if a husband and a wife are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can actually experience God's plan and God's ideal for marriage.” [Ephesians Part 22, 11/16/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 212

Appendix I – Personal Financial Disclosures

2017 – Federal Personal Financial Disclosure

Net Worth

2017: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $731,040 And $1,995,000

2017: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $731,040 And $1,995,000. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Earned Income

2017: Harris Reported $82,215.00 In Earned Income

2017: Harris Reported $82,215.00 In Earned Income From Salary, Speeches And Speaking Engagements, Spouse Salary And Funeral Services. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

2017 Harris Earned Income Source Type Amount Charlotte's First Baptist Church Salary $78,215.00 Family Research Council Speech - Honorarium and Expense $500.00 Reimbursement Historic Rosedale Foundation Spouse income $500.00 Vineyard Outreach America Speaking Engagements $3,000.00 Family Research Council Spouse Salary x Kenneth Poe Funeral and Cremation Service, LLC Funeral Services $0.00 Staying True to America's National Destiny Foundation, Inc Speaking Engagements x The Inspirational Network Speech - Honorarium and Expense $0.00 Reimbursement Crisis Pregnancy Center of Gaston County, Inc. Speaking Engagements $0.00 First Baptist Church Indian Trail Speaking Engagements $0.00 TOTAL $82,215.00 [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Assets & Unearned Income

2017: Harris Reported Between $3,029 And $16,100 In Unearned Income

2017: Harris Reported Between $3,029 And $16,100 In Unearned Income. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

2017 Harris Assets & “Unearned” Income SP/ Year-End Value Amount Of Income Type Of Tx. > DC Asset Min Max Income Min Max $1,000 /JT x Apple Inc. (AAPL) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Apple Inc. (AAPL) $1,001 $15,000 Tax-Deferred x x x JT Bank of America Corporation (BAC) $15,001 $50,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 213

x Bank of America Corporation (BAC) $15,001 $50,000 Tax-Deferred x x x SP Davis New York Venture A $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x (NYVTX) Dividends X Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends X E & V Harris Properties, LLC, 25% $100,001 $250,000 Rent $1,001 $2,500 x Interest X Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) $15,001 $50,000 Tax-Deferred x x x JT Facebook, Inc. - Class A (FB) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends X GENWORTH Financial 6.15% Fixed $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x to 11/16 Floats Thereafter Dividends X GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X GuideStone Financial Resources $500,001 $1,000,000 Tax-Deferred X X x X Kayne Anderson MLP INVT CO $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x (KYN) Dividends X Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (KKD) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends JT Longing for Litchfield LLC $1,001 $15,000 None x x x x MiMedx Group, Inc (MDXG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Morgan Stanley - 019-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Tax-Deferred X X x SP Morgan Stanley - 019-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Tax-Deferred X X x Bank) X Morgan Stanley - 377-103 (Cash) $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x x Morgan Stanley - 377-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) JT Morgan Stanley - 591-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x JT Morgan Stanley - 591-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) X Morgan Stanley - 751-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x X Morgan Stanley - 751-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) X Morgan Stanley Bank NA $1,001 $15,000 Tax-Deferred x x x X Nucor Corporation (NUE) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X PJT Partners Inc. Class A (PJT) $1 $1,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Procter & Gamble Company (PG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X SCANA Corporation (SCG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X Schlumberger N.V. (SLB) $1,001 $15,000 Tax-Deferred X X x X State Employees' Credit Union $15,001 $50,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP State Employees' Credit Union - $15,001 $50,000 Interest $1 $200 x Money Market SP State Employees' Credit Union $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Checking X The Blackstone Group L.P. Common $15,001 $50,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Units Representing Limited Dividends Partnership Interests (BX)

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 214

X The Blackstone Group L.P. Common $15,001 $50,000 Tax-Deferred X X x Units Representing Limited Partnership Interests (BX) JT University NC SYS POOL REV SER- $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x B Dividends SP Vodafone Group Plc - American $1,001 $15,000 Tax-Deferred X X x Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Shares (VOD) X Vodafone Group Plc - American $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Depositary Shares each representing Dividends ten Ordinary Shares (VOD) X Wells Fargo & Co (Frac Wells FG) $1 $1,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x (WELLZ) Dividends JT Wells Fargo Checking $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Total: $731,040 $1,995,000 Total: $3,029 $16,100 [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Transactions

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Transactions

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Transactions. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Liabilities

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Liabilities

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Liabilities. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Positions

2017 Harris Positions Position Name Of Organization Pastor First Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC Managing Member E&V Harris Property, LLC Trustee Trust for L Stephen Hendrick [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

Agreements

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Agreements

2017: Harris Did Not Report Any Agreements. [Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

2016 – Federal Personal Financial Disclosure

Net Worth

2016: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $453,034 And $1,301,000

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 215

2016: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between $453,034 And $1,301,000. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Earned Income

2016: Harris Reported $43,996.00 In Earned Income

2016: Harris Reported $43,996.00 In Earned Income From Salary, Spouse Salary, Non-Employee Compensation, Honorarium And “Weddings, Funerals, etc.” [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

2016 Harris Earned Income Source Type Amount First Baptist Church, Charlotte Salary $33,396.00 Historic Rosedale Foundation Spouse's Salary $ Family Research Council Spouse's Non-Employee Compensation $2,500 Family Research Council Non-Employee Compensation $7,500 NC Baptist State Convention (3/15/16) Honorarium $600.00 Honorarium Weddings, Funerals, etc x TOTAL $43,996.00 [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Assets & Unearned Income

