North Carolina – Democrats
The Real Reason
Pat McCrory called reporters down to the Albemarle building for a press conference and said two words and near about gave liberals from Murphy to Manteo apoplexy. He said, Art Pope. And five minutes later ole Chris Fitzsimmons was howling on Twitter, The Pope Administration begins…and about an hour later the Democratic Party…
Read MoreThe Budget Pope
Art Pope is both a good target for Democrats and a good choice for Governor-elect McCrory. Democrats get to skewer him as a rich, right-wing puppet master who will pull McCrory’s strings while running and ruining North Carolina. McCrory gets three things: Pope knows the budget in and out. He knows how Raleigh…
Read More$250,000 a Month
Two years ago as businesses were struggling through the recession, a family business in eastern North Carolina that cares for shut-ins and older people in their homes received a letter from PCG Corporation of Boston saying, We’re coming to audit the payments you’ve received from Medicaid. Earlier, PCG (the ‘Public Consulting Group’) had told…
Read MoreBattle Lines
Even if he doesn’t (as is rumored) become Governor-elect McCrory’s budget director, Art Pope will be a power. So – despite its disclaimers – let’s assume the Civitas Institute channels Pope’s thinking when it proposes doing away with the state income tax and replacing it with a broader sales tax. And let’s assume…
Read MoreShadow Governments
Behind the controversy over Governor-elect McCrory’s foundation-fundraiser on Inaugural Day, there’s a story about “shadow governments.” Since Democrats have time on their hands, they should take note of how these governments-in-waiting can develop ideas, leaders and public support. Exhibit A is the John Locke Foundation. You may not like it, but give Art…
Read MoreLegacy Time
As their time in office winds down, Governors and Presidents often come down with LLS – Legacy-Leaving Syndrome. Symptoms include a sudden fever to leave on a high note, a thirst to do something big and memorable. Side effects include a tendency to overreach (see Haley Barbour and Bill Clinton). LLS actually can…
Read MoreDix Politics
This isn’t the first Dix land fight. And it’s not the first time the state did the right thing despite short-sighted politicians. Exactly 28 years ago, in late 1984, another outgoing governor had plans for Dix land. Governor Hunt wanted to give a chunk of it to N.C. State University for a research park.…
Read MoreHow Democrats Can Win on Voter ID
It’s shameful that Republicans believe their political future rests on voter suppression. But Democrats can turn this chicken shit into chicken salad. First they tell voters: “Republicans are doing all they can to make sure only angry old white men can vote. If you’re young, old, a minority or anyone who doesn’t look like…
Read MoreAnother Perdue Gift
Well, Governor Perdue’s stepped in another mess. She’s announced she’s going to sidestep the normal nominating process (she set up) to pick a new Supreme Court Judge before Pat McCrory takes office. Perdue explained how her plan made sense, saying, I can’t imagine that the person I select will be anything but the finest…
Read MorePerdue’s Last Gift
For Republicans it was like old times – just when they were getting into a funk because they won’t have Governor Perdue fumbling through press conferences anymore, instead of riding quietly in the sunset the Governor held one last press conference. And it was like manna from heaven. Senator Phil Berger (meta-phorically) let out a…
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