McLaurin

ROCKINGHAM — Former state Sens. Gene McLaurin of Rockingham and Bill Purcell of Laurinburg will join a 21-member panel that will advise the Main Street Democrats Legislative Caucus.

The 15-member caucus of moderate, pro-business Democrats on Friday announced the creation of a board of advisers composed of 21 former Democratic state lawmakers.

“We have excellent leadership serving on our advisory board,” said state Rep. Ken Goodman, D-Richmond, who chairs the new caucus. “These are former members who understand the political dynamics and know what it takes to win in tough districts.”

The advisory board will be a working group for the Main Street Democrats, the caucus said. Members will be involved in political briefings and provide strategic counsel for the group.

“We are pleased to have the experience, the knowledge and the support our board of advisers will provide to our legislative and political efforts,” said Main Street Democrats vice chairman Sen. Joel Ford, D-Mecklenburg. “We are continuing to build a strong statewide organization to help build a stronger Democratic Party and increase our seats in the state House and state Senate.”

Former legislators agreeing to serve on the advisory board include:

• Former House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman, Lexington

• Former Sen. Dan Clodfelter, Charlotte

• Former Sen. David Hoyle, Gastonia

• Former Sen. Michael Walters, Lumberton

• Former Sen. Gene McLaurin, Rockingham

• Former Sen. Bill Purcell, M.D., Laurinburg

• Former Sen. Don Vaughan, Greensboro

• Former Sen. George Daniel, Yanceyville

• Former Rep. Linda Coleman, Knightdale

• Former House Majority Whip Andy Dedmon, Earl

• Former House Majority Whip Marian McLawhorn, Ayden

• Former Rep. Ray Rapp, Mars Hill

• Former Rep. Cullie Tarleton, Boone

• Former Rep. Bruce Goforth, Asheville

• Former Rep. Gerald Arnold, Lillington

• Former Rep. Ray Warren, Hiddenite

• Former Rep. Ronnie Smith, Newport

• Former Rep. Jim Crawford Sr., Oxford

• Former Rep. Russell Tucker, Pink Hill

• Former Rep. Nelson Cole, Reidsville

• Former Rep. Alice Bordsen, Mebane

Lawmakers announced the Main Street Democrats’ formation when the General Assembly convened its 2015 regular session on Jan. 28. The caucus consists of self-described centrists who support pro-business policies designed to bring jobs and economic growth.

“We want to make sure there are more middle-of-the-road, pro-business, Main Street Democrats serving in the State Legislature,” Goodman said. “That way we can focus on the real issues facing voters on Main Street.”

The group recently launched its website, www.mainstdems.org, and official Twitter account, @MainStDems.