NOTE: Harris filed a 2016 PFD that covered January 1, 2016 to May 4, 2016 and a 2017 PFD that covered January 1, 2016 to July 25, 2017. In Harris’ 2016 PFD, Harris reported between $5,033 and $21,500 in unearned income. His 2017 PFD, which included all of 2016 through July 2017, reported between $2,827 and $14,900 in unearned income. Further research is necessary to determine whether or not Harris failed to report unearned income in his 2017 PFD. Harris reported income from Apple, Longing for Litchfield LLC, “Morgan Stanley Bank NA,” and Vodafone Group Plc in his 2017 PFD but not in his 2016 PFD. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16; Harris 2017 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 7/25/17]

2016: Harris Reported Between $5,033 And $21,500 In Unearned Income

2016: Harris Reported Between $5,033 And $21,500 In Unearned Income. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

2016 Harris Assets & “Unearned” Income SP/ Amount Of Year-End Value Type Of Tx. > DC Asset Income Income $1,000 /JT Min Max Min Max JT Bank of America Corporation (BAC) $15,001 $50,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X Bank of America Corporation (BAC $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Davis New York Venture A (NYVTX) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends X Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends X E & V Harris Properties, LLC, 25% $100,001 $250,000 Rent $1,001 $2,500 x Interest x Exxon Mobil Corporation (XoM) $50,001 $100,000 Capital Gains, $1,001 $2,500 x Dividends

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 216

JT Facebook, Inc. - Class A (FB) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends X GENWoRTH Financial 6.15% Fixed to $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x 11/16 Floats Thereafter Dividends X GlaxoSmithKline PLC (GSK) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends X GuideStone Financial Resources $250,001 $500,000 Tax-Deferred x x x x Kayne Anderson MLP INVT Co (KYN) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends x Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (KKD) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends x MiMedx Group, Inc (MDXG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Morgan Stanley - 019-103 (Cash) $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x SP Morgan Stanley - 019-103 (Private $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) x Morgan Stanley - 377-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x x Morgan Stanley - 377-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) JT Morgan Stanley - 591-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x JT Morgan Stanley - 591-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) x Morgan Stanley - 751-103 (Cash) $1 $1,000 Interest $1 $200 x x Morgan Stanley - 751-103 (Private $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Bank) x Nucor Corporation (NUE) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends x PJT Partners Inc. Class A (PJT) $1 $1,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Dividends SP Procter & Gamble Company (PG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends x SCANA Corporation (SCG) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends x Schlumberger N.V. (SLB) $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Dividends x State Employees' Credit Union $15,001 $50,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x Interest SP State Employees' Credit Union - Money $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Market SP State Employees' Credit Union Checking $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x x The Blackstone Group L.P. Common $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Units Representing Limited Partnership Dividends Interests (BX) x The Blackstone Group L.P. Common $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $1,001 $2,500 x Units Representing Limited Partnership Dividends Interests (BX) JT University NC SYS PooL REV SER-B $1,001 $15,000 Capital Gains, $201 $1,000 x Interest x Wells Fargo & Co (Frac Wells FG) $1 $1,000 Capital Gains, $1 $200 x (WELLZ) Dividends JT Wells Fargo Checking $1,001 $15,000 Interest $1 $200 x Total: $453,034 $1,301,000 Total: $5,033 $21,500 [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 217

Transactions

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Transactions

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Transactions. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Liabilities

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Liabilities

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Liabilities. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Positions

2016 Harris Positions Position Name Of Organization President NC Baptist State Convention, 2011-2013 Pastor First Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

Agreements

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Agreements

2016: Harris Did Not Report Any Agreements. [Harris 2016 Public Financial Disclosure Report, filed 5/4/16]

2013 – Federal Personal Financial Disclosure

Net Worth

2013: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between -$205,959 And $913,005

2013: Harris Had An Estimated Net Worth Between -$205,959 And $913,005. [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Earned Income

2013: Harris Reported At Least $167,000 Earned Income

2013: Harris Reported At Least $167,000 In Earned Income From Salary And Other Earned Income. [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

2013 Harris Earned Income Source Type Of Income Amount First Baptist Church Salary & Housing 158,000 Historic Rosedale Foundation (Spouse) Salary Over $1,000 Honorariums And Love Offerings Earned Income $8,000 Total $167,000

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 218

[Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Assets & Unearned Income

2013: Harris Reported Between $22,840.00 And $85,608.00 In Unearned Income

2013: Harris Reported Between $22,840.00 And $85,608.00 In Unearned Income. [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

2013 Harris Assets & “Unearned” Income SP/ Year-End Value Amount Of Income Type Of Tx. > DC Asset Min Max Income Min Max $1,000 /JT DC Federated Cash Reserves $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Interest $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Duke Energy Corp $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Scana Corporation $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Wells Fargo $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Hartford Mid-Cap Fund A $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Investment Co of America $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $201.00 $1,000.00 x J Morgan Stanley Bank Acct $1.00 $1,001.00 Interest $201.00 $1,000.00 x J Bank of America $50,001.00 $100,000.00 Dividends $1.00 $201.00 x J Facebook $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends $1.00 $201.00 x J UNC System Pool Rev SerB $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Interest $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC My Destination 2035 $250,001.00 $500,000.00 Dividends; $15,001.00 $50,000.00 x (GMHZX) 401K Interest; Capital Gains DC NC Baptist Note $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Interest $1,001.00 $2,500.00 x DC NC Baptist Note $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Interest $1,001.00 $2,500.00 x DC State Employees Credit $15,001.00 $50,000.00 Interest $201.00 $1,000.00 x Union J Health Savings Account $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Interest $201.00 $1,000.00 x DC Morgan Stanley Bank $1.00 $1,001.00 Interest $1.00 $201.00 x DC Guggenheim Mid Cap $1.00 $1,001.00 Dividends; $1.00 $201.00 x Capital Gains DC Guggenheim S&P 500 Pure $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $1.00 $201.00 x Capital Gains DC Guggenhaim S&P Midcap $1.00 $1,001.00 Dividends; $1.00 $201.00 x 400 Capital Gains DC I Shares Gold Trust $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Powershares $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Wisdom Tree Japan $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC ALPS/CCM CMPLTE $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Comm Capital Gains DC Calamos Market Neutral $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Inc. Capital Gains DC Fidelty Adv Materials $1.00 $1,001.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 219

