North Carolina – Democrats
Job Killers
Yesterday I gave Republican legislators credit for a fast start. Today I wonder whether they picked the right fight to start with. Republicans say they were elected to cut spending. But Democrats denounced “the Republican job killing plan.” That’s “job killing” as in Obama’s “job killing health care reform.” Democrats already are getting into the…
Read MoreKen Lewis Says No
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 MoreFast and Focused
Like ‘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 MoreAmerica’s “Most Vulnerable”
WRAL’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 More100 Years of Disaster?
Senator 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 MoreThe First Shots
It 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 MorePerdue’s Veto Dilemma
Governor 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 MoreThe Bullseye State
Governor 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 MoreTeachers and Taxes
A 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,…
Read MorePerdue’s Road Back
President Obama’s speech and Speaker Thom Tillis’s remark define the chasm between Democrats and Republicans – and the opening for Governor Perdue in 2012. Obama talked Tuesday about “investments” that will “win the future.” Tillis said Wednesday: “I believe government needs to be as small as possible to provide for people’s safety, to…
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