After The Blue Ridge Times Exposed Smythe’s Radical History, Stein Forced To Pull His Nomination Due To Lack Of Support In State Senate

This week, Democrat North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced that he planned to appoint Jeff Smythe as a “Senior Advisor for Homeland Security” after Smythe failed to be confirmed by the North Carolina Senate. And Stein appointed Casandra Hoekstra to serve as the Interim Secretary for NCDPS, as they conduct a search for a permanent replacement.  

Back in December, when Stein first announced Smythe’s nomination, the Blue Ridge Times highlighted his soft-on-crime record. Back in December, we wrote, “Before that he served as the Police Chief of the Burlington. In the press release for the Governor’s office they touted his work on: addressing implicit bias, emphasizing de-escalation, and implementing behavioral health resources.” This is a classic example of the rhetoric used to push a woke agenda that led to the crime wave that occurred under Cooper and Stein’s watch.  

Additionally, The Blue Ridge Times pointed out, “during his time as the Police Chief of Burlington, data from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reveals that from 2018 until 2021 the Total Index Crime increased from 2,736 in 2018 to 3,160 in 2021. Aggravated Assault, Larceny and Motor Vehicle Theft all saw a substantial increase during his time as chief, then Stein hired him in 2021 to train law enforcement.” 

The Republican-controlled North Carolina Senate is required to confirm Smythe as Secretary. But they faced considerable concerns. This June, the Carolina Journal reported that Smythe faced considerable concerns other ethical concerns and his policing record. The Senators pointed out that Smythe was a current city councilor for the City of Burlington, which created a conflict of interest. Additionally, as Cops and Congress reported, a state audit found major over spending problems with the Department under Smythe’s watch.  

State Senate Judiciary Committee chairs, who are Republicans, Sen. Danny Britt, Sen. Warren Daniel and Sen. Buck Newton, said in a statement that it is their duty to advise and consent on nominations. 

“When law enforcement officers across the state raised serious concerns about the nomination of Jeff Smythe, we advised Gov. Stein his choice didn’t have the votes. He chose to withdraw the nomination. It is our hope that Gov. Stein nominates someone who puts the safety of all North Carolinians first,” the Judiciary chairs reportedly wrote. 

Tim’s Take: This fall, North Carolina voters will hear about Cooper’s long record of soft-on-crime policies that endangered North Carolinians from Murphy to Manteo. It’s essential to remember that as Attorney General, now Governor Stein was his right-hand man in enacting this agenda. The pro-crime policies are still the Democrat’s agenda, but now they are simply hiding it.