North Carolina – Republicans
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