DC Fidelity Adv Real Estate Inc $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Invesco Developing $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Markets Capital Gains DC Invesco European Growth $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Invesco European SmCo $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Invesco Select Companies $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Lord Abbett SHT Duration $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Mainstay Marketfield $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Matthews Asian Janpan Inv $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Oppenheimer Developing $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Sun America New Foc Div $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC TCW Emerg Mkts Income $1.00 $1,001.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC TCW Total Return Bond I $1.00 $1,001.00 Interest; $1.00 $201.00 x Capital Gains DC Templeton Global Bd Fd $1.00 $1,001.00 Interest; $1.00 $201.00 x Capital Gains DC Thornburg Intl Growth I $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains S Davis NY Venture A $1,001.00 $15,000.00 Dividends; $201.00 $1,000.00 x Capital Gains DC Longing for Litchfield, LLC $50,001 $100,000 None x x x Total: $394,041.00 $1,193,008.00 Total: $22,840.00 $85,608.00

[Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

NOTE: The reported income for type for Longing for Litchfield LLC was “None,” and the amount of income was “Less than $201,” so I included the information as no income in the table above.

Liabilities

2013: Harris Reported Liabilities Between $280,003 And $600,000

2013: Harris Reported Liabilities Between $280,003 And $600,000. [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

2013 Harris Liabilities Interest Type Creditor Address Type Date Term Amount Rate J Wells Fargo Charlotte, NC Mortgage 2005 3.1% 30 yrs $250,001-$500,000 J Wells Fargo Charlotte, NC Equity Line 2005 3.1% 30 yrs $15,001-$50,000 J Student Loan Wake Forest U; Student Loan $15,001-$50,000 Child Winston-Salem, NC Total $280,003-$600,000

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 220

[Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Positions

2013 Harris Positions Position Held Name Of Organization From To Pastor First Baptist Church 07/05 Present President NC Baptist State Convention 11/11 11/13 [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Agreements

2013: 2013: Harris Reported That He Was On Sabbatical And Leave Of Absence From The First Baptist Church With The Intent Of Returning After The Election

2013: Harris Reported That He Was On Sabbatical And Leave Of Absence From The First Baptist Church With The Intent Of Returning After The Election. [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

2013 Harris Agreements Date Parties Terms Date 11/2013 First Baptist Church, Currently on a sabbatical and leave of absence from First 11/2013 Charlotte, NC Baptist Church, will return once the election is completed [Harris 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Compensation In Excess Of $5,000 Paid By One Source

2013: Harris Reported Compensation In Excess Of $5,000 From First Baptist Church And “Various Churches”

2013: Harris Reported Compensation In Excess Of $5,000 From First Baptist Church And “Various Churches.” [Mark Harris, 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

2013 Harris Compensation In Excess Of $5,000 Paid By One Source Name Of Source Address Of Source Brief Description Of Duties First Baptist Church Charlotte, NC Pastor of the Church Various Churches United States Honorariums and Love Offerings for Revivals and Preaching [Mark Harris, 2013 U.S. Senate Financial Disclosure Form, Filed 1/17/14]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 221

Appendix II – Campaign Finance

Items of Interest

 From July 2017 to May 2018, Harris’ campaign received $1,383 in “anonymous cash” contributions.

 From August 2017 to April 2018, Harris paid Red Dome Group $235,108.45 for “Admin And Salary,” but Red Dome Group was not registered as an active business entity in North Carolina in May 2018.

 The FEC sent Harris multiple RFAIs over his three federal races for failure to disclose necessary information for disbursements for “consulting,” unidentified “in-kinds,” and failure to report receipts and disbursements among other issues.

 In 2016 and 2018, Harris paid Aristotle International for a “2 Mo. Campaign Manager Program.”

NOTE: All campaign finance information below was collected from the most recent amended FEC-filings available. Information from original FEC filings that were later amended was not included.

2018

Harris’ Campaign Raised $572,766.95 And Spent $465,042.63

Harris 2018 Congress Campaign Committee Funds Total Contributions Total Disbursements Other Party Operating Refunds Filing Total Indivs Total Cmtes Cmtes Expdts Indivs Cmtes 2018 Pre- Primary $44,953.00 $44,953.00 $0 $0 $63,977.60 $63,977.60 $0 $0 2018 April Quarterly $121,392.02 $115,252.13 $0 $6,000 $216,554.18 $216,029.10 $0 $0 2017 Year- End $155,248.89 $155,083.89 $0 $0 $118,328.70 $117,708.70 $0 $0 2017 Oct Quarterly $250,973.04 $248,273.04 $0 $0 $66,182.15 $64,932.15 $0 $0 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

July 2017-May 2018: Harris’ Campaign Raised $572,766.95 And Spent $465,042.63

July 2017-May 2018: Harris’ Campaign Raised $572,766.95 And Spent $465,042.63. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

Analysis Of Contributions To Harris’ Campaign

July 2017-May 2018: Harris’ Campaign Received $1,383 In “Anonymous Cash” Contributions

“Anonymous Cash” Contributions To Harris’ 2018 Campaign Source Date Amount Anonymous Cash 4/12/18 $23.00

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 222

Anonymous Cash 4/6/18 $40.00 Anonymous Cash 4/5/18 $100.00 Anonymous Cash 3/18/18 $20.00 Anonymous Cash 8/28/17 $100.00 Anonymous Cash 8/28/17 $100.00 TOTAL $1,383 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

