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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 4h

One week until we begin reviewing applications ⬇️.

3:3 load w/ manageable class size. If you're a junior Americanist who is excited about teaching Congress, Intro American, and the Presidency, doing research in a collaborative environment & living in the mountains, please apply.

#polisky

Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 5d

We (Western Carolina University) are hiring for an assistant professor in American politics (w/ focus on & willingness to teach the Presidency, & Congress). Review of applications begins Oct. 15.

jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31915

Good colleagues, good students, good views. Reach out w/ ?s.

#polisky

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 1d

Surprised there's not a definitive book on the history of government shutdowns in the United States.*

This seems unlikely to be the last shutdown, so if somebody wants to be momentarily relevant at some future date, start typing now.

*If there is one and I've missed it, please LMK

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 2d

Fascinating and fun piece about youth voting in Watauga county in the consistently fascinating and fun @ncrabbithole.com

#ncpol

Jeremy Markovich @ncrabbithole.com · 2d

The lawmaker accused of diluting the votes of Appalachian State students was honored in 2024 as a Distinguished Alumni of … Appalachian State www.ncrabbithole.com/p/why-voters...

Why do voters at Appalachian State keep getting picked on?

A new lawsuit is trying to overturn state laws that made it harder for students in Boone to have a voice in county politics. Who created those laws? A proud and powerful App State grad, that's who.

www.ncrabbithole.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 5d

ha! And, more importantly, separate classes ;) A well-placed comma does wonders to reinforce the point.

Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 5d

We (Western Carolina University) are hiring for an assistant professor in American politics (w/ focus on & willingness to teach the Presidency, & Congress). Review of applications begins Oct. 15.

jobs.wcu.edu/postings/31915

Good colleagues, good students, good views. Reach out w/ ?s.

#polisky

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Reposted by Chris Cooper

UNC Press @uncpress.bsky.social · 6d

The number of registered Democrats in NC is declining. So is the number of registered Republicans rising? Find out in this @theassemblync.bsky.social piece by @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social, author of ANATOMY OF A PURPLE STATE 🗳️

www.theassemblync.com/politics/dem...

Democrats Are Losing Members in N.C. But Are the Republicans Gaining?

Much has been made of the decline in registered Democrats. But who is benefiting from that shift, and why, is more complicated.

www.theassemblync.com

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Reposted by Chris Cooper

Sydney Haulenbeek @shaulenbeek.bsky.social · 6d

Common Cause sued a North Carolina county board of elections in federal court Wednesday, claiming the state’s legislature passed discriminatory measures to impose new electoral districts. #nccourts #ncpol

@courthousenews.bsky.social

www.courthousenews.com/north-caroli...

North Carolina voters say lawmakers retaliated over redistricting reform

The plaintiffs claim the state’s General Assembly interfered in local elections by preventing voters from adopting alternative election districts.

www.courthousenews.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 7d

Updated this flier that was run by a Thom Tillis affiliated PAC against Cawthorn in 2022 to reflect this ⬇️ news

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 7d

Thanks! And, I agree completely. I’d you want to confirm your priors, I have a chapter about exactly that in anatomy of a purple state

Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 7d

Democrats are losing members in #ncpol. But are the Republicans gaining?

New piece by me in @theassemblync.bsky.social ⤵️

www.theassemblync.com/politics/dem...

Democrats Are Losing Members in N.C. But Are the Republicans Gaining?

Much has been made of the decline in registered Democrats. But who is benefiting from that shift, and why, is more complicated.

www.theassemblync.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 7d

Finished reading Pierce v. NCSBE referenced ⬇️.

TL;DR? in 126 pgs. Judge Dever argues:
- there is no racially polarized voting in #ncpol
- Robinson was a flawed candidate in 2024; his election doesn't inform knowledge of voting patterns in NC
- It's partisanship, not race that's determinative

Bryan Anderson @bryanranderson.bsky.social · 7d

In a win for Republicans, a federal judge has let the current state Senate map stand. The decision makes it easier for Republicans to retain their supermajority in the chamber in the 2026 election. #ncpol

READ MORE--> andersonalerts.substack.com/p/nc-senate-...

