Promoting Mayor Meeker’s Convention Center

Two Raleigh public relations firms have been having a ‘little tiff’ over which of them should get the most government contracts. Mayor Meeker’s Convention Center found a unique solution. It hired both. Capstrat – the Raleigh Public Relations firm – will receive a $12,000 monthly retainer. French/West will receive $4,000 per month. So, how about…

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The War and 2006

Having (apparently) escaped indictment, Karl Rove reportedly has returned to full action in the White House. Among other chores, he is said to be recruiting Republican candidates for 2006. Two speeches by U.S. Senators frame the dilemma that will dominate next year’s elections – for Rove and for Democrats. First, John McCain spoke out about…

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Take Fundraising Out of Lobbying

There is a simple – but drastic – step the legislature could take to prevent the kind of controversy swirling around North Carolina’s lottery: Ban fundraising (and even entertaining) by lobbyists. South Carolina already does that. North Carolina now bans lobbyists from making campaign contributions during legislative sessions, but not between sessions. North Carolina’s legislature…

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