Gary, there’s not much I’ll argue with in your blog today except, of course, Republicans going left. (And I do tremble at the thought of John Edwards winning Iowa, even if it is at Hillary’s expense). I admire President Bush for trying to fight a war on terrorism. But, now, after a series of defeats…
Read MoreHere are my random observations from a night and morning of watching results – a refreshing change, I might add, from sitting in an election headquarters with a candidate: We’re out of Iraq. Maybe Dick Cheney won’t get it, but I bet George Bush does. Not since Carter lost over Iran in 1980 have the…
Read MoreThe Democratic Party had the cash in the State Legislative elections this year. They outspent the Republicans five to one – $5.8 million to $1.1 million. It’s a truism in politics that nine times out of ten the candidate with the most cash wins and Democrats gained seats in both the House and Senate. Post…
Read MoreSo how did I do on my 10 election predictions? Right on four and a half. Wrong on two (happily wrong on one of those). And we’re still counting the votes on three and a half. So I’m hoping I come up 8-2. My predictions from yesterday and the results: Democrats sweep nationally. It’s the…
Read MoreGovernor Easley may have just sent a huge signal he’s thinking about running for the Senate in 2008. Just before the election the Governor spent $100,000 – in ‘leftover campaign funds – on TV ads promoting his ‘prescription drug plan for low-income senior citizens.” (News and Observer; 10-31-06). Maybe, this is just the Governor’s way…
Read MoreMayor Meeker wants the City to set up a development corporation to buy the Dix Hospital site for $40 million. (The money would come from bonds, new taxes and donations.) Voters just passed a billion dollar school bond. Are they likely to favor another bond so the City can go into the land development business?…
Read MoreLast month the newspapers reported Governor Easley’s state ABC Board Chairman taking a junket to Ireland, courtesy of Irish whiskey distillers. It turns out that trip was the tip of the iceberg. ABC Board Chairman, Doug Fox, has also taken junkets to Guadalajara, Mexico, Aspen, Phoenix, Fort Lauderdale, Marco Island, Florida, and a second time…
Read MoreMichael Decker pled guilty to taking a bribe to vote for Jim Black. Black’s appointee to the Lottery Board was convicted of fraud. Black’s aide, Meredith Norris, plead guilty to lobbying Black illegally. And a lottery vender’s Vice President was also convicted of illegally lobbying Black. Defending himself, Speaker Black argues stoutly he can’t recall…
Read MoreWe pay 48¢ a gallon gas tax (30¢ state; 18¢ federal) but almost every day we read the state is delaying crucial road projects â like I-540 â for years. The News and Observer (10-29-06) has identified one reason: Earmarks. Perks for Congressmen. If youâre a Congressman building the most needed roads in the state…
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