2017-2018: Harris Contributed $3,004.89 To His Campaign

July 2017-May 2018: Harris Contributed $3,004.89 To His Campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

March 2018: Harris Contributed $82.50 To His Campaign. On March 19, 2018, Harris contributed $82.50 to his campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

March 2018: Harris Contributed $57.39 To His Campaign. On March 14, 2018, Harris contributed $57.39 to his campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

December 2017: Harris Contributed $165 To His Campaign. On December 31, 2017, Harris contributed $165 to his campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

September 2017: Harris Contributed $1,700 To His Campaign. On September 29, 2017, Harris contributed $1,700 to his campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

July 2017: Harris Contributed $1,000 To His Campaign. On July 3, 2017, Harris contributed $1,000 to his campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

Harris’ Top Contributors

Harris Top 2018 Campaign Committee Contributors Contributor Totals Ascension Marketing Group $5,400.00 Bissell Companies $5,400.00 Chavda Ministries International $5,400.00 EnPro Industries $5,400.00 Furr Development LLC $5,400.00 Guy Properties LLC $5,400.00 Signature Sports Group $5,400.00 Sscs $5,400.00 Family-PAC $5,000.00 Wells Fargo $4,200.00 Comcast Corp $4,000.00 Ritch, Breeden & Co $3,950.00 Poteat Hospitality Management $3,771.00 Duke Energy $3,500.00 Parton Lumber $3,200.00

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 223

Atrium Health $2,898.00 Buice Realty $2,700.00 Carolina Investment Consulting $2,700.00 Carolina Made $2,700.00 Charles Craft Inc $2,700.00 Coca Cola Bottling Co $2,700.00 Csa Cheerleading $2,700.00 Desoto Holland Financial $2,700.00 Dunbar Insurance $2,700.00 Edge Foundation $2,700.00 Edifice Inc $2,700.00 First Baptist Church $2,700.00 Jerry Jordan Enterprises $2,700.00 Keller William South Park $2,700.00 Label Printing Systems $2,700.00 Lable Printing System $2,700.00 Linden Thomas Co $2,700.00 Lowe's Corp $2,700.00 Olston Staffing $2,700.00 Orthocarolina Scotland Orthopedics $2,700.00 Patterson Glen $2,700.00 Paul Caprio & Assoc $2,700.00 Reynolds Trucking $2,700.00 Sides Contracting Co $2,700.00 Sides Erosion Control $2,700.00 Stifel $2,700.00 Yadkin Transportation $2,700.00 TOTAL $143,919.00 [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 5/23/18]

Top Industries

2018 Harris Top Industries Industry Total Retired $130,276 Clergy & Religious Organizations $20,093 Real Estate $17,395 Business Services $14,693 Lawyers/Law Firms $12,138 Insurance $11,367 Misc Business $10,572 General Contractors $10,250 Health Professionals $8,200

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 224

Republican/Conservative $7,700 Commercial Banks $6,850 Misc Manufacturing & Distributing $6,650 Food & Beverage $5,700 Electronics Mfg & Equip $5,200 Telecom Services $4,750 Misc Communications/Electronics $3,700 Electric Utilities $3,500 Securities & Investment $3,200 Building Materials & Equipment $3,200 Hospitals/Nursing Homes $2,898 [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 5/23/18]

NOTE: According to the Center for Responsive Politics, “The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organizations’ PACs, their individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals’ immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates” [Center for Responsive Politics Top Contributors, accessed 3/21/17]

Top Sectors

2018 Harris Top Sectors Sector Total Other $152,179 Misc Business $40,615 Finance/Insur/RealEst $39,302 Construction $16,700 Communic/Electronics $15,650 Lawyers & Lobbyists $12,138 Health $11,348 Ideology/Single-Issue $7,700 Transportation $5,700 Agribusiness $3,850 Energy/Nat Resource $3,500 [Center for Responsive Politics, accessed 5/23/18]

Harris’s Campaign’s Only Salary Payments Were To A Consulting Firm No Longer Listed As Active In North Carolina; FEC Sent Harris Campaign Notices To Clarify “Admin And Salary” And “In-Kind” Payments

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 225

August 2017-July 2018: Harris Paid Red Dome Group $280,429.74 For “Admin And Salary,” But Red Dome Group Was Not Registered As An Active Business Entity In North Carolina

August 2017-July 2018: Harris Paid Red Dome Group $280,429.74 For “Admin And Salary.” [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 7/16/18]

Harris’ FEC Filings Did Not Include To Whom Harris Was Paying A Salary. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

Harris’ FEC Filings Did Not Include If Harris Was Paying Taxes For His Campaign. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

2018 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements To Red Dome Group For “Admin And Salary” Disbursement Recipient Date Amount Category Of Expense Description Red Dome Group Admin and Salary 6/4/18 $13,710.79 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses for staff grassroots Red Dome Group Admin and Salary 6/4/18 $9,712.50 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses for staff grassroots Red Dome Group Admin and Salary 5/17/18 $3,665 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses for staff grassroots Red Dome Group Admin and Salary 5/3/18 $18,233 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses for staff grassroots Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 4/18/18 $19,217.64 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 4/5/18 $20,903.83 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 3/27/18 $14,495.00 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 2/28/18 $26,680.88 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 2/6/18 $26,374.99 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 1/8/18 $27,837.52 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 12/6/17 $19,145.00 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 11/6/17 $25,158.00 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 10/11/17 $24,935.00 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 9/5/17 $17,683.59 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses Red Dome Group Admin And Salary 8/1/17 $12,677.00 Administrative/Salary/Overhead Expenses TOTAL $280,429.74 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 7/16/18]