Federal judge sides with Senate Republicans, rejects racial gerrymandering claims

The decision stands to make it easier for Republicans to retain their supermajority in the state Senate in the 2026 election.

andersonalerts.substack.com

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Reposted by Chris Cooper

Center for NC Politics & Public Service @ncpolitics.bsky.social · 8d

Join @bowtiepolitics.bsky.social & @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social with former NC Court of Appeals judge @lucyinman.bsky.social on @wfae.bsky.social's Charlotte Talks about the recent @catawbacollege.bsky.social-YouGov survey on the NC state constitution.

www.wfae.org/show/charlot...

#ncpol

How well do North Carolinians know the state's constitution?

On this Charlotte Talks, we talk about our state constitution. Fewer than 1 in 10 North Carolinians say they are familiar with what our constitution outlines. One in 5 admits they are not at all famil...

www.wfae.org

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 8d

state politics, elections, mountain biking, unpopular music, and knowledge not of Moldovan elections, but rather of people who have knowledge of Moldovan elections--that's where I thrive.

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 8d

Thur far, localizing the concepts has helped get them engaged in the material, apply what they're learning & see where policy entrepreneurs make a difference

It also has gotten them to practice reading local stories as part of their media diet

YMMV, of course, but thus far it's working

(2/2)

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 8d

Teaching State & Local politics this semester. It's always fun, but this semester I've added local case studies which has been a blast

We've examined residency challenges, local elections, battles over libraries & monuments & municipal incorporation-all taking place within 10 miles of campus

(1/2)

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Reposted by Chris Cooper

Michael Bitzer @bowtiepolitics.bsky.social · 9d

Well, #ncpol got some attention this morning:

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 11d

1 Year anniversary of #Helene feeling heavy around here.

Lots of good writing to mark the anniversary (see for ex. @theassemblync.bsky.social) but my mind keeps returning to this piece by Annette Clapsaddle in The Atlantic written a few weeks after the storm

www.theatlantic.com/science/arch...

My Friend Was in the Valley

From my front porch, the river banks of North Carolina’s mountains held. But not from his.

www.theatlantic.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 12d

"Top Republican North Carolina state Senator Phil Berger is expected to accept an endorsement from President Donald Trump in his 2026 primary challenge in exchange for redrawing congressional maps, several sources told CBS 17 on Thursday."

Story by Deana Harley. 🔗 ⬇️

#ncpol #redistricting

www.cbs17.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 13d

Beginning to think that shrinking the camcorder into the size of a sardine can and sticking one in everybody’s pocket might not reinforce the better angels of our nature.

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 14d

Good mail day.

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 15d

First day of Fall looking awful pretty on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 16d

Fascinating article about the unlikely connections between Thom Tillis, Phil Berger, Michael Whatley, President Trump, Medicaid, the Big Beautiful Bill, and [checks notes, scratches head. Yes, that's correct] Dr. Oz.

#ncpol

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Reposted by Chris Cooper

jacob biba @jacobbiba.bsky.social · 16d

the “later this week” detail is interesting given NCEM says it typically takes an additional 30-90 days for the state agency to actually receive funds after obligation b/c there’s another federal approval process

jacob biba @jacobbiba.bsky.social · 16d

“This includes 31 newly approved projects, as well as 18 additional large projects, each over $1 million that have been advanced and will be available to communities later this week.”

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 16d

On the cusp of a week that marks 1 year since Helene devastated #wnc, a Republican is entering the #ncpol GOP primary against incumbent Chuck Edwards with a message centered around Helene response.

Story ⬇️ by @coryvaillancourt.bsky.social

smokymountainnews.com/news/item/40...

Former Green Beret Adam Smith to challenge Edwards in NC-11 Primary

Adam Smith says it’s time for a change and that he’s ready to stand up for Western North Carolina in ways incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards hasn’t — particularly, in Hurricane Helene recovery. “I thin...

smokymountainnews.com

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Chris Cooper @chriscooperwcu.bsky.social · 17d

Inching towards Fall up on Moses Creek.

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