The House elected Mitchell, Parrish and six others March 20. The next day, House Republicans announced there had been a vote tallying error and removed James Nance of Albemarle, replacing him with George A. Sywassink of Hilton Head, S.C.
Sywassink owns Standard Holding Co., which owns a Charlotte-based commercial freight company. The company contributed $25,000 to Tillis’ super PAC. State campaigns cannot accept corporate contributions, while super PACs can.
Sywassink said he has been a long-time supporter of Tillis. His appointment had nothing to do with his contribution, he said.
“I happen to think Thom Tillis would do a very good job as a senator,” Sywassink said. “That’s all I have to say.”
Cindy Marrelli-Watko of Raleigh, who gave $10,000, has supported Tillis for the past five years and is on the super PAC board. A former IBM consultant, like Tillis, she said she is open to an appointment but really aims to see more women involved in politics.
“I want to see more talented women on boards and commissions, and get more women in political offices,” she said. “I’m surprised there aren’t more women involved.”