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