As Of May 2018, Red Dome Group Was “Admin. Dissolved.” As of May 2018, the Secretary of State of North Carolina reported Red Dome Group as “Admin Dissolved” status. The company had the Sosid #: 1311707. The only officer of the company was Scott Andrew Yates. The company was formed on April 9, 2013. [North Carolina Secretary of State, Business Corporation filing, accessed 5/23/18]

Red Dome Group Offered “Media Strategy,” “Campaigns &Political Consulting,” “Direct Mail,” “Issue Advocacy,” “Digital Advertising,” And “Polling & Research.” [Red Dome Group, accessed 5/24/18]

Red Dome Group Was Not Registered In Virginia. [Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission, accessed 7/16/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 226

Red Dome Group Was Not Registered In Alabama. [Alabama Secretary of State Business Entity Records, accessed 7/16/18]

Red Dome Group Was Not Registered In Delaware. [Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations, accessed 7/16/18]

Harris’ Campaign Made Disbursements For Reimbursements And Undefined In Kinds, Some Of Which Appeared To Be Reimbursements To His Campaign Team

2018 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements For Reimbursements, Undefined In Kinds, And Campaign Work Disbursement Amount Of Recipient Date Relationship To Campaign Description Disbursement Carole Ardizzone In-Kind: 8/26/17 $1,478.48 Billy Ray Britt In-Kind: 10/26/17 $877.59 Jake Johnson Reimbursement 2/28/18 $188.72 Article about him, link Jake Johnson In-Kind:Milage For The 9/30/17 $345.61 Article about him, link Camapign Ross Nannini In-Kind: 12/8/17 $250.00 Tracy Philbeck In-Kind: 12/8/17 $1,229.37 Article about him Link NOTE: here is a link to the likely person Conrad Pogorzelski In-Kind:Milage For The 9/30/17 $1,076.42 Bio mentioned that he was the Campaign Political Director for Harris’ campaign Link Conrad Pogorzelski Grassroots 4/4/18 $444.69 Bio mentioned that he was the III Political Director for Harris’ campaign Link Kelly Tain In-Kind:Sign Placement 3/19/18 $200.00 Kelly Tain In-Kind:Stamps, Event 12/31/17 $250.00 Supplies, Printi William Walkowiak In-Kind: 12/19/17 $499.95 NOTE: here is a link to the likely person William Walkowiak In-Kind: 12/8/17 $499.98 NOTE: here is a link to the likely person Michael Whitson In-Kind: 11/14/17 $543.47 Article mentioned that he served on Harris’ finance committee Link Jason Williams Reimbursement 3/14/18 $182.37 Article mentioned that Harris asked him to be his Campaign Manager Link Jason Williams Reimbursement 3/14/18 $261.48 Article mentioned that Harris asked him to be his Campaign Manager Link Andy Yates In-Kind:Milage For 9/30/17 $767.19 LinkedIn Link Campaign TOTAL [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 227

2018: The FEC Sent Three Requests To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Disbursements For “Admin And Salary” And Two Requests For Unidentified “In Kind” Disbursements

2018: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Disbursements For “Admin And Salary.” “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 2 item(s): 1. Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following description(s): ‘Admin and Salary.’ For further guidance regarding acceptable purposes of disbursement, please refer to 11 CFR 104.3(b)(4)(i)(A). ” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI April Quarterly 2018, 5/21/18]

2018: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Disbursements For “Admin And Salary” And For Unidentified “In Kind.” “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): - Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following description(s): ‘Admin and Salary,’ and ‘In Kind:.’ For further guidance regarding acceptable purposes of disbursement, please refer to 11 CFR 104.3(b)(4)(i)(A).” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Year-End Report 2017, 5/21/18]

July 2017-March 2018: Harris’ Campaign Paid A Washington, D.C. Based Consulting Firm $5,200 For A “2 Mo. Campaign Manager Program”

July 2017-March 2018: Harris’ Campaign Paid A Washington, D.C. Based Consulting Firm $5,200 For A “2 Mo. Campaign Manager Program.” From July 2017 to March 2018, around eight months, Harris’ campaign paid Artistotle International, Inc. $5,200 for a “2 Mo. Campaign Manager Program.” [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

2018 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements To A Consulting Firm For A “Campaign Manager Program” Disbursement Date Of Amount Of Recipient Category Of Expense Description Disbursement Disbursement Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 3/19/18 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 1/17/18 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 12/18/17 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 11/17/17 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 228

Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 10/17/17 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 9/25/17 $1,300.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 7/23/17 $650.00 Solicitation And Fundraising International, Inc Manager Program Expenses TOTAL $5,200 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

July 2017: Harris Paid William Canfield $1,200 For Attorney Fees

July 2017: Harris Paid William Canfield $1,200 For Attorney Fees. On July 26, 2017, Harris paid William Canfield $1,200 for “Attorney Fees.” [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

Harris Reimbursed Himself $304.89 With His Campaign Funds

2018 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements To Himself Recipient Disbursement Description Date Amount Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Candidate Inkind - Printing 3/19/18 $82.50 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Candidate Inkind - Printing 3/14/18 $57.39 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Stamps 12/31/17 $165.00 Total $304.89 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/23/18]

2018: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Disbursements For Reimbursements

2018: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Disbursements For Reimbursements. “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 2 item(s): […] Schedule B of your report discloses reimbursements to individuals for the following disbursement(s): ‘Reimbursement.’ Please be advised that when itemizing reimbursements to individuals for goods or services, if the payment to the original vendor aggregates in excess of $200 in an election cycle, a memo entry including the name and address of the original vendor, as well as the date, amount and purpose of the original purchase must be provided. Please amend your report to include the missing information on Schedule B and clearly identify each memo entry supporting a reimbursement. If itemization is not necessary, you must indicate so in an amendment to this report.” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI April Quarterly 2018, 5/21/18]

