Rep. Mike Clampitt dies following cancer battle
Mike Clampitt, the Republican State House representative for Swain, Jackson and Transylvania counties, has passed away at the age of 71.
The conservative legislator was particularly dedicated to wildlife conservation issues, as well as combatting impaired driving.
Republican Primary tests identity and power in 119th District
The Republican primary in House District 119 — Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties — now unfolds against a backdrop of unresolved disaster recovery and rising voter frustration with a legislature that has struggled to deliver a state budget but still found time to strip powers from incoming Democrats and gerrymander another Republican congressional seat at the behest of President Donald Trump.