North Carolina Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan, one of the most vulnerable incumbents in this election cycle, has spent much of her campaign distancing herself from President Obama and his policies. Until now.
In a radio ad produced by Hagan’s campaign, currently on the air in North Carolina, Obama offers his endorsement of Hagan and says their priorities align.
“The Republicans are cutting investment in education while protecting tax breaks for the wealthy,” Obama says in the ad. “So let’s send them a message by voting for someone who shares our priorities.”
“Voting is easy, so stand with me, President Obama, and take responsibility in moving North Carolina forward by voting for Kay Hagan.”
The ad is likely a play to boost turnout among African-American voters, who comprise the core of Hagan’s supporters and whose turnout could decide whether Hagan wins another term in the Senate.
But the ad also marks a major departure for Hagan’s campaign, which has focused on stressing her independence from Obama. Republicans and their candidate, North Carolina House Speaker Thom Tillis, meanwhile, have attacked Hagan for voting most of the time in support of the president’s policies.
The race will come down to the wire: Recent public polling has shown Hagan and Tillis locked in a tie.