2017: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Initial Cash Balance

2017: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Initial Cash Balance. “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): Political committees that have an initial cash balance on their first report must disclose the source of these funds. Please provide either a Schedule A to itemize contributions received, which in the aggregate are in excess of $200, or amend your report to include an explanatory statement to

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 229

support the amount reported on Line 23 of your report. If these funds were contributed during an exploratory stage of your committee, please amend your report (and extend the beginning coverage date) to disclose the committee's financial activity from its inception. (11 CFR § 104.12)” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI October Quarterly 2017, 11/16/17]

2016

Harris’ Campaign Raised $180,743.97 And Spent $180,744.35

Harris 2016 Congress Campaign Committee Funds Total Contributions Total Disbursements Other Party Operating Refunds Filing Total Indivs Total Cmtes Cmtes Expdts Indivs Cmtes 2016 Termination Report $50.00 $50.00 $0 $0 $3,508.25 $3,405.27 $0 $0 2016 July Quarterly $34,168.03 $33,470.00 $0 $0 $79,509.04 $79,509.04 $50 0 2016 Pre- Primary $124,855.94 $121,765.00 $3,012.42 $0 $95,922.06 $95,672.06 $0 $0 2016 April Quarterly $20,370.00 $18,065.00 $0 $0 $1,805.00 $1,805.00 $0 $0 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

2016: Harris’ Campaign Spent More Money Than It Raised

Harris’ Campaign Raised $180,743.97 And Spent $180,744.35, Spending More Than The Committee Raised. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

Analysis Of Contributions To Harris’ Campaign

2016: Harris Contributed $1,276.55 To His Campaign

Harris Contributions To His 2016 Campaign Amount Of Contributor Name Receipt Type Full Description Date Of Receipt Receipt Mark Harris In-Kind:Stamps For Hemby Mailing 5/27/16 $329.00 Mark Harris In-Kind:Stamps For Hemby Mailing 5/26/16 $235.00 Mark Harris In-Kind:Hemby Letter Printing 5/24/16 $84.19 Mark Harris In-Kind:Envelopes Hemby Mailing 5/24/16 $49.84 Mark Harris In-Kind:Palm Cards Picked Up In Fayett 4/1/16 $78.52

Mark Harris 3/25/16 $500.00 TOTAL $1,276.55 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

March 2016: Harris Loaned His Campaign $1,805.00

March 2016: Harris Loaned His Campaign $1,805.00. On March 25, 2016, Harris loaned his campaign $65 and $1,740 in two separate loans. The money was included in the campaign’s receipts as a “contribution,” but the

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 230

receipt type description was recorded as “loans received from the candidate.” [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

Harris’ Top Contributors

2016 Harris’ Top Campaign Contributors Contributor Name Total Mark Harris $3,081.55 Huckpac Operating Account $3,012.42 Janice Johnson $2,700.00 David Johnson $2,700.00 Shelia Vogler $2,700.00 Steven Harris $2,700.00 Steve Hall $2,700.00 Janet Hall $2,700.00 Jeff Hall $2,700.00 Johnny Sides $2,700.00 Melvin Graham $2,700.00 Jim Cherry $2,700.00 Louis Philippi $2,700.00 Elizabeth Harris $2,700.00 Mathias Hunoval $2,700.00 Mike Huckabee $2,700.00 Rebecca Philbeck $2,700.00 Tracy Philbeck $2,700.00 Christina Hunoval $2,700.00 Monica Harris $2,700.00 James Guy $2,700.00 Jerry Jordan $2,700.00 Becky Ebert $2,700.00 Gregory Ebert $2,700.00 Agnes Edmiston $2,700.00 Robert Lyerly $2,700.00 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

NOTE: Harris’ contribution total includes his contributions and contributions that were described as “loans from the candidate.”

NOTE: The Center for Responsive Politics did not publish any information on the top contributors, sectors, or industries for Harris’ 2016 campaign for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.

Analysis Of Harris’ Campaign Disbursements

2016: Harris’ Campaign Did Not Appear To Pay North Carolina Payroll Taxes

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 231

2016: Harris’ Campaign Did Not Appear To Pay North Carolina Payroll Taxes. [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

2016: Harris’ Campaign Paid A Consulting Firm $2,850 For A “2 Mo. Campaign Manager Program”

2016 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements To A Consulting Firm For A “Campaign Manager Program” Disbursement Date Of Amount Of Category Of Recipient Description Disbursement Disbursement Expense Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 7/19/16 $900.00 Solicitation And International, Inc Manager Program Fundraising Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 6/23/16 $650.00 Solicitation And International, Inc Manager Program Fundraising Expenses Aristotle 2 Mo. Campaign 5/11/16 $1,300.00 Solicitation And International, Inc Manager Program Fundraising Expenses TOTAL $2,850.00 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

Harris’ Campaign Staff

2016 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements For “Payroll” Disbursement Recipient Date Of Disbursement Amount Of Disburment Description Charlotte Bian-Lingle Payroll 5/31/16 $1,000.00 Charlotte Bian-Lingle Payroll 5/15/16 $1,000.00 Charlotte Bian-Lingle Payroll 4/22/16 $2,000.00 Robert Pope Payroll 6/10/16 $500.00 Robert Pope Payroll 5/31/16 $980.00 Robert Pope Payroll 5/15/16 $1,000.00 Robert Pope Payroll 4/28/16 $1,000.00 Robert Pope Payroll 4/15/16 $1,000.00 Jason Williams Payroll 6/13/16 $750.00 Jason Williams Payroll 5/31/16 $1,520.00 Jason Williams Payroll 5/15/16 $1,500.00 Jason Williams Payroll 4/28/16 $1,500.00 Jason Williams Payroll 4/15/16 $1,500.00 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

