Blog
A Pro-Life Cause Deserves a Prudent Strategy
A measured response to Rep. Keith Kidwell’s controversial pro-life bill Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America RevMarkCreech.org Lawmakers were not convened for any votes last week. Nevertheless, Rep. Keith Kidwell (R-Beaufort) filed a bill...
Gambling on Training Wheels
How House Bills 921 and 198 Would Normalize Casino Culture in the Name of Charity Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America Not long ago, North Carolina treated casino gambling as dangerous enough to prohibit. Even now, state law permits “game...
Alcohol: An Overlooked Link Between Lincoln and Kennedy
by Rev. Mark Creech RevMarkCreech.org Americans have long been fascinated by the striking similarities between the assassinations of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy. Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846; Kennedy in 1946. Lincoln was elected president...
Return America’s Advocacy Is Making a Difference — Major Alcohol Provisions Removed, But Gambling Concerns Remain
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America Recently, Return America has been sounding the alarm about H.B. 921, the ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill. That measure originally contained several troubling provisions that would have weakened North...
HB 921 Would Dramatically Expand Alcohol and Normalize Gambling in North Carolina
By Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America Some weeks at the General Assembly are more discouraging than others, and this was one of them. On Tuesday, I appeared before the House Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee to speak against House Bill...
Letter to NC House ABC Committee Members with Analysis of HB 921 – ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill
Dear House ABC Committee Member, I am writing to respectfully share serious concerns about H.B. 921 – ABC & Gaming Omnibus Bill. Many of the measure’s provisions would substantially expand alcohol access, alcohol promotion, and the conditions that contribute to...
Lawmakers Take Aim at Social Media Harms to Minors
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America The North Carolina General Assembly’s Short Session is now fully underway. Bills from the previous 2025 Session that remained eligible because they passed one chamber are now being heard in the second...
Lawmakers Return to Raleigh: A Week of Signals and Substance
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America The North Carolina General Assembly returned to Raleigh last week to resume the people’s business. From the outset, it was clear that this session would be marked by urgency and uncertainty. With the...
Leadership or Surrender: The Marijuana Question
This article first appeared in the Charlotte Observer. The link is here: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/article315377742.html by Mark Creech A state advisory council appointed by Governor Josh Stein is urging North Carolina lawmakers to legalize...
Prepared to Lead: Answering the Case for Marijuana Legalization
by Dr. Mark Creech Director of Government Relations Return America As North Carolina approaches another legislative session, supporters of marijuana legalization are preparing an aggressive campaign to persuade lawmakers. Backed by a multibillion-dollar industry,...