State Rep. Bill Faison, an Orange County Democrat, wants a debate with likely Republican candidate for governor Pat McCrory on jobs.
Faison is talking about his proposal to increase the sales tax by seven-tenths of a penny, which he says will raise enough to restore teaching and teacher-aid jobs, and fully fund Medicaid and the government-subsidized health insurance program for children.
"What I'm trying to do is focus the attention of the Republicans on the jobs problem," he said. "We've got one, and it needs to be addressed."
McCrory did not respond to a telephone call seeking comment.
Faison talked government jobs in front of an audience of state employees this week with House Majority Leader Paul Stam of Apex on the other side.
A minority party state representative challenging a probable candidate for governor may add fuel to the speculation about Faison's personal jobs program. Not long ago, he was talking like a guy who wants to run for governor.
He said today that he's not going to challenge Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue in a primary.
"I'm trying to help people in the state" and help Democrats win control of the state House, he said.