2016: Harris Reimbursed Himself With Campaign Funds For $2,581.55

2016 Harris’ Campaign Reimbursements To Himself Recipient Disbursement Description Date Disbursement Amount Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Stamps For Hemby Mailing 5/27/16 $329.00 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Stamps For Hemby Mailing 5/26/16 $235.00 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Envelopes Hemby Mailing 5/24/16 $49.84

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 232

Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Hemby Letter Printing 5/24/16 $84.19 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Palm Cards Picked Up In Fayett 4/1/16 $78.52 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Mark Harris For Congress Po Bo 3/25/16 $65.00 Mark Everette Harris In-Kind:Board Of Elections- Filing Fee 3/25/16 $1,740.00 TOTAL $2,581.55 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

RFAIs Sent To Harris’ Campaign

2016: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Justification As To Why It Had Previously Failed To Report Over $12,000 In Receipts And Over $15,000 In Disbursements

2016: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Justification As To Why It Had Previously Failed To Report Over $12,000 In Receipts And Over $15,000 In Disbursements. “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): - Commission Regulations require that a committee discloses the identification of all individuals who contribute in excess of $200 in an election cycle. (11 CFR § 104.3(a)(4)(i)) Identification for an individual is defined as the full name (initials for first or last name are not acceptable), complete mailing address, occupation, and name of employer. (11 CFR § 100.12) Your report discloses contributions from individuals for which the identification is not complete.” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Pre-Primary Report 2016, 8/28/16]

2016: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Contributors

2016: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Contributors. “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): - Commission Regulations require that a committee discloses the identification of all individuals who contribute in excess of $200 in an election cycle. (11 CFR § 104.3(a)(4)(i)) Identification for an individual is defined as the full name (initials for first or last name are not acceptable), complete mailing address, occupation, and name of employer. (11 CFR § 100.12) Your report discloses contributions from individuals for which the identification is not complete.” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Pre-Primary Report 2016, 6/13/16]

2014

Harris’s Campaign Raised $905,158.00 And Spent $905,156.00

Harris 2014 U.S. Senate Campaign Committee Funds Total Contributions Total Disbursements Other Party Operating Refunds Year Total Indivs Total Cmtes Cmtes Expdts Indivs Cmtes 2014 $902,169.00 $894,669.00 $4,900.00 $0 $905,156.00 $904,367.00 $788.00 $0 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

Harris’ Campaign Staff

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 233

2014 Harris’ Campaign Disbursements For “Salary” Recipient Disbursement Description Date Of Disbursement Rachel Brady Salary 5/9/14 Rachel Brady Salary 5/15/14 Rachel Brady Salary 4/30/14 Rachel Brady Salary 4/3/14 Rachel Brady Salary 3/10/14 Rachel Brady Salary 2/14/14 Rachel Brady Salary 9/19/13 Rachel Brady Salary 4/3/14 Rachel Brady Salary 1/6/14 Rachel Brady Salary 2/4/14 Rachel Brady Salary 5/15/14 Rachel Brady Salary 3/9/14 Rachel Brady Salary 12/6/13 Rachel Brady Salary 4/29/14 Whitney C Burrows Salary 7/1/13 Whitney C Burrows Salary 7/1/13 Whitney C Burrows Salary 7/30/13 Whitney C Burrows Salary 9/5/13 Whitney C Burrows Salary 10/10/13 Whitney C Burrows Salary 10/10/13 Capitol Strategies Of Louisiana Salary 10/16/13 Capitol Strategies Of Louisiana Salary 10/16/13 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 5/9/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 5/1/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 4/16/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 2/14/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 3/10/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 5/14/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 1/16/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 2/4/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 3/28/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 4/3/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 4/29/14 Anna Beavon Gravely Salary 3/9/14 John Kay Salary 10/2/13 John Kay Salary 10/1/13 John Kay Salary 11/5/13 John Kay Salary 9/16/13 John Kay Salary 9/16/13 John Kay Salary 10/1/13 John Kay Salary 10/1/13

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 234

Victoria Malec Salary 4/3/14 Victoria Malec Salary 4/30/14 Victoria Malec Salary 5/9/14 Victoria Malec Salary 4/3/14 Victoria Malec Salary 4/29/14 Victoria Malec Salary 5/13/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 4/4/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 2/10/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 3/18/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 3/4/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 1/28/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 4/30/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 1/16/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 2/4/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 4/3/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 4/29/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 5/13/14 Carolyn Miller Salary 3/9/14 Margaret Oliva Salary 12/20/13 Margaret Oliva Salary 1/6/14 Margaret Oliva Salary 12/6/13 Michael Rusher Salary 6/18/14 Michael Rusher Salary 5/9/14 Michael Rusher Salary 5/2/14 Michael Rusher Salary 11/27/13 Michael Rusher Salary 10/29/13 Michael Rusher Salary 5/14/14 Michael Rusher Salary 2/14/14 Michael Rusher Salary 4/17/14 Michael Rusher Salary 1/28/14 Michael Rusher Salary 3/10/14 Michael Rusher Salary 4/7/14 Michael Rusher Salary 4/29/14 Michael Rusher Salary 3/10/14 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

2013: Harris’ Campaign Paid $3,850 For “Legal Fees”

2013: Harris’ Campaign Paid $3,850 For “Legal Fees.” In two payments, made on July 6, 2013 and October 29, 2013, Harris’ campaign paid William Canfield $3,850 for “legal fees.” [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

