Progress NC took aim at newly sworn in Republican Gov. Pat McCrory, today, Jan. 7 in Asheville, holding a press conference to announce the release of a new website slamming him as "Pay to Play Pat." Read the progressive state advocacy group's press release below, with a link to the site at the bottom. McCrory is making his first visit to Asheville as governor later today to hold an "open house" event.

Pay to Play Pat is Here to Stay
How much does a McCrory cabinet post cost? Apparently $200,00 or more.

ASHEVILLE -- Progress NC today launched a new website PayToPlayPat.com to hold the new Governor accountable and released a report on the staggering total of donations given by the new DHHS Secretary, Aldona Wos, to McCrory's election efforts.

Within days of winning the election, McCrory had already broken his promise to clean up Raleigh and to keep special interests out of state government.

“The good ol’ boy and girl patronage system of state government has placed tired and failed policies and special interests ahead of working families, taxpayers and businesses.” — Pat McCrory campaign website, 2012

But McCrory's transition into office follows the same political playbook which his campaign railed against. Among the highlights:

1. McCrory is selling access to policy retreats at Pinehurst and Bald Head Island in exchange for donations of $25,000 to $50,000 to a new non-profit designed solely to promote McCrory's agenda and started by McCrory campaign advisers.

2. That same non-profit is pushing the Raleigh Junior League out from their traditional role as hosts of Inaugural festivities. By selling tickets that will aid only McCrory's shadowy non-profit, the new Governor is taking money away from local charities.

3. McCrory has given budget making authority to right wing financier Art Pope. Pope's well-documented use of corporate cash to bankroll a right wing non-profit empire and elect right wing legislators has finally gained him access the Governor's Office.

4. McCrory's appointees are almost exclusively big donors or political allies. For example, new DHHS Secretary Aldona Wos, family and employees of the family business have given at least $217,247 to McCrory's campaign efforts. Those donations are highlighted in this report released today by Progress NC.

"If we have learned anything from McCrory's transition, it's that money can buy you a seat at the table," said Gerrick Brenner, Executive Director of Progress NC at a press conference in Asheville. "Whether it's private policy retreats at posh resorts or rewarding campaign bundlers with plum assignments, Pay to play Pat isn't going away."