Ken Lewis wants to make it clear: He’s not going to challenge Governor Perdue for the Democratic nomination next year. In an earlier blog, I wrote that some people had mentioned his name. But Lewis called me today to make it clear that he’s not interested and he’ll be supporting Perdue for reelection. …
Read MoreLike ‘em or not, hand it to legislative Republicans: They’re off to a fast start. A veteran legislative reporter told me yesterday it feels more like the harried end of a session than the beginning. And the Republicans have set about doing what they promised to do: cut spending, cut rules and regulations,…
Read MoreWRAL’s Cullen Browder reported last night that Governor Perdue “shrugged off” a Washington Post’s blog that she’s the most vulnerable Democratic governor in the country. She has two good reasons to do so: the legislature and Barack Obama. Her reelection chances won’t really come into focus until we clear the carnage and count…
Read MoreSenator Bob Rucho’s rant on the Senate floor last week probably reflects the humiliations he suffered when Democrats ruled the legislature with iron hands. It also reflects the overreach that is the biggest threat to the Republican’s current majorities. As in: “Hang on, it’s going to take us a little time to recover…
Read MoreIt didn’t take long to commence firing. Republicans in the legislature said they’re cutting spending, and Governor Perdue said they’re jeopardizing jobs. The Gov’s office started Tweeting: “Senate debating proposal to raid NC’s jobs money. It would guarantee new jobs, business go to other states.” “Va. Gov has already asked for…
Read MoreGovernor Perdue has good reason to be happy the Democratic convention will be in Charlotte next year (see blog below). But that could also box her in on some critical decisions this year. Exhibit A: the Republicans’ bill calling for repeal of health-care reform. Surely, the bill will pass the legislature. Does…
Read MoreGovernor Perdue called the choice of Charlotte for the Democratic convention “fantastic.” One of her advisers emailed me: “If you are posting on today’s announcement, all good from our point of view. People and resources in state, not to mention that O will be competing in NC!” As Carter told Rob Christensen in today’s…
Read MoreOne of best things The News & Observer ever did was to get rid of staff-written obituaries. Now, friends and family members write their own. So the obit page has some of the most interesting stories in the paper. Witness today’s portrayal of Helen Daniels, “a quintessential Outer Banker, (who) passed away peacefully, in…
Read MoreA friend who is knowledgeable about the state budget gave me this factoid: Extending the “temporary” one-cent sales-tax increase would get North Carolina through the budget crisis without laying off one teacher or teacher assistant. No cuts in the classroom. For Governor Perdue, that could be a fight worth fighting. Yes,…
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