Endangered Democratic incumbent Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina shook hands with President Obama upon his arrival in Charlotte Tuesday, an image sure to appear in Republican campaign ads this fall.
Mrs. Hagan, one of the GOP’s biggest targets in the midterm elections, has been accused of trying to distance herself from Mr. Obama but showed up to greet him at the airport, along with Republican Sen. Richard Burr of North Carolina and other dignitaries.
The president traveled to North Carolina to announce reforms of veterans health care at the annual American Legion convention. Mrs. Hagan still tried to separate herself from the president to an extent.
“I have told the president that promises alone aren’t going to get it done,” she said in her prepared remarks to the convention. “The Obama administration must understand that we need a complete change in culture at the VA.”
Republican nominee Thom Tillis and conservative groups undoubtedly will use the image of the Hagan-Obama handshake to tie her to president. The Republican National Committee said Tuesday that Mrs. Hagan has voted with Mr. Obama 96 percent of the time.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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