North Carolina – Democrats
Suspending Sanity
The logical reaction to Governor Perdue’s statement about suspending elections is “what was she thinking?” Fair enough. But the really nutty statements came from what one reporter called “the black helicopter crowd.” Like: Fox News: “NC Governor Recommends Suspending Democracy to Focus on Jobs.” Think Progress: “North Carolina Governor Proposes Ignoring Constitution.”…
Read MorePerdue’s “Joke”
The hot topic in Raleigh today is Governor Perdue’s comment – or joke, or quip, or gaffe – about postponing congressional elections. The Drudge Report went to DefCon 5. Local and national reporters called: “Is this a real problem for her? Is this part of a pattern? Is this a big story?” Insuring, of course,…
Read MoreBBQ Politics
Something about the combination of barbeque and politics makes political reporters salivate over writing a down-home story about how we’uns in Nawth Ca’lina don’t cotton to outsiders insulting our proud pork product. There has been a run of these stories since news broke that Rick Perry once dismissed North Carolina barbeque as tasting like…
Read MoreWill Perdue Run?
Rep. Bill Faison said out loud what Raleigh is whispering when he told WRAL’s Laura Leslie: “I certainly am aware that Perdue has her own problems, including the possibility of imminent indictments against some of her very close associates.” The rumor mill is churning: Will the Governor decide not to run in 2012? Then…
Read MoreThe Saga of Bob Etheridge
Last fall Congressman Bob Etheridge lost his re-election bid and suddenly – after thirty-two years in public office – found himself out of a job. But only for a month. The nimble Congressman quickly landed himself a new job (earning $98,500) as North Carolina’s ‘Economic Stimulus Czar’ passing out President Obama’s ‘Economic Stimulus Funds.’ Then…
Read MoreGay-Marriage Surprises
Constitutional amendments banning gay marriage passed overwhelmingly in other Southern states, I’m told, so one is likely to pass here, too. But think of the unintended consequences that may result. Republicans apparently realized that a November 2012 referendum might bring out a group of anti-gay marriage voters the GOP doesn’t want to encourage:…
Read MoreScratching Their Heads
For a decade Raleigh’s Mayor’s elections have been tales of Democrats trouncing Republicans which isn’t surprising as Democrats outnumber Republicans two to one but this year there’s an unheard of twist in the Mayor’s race: No Democratic candidate. Instead there are two Republicans and an Independent. Democratic Mayor Charles Meeker – who’s retiring –…
Read MoreWith Governor Perdue as an Ally
A little over a year ago an old friend (and Jesse Helms supporter) asked me to drive down to Albemarle to meet with a group of Republicans to help them in their fight with Alcoa Corporation. To make a long story short the argument between the local Republican County Commissioners and Alcoa boils down…
Read MoreJudges and Legislators
You’ve got to admire Judge Howard Manning’s nerve – he’s only a state district court judge but for years he’s been issuing orders to Governors. Judge Manning’s modus operandi is simple: He looks at the State Budget, looks at the Constitution, then declares if the Governor doesn’t spend more on this or that program it’s…
Read MorePriorities, Priorities
A TAPster notes a striking example of where the state spends and where it cuts: “Did the Jones Street Honorables notice a political paradox during their recent visit to Raleigh? “Just a city block away from the Legislative Building, work is concluding on the construction of several gleaming new state government buildings and…
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