Harris’ Top Contributors

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 235

2014 Harris’ Top Contributors Contributor Name Total Jennifer Wall $3,122.68 Brad Bobbitt $2,700.00 Barry Blackwell $2,676.00 Rosemary Montgomery $2,640.00 Cliff Benson $2,600.00 Peggy Benson $2,600.00 Beverly Blackwell $2,600.00 Jan Bobbitt $2,600.00 James C Branch $2,600.00 Jeff Buice $2,600.00 James Crossingham $2,600.00 John Davis $2,600.00 Rick Desoto $2,600.00 Dinah Disher $2,600.00 James Duggar $2,600.00 Joshua Duggar $2,600.00 Michelle Duggar $2,600.00 Becky Ebert $2,600.00 Gregory T Ebert $2,600.00 Leslie Fitzpatrick $2,600.00 Mary Frances Forrester $2,600.00 Holloway Frost $2,600.00 Ernest G Golding $2,600.00 Phyllis Hall $2,600.00 Thomas J Hall $2,600.00 Bettye Harris $2,600.00 Elizabeth Harris $2,600.00 Mark Harris $2,600.00 Steve Harris $2,600.00 Barbara Hayes $2,600.00 Robin Hayes $2,600.00 James Hazel $2,600.00 Doril Henderson $2,600.00 John Hipp $2,600.00 Keith Holland $2,600.00 Chris Horne $2,600.00 Christina Hunoval $2,600.00 Mathias Hunoval $2,600.00 Nancy Jacumin $2,600.00 David Johnson $2,600.00 Jan Johnson $2,600.00

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 236

Aaron Jordan $2,600.00 Evon Jordan $2,600.00 Jerry Jordan $2,600.00 Mary Jordan $2,600.00 Michael Jordan $2,600.00 Shawn Jordan $2,600.00 Mary S Kohler $2,600.00 Terry J Kohler $2,600.00 Esther Marion $2,600.00 Joe Marion $2,600.00 David H Matthews $2,600.00 Jo John Miller $2,600.00 Lisa Miller $2,600.00 Terry Montgomery $2,600.00 Ron L Mullis $2,600.00 John Norment $2,600.00 Maria Norment $2,600.00 Blake Okland $2,600.00 Eydie Okland $2,600.00 Joe Owings $2,600.00 Amy L Parton $2,600.00 Carl F Parton $2,600.00 Cassandra E Parton $2,600.00 Furman P Parton $2,600.00 Patrick Parton $2,600.00 Terri L Parton $2,600.00 John C Ray $2,600.00 David $2,600.00 Garry Smith $2,600.00 Smith, Robin Smith $2,600.00 James R Spencer $2,600.00 Risa Spradling $2,600.00 Sumner Spradling $2,600.00 Ann Suehr $2,600.00 Richard Suehr $2,600.00 Penny Teague $2,600.00 Thomas Teague $2,600.00 John A Vogler $2,600.00 Sheila H Vogler $2,600.00 Brad Wall $2,600.00 Dale Wenal $2,600.00 Michael Whitson $2,600.00 Robert A Mr Wolf $2,600.00

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 237

Total $219,138.68 [FEC Committee Candidate and Committee Viewer, accessed 5/24/18]

NOTE: The Center for Responsive Politics did not publish any information on the top contributors, sectors, or industries for Harris’ 2016 campaign for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.

RFAIs Sent To Harris’ Campaign

2014: The FEC Sent Three Requests To Harris’ Campaign Asking For More Information On Their Disbursements For “Consulting”

2014: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Disbursements For “Political Consulting.” “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. An adequate response must be received at the Senate Public Records Office by the response date noted above. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): - Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following description: ‘POLITICAL CONSULTING.’” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Amended 12 Day Pre-Primary Report 2014, 8/25/14]

2014: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Disbursements For “Consulting Fee” And “Travel.” “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. An adequate response must be received at the Senate Public Records Office by the response date noted above. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 2 item(s): 1. Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following description: ‘CONSULTING FEE.’ […] Schedule B of your report discloses a reimbursement to Rachel Brady for the following travel-related disbursement: ‘Travel.’” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI April Quarterly Report 2014, 8/25/14]

2014: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Asking For Information On Their Disbursements For “Consulting.” “This letter is prompted by the Commission's preliminary review of the report referenced above. This notice requests information essential to full public disclosure of your federal election campaign finances. An adequate response must be received at the Senate Public Records Office by the response date noted above. Failure to adequately respond by the response date noted above could result in an audit or enforcement action. Additional information is needed for the following 1 item(s): - Itemized disbursements must include a brief statement or description of why each disbursement was made. Please amend Schedule B supporting Line 17 of your report to clarify the following description: ‘Consulting.’” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Year-End, 4/15/14]

2013: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Because The Committee Did Not File A Mid-Year Report And May Have Been Legally Required To Do So

2013: The FEC Sent A Request To Harris’ Campaign Because The Committee Did Not File A Mid-Year Report And May Have Been Legally Required To Do So. “It has come to the attention of the Federal Election Commission that you may have failed to file the above referenced report of receipts and disbursements or failed to file a report covering the entire reporting period as required by the Federal Election Campaign Act, as amended. It is important that you file this report immediately with the Federal Election Commission. […]The failure to timely file a complete report may result in civil money penalties, an audit or legal enforcement action. ” [FEC Candidate and Committee Viewer, RFAI Mid-Year Report, 8/22/13]

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 238

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 239

Appendix III – Paid Media Summary

NOTE: Paid media advertisements saved on the DCCC research drive.

2018 Election

Harris “Good Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description 4/17/18 Robert “Truth” Mark Harris is liberal, has a Negative Pittenger problem with the truth, and tried to stop Trump

Harris “Bad Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description 3/27/18 Mark Harris “Another Pittenger is “allergic to the truth,” Negative For Congress Washington Pittenger lied that he was Politician” endorsed by Trump, Pittenger lied that Trump opposed Harris

2016 Election

Harris “Good Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description

Harris “Bad Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description

2014 Election

Harris “Good Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description

Harris “Bad Guy” Paid Media Summary Date Group Name Subject Description

Mark Harris (NC-09) Research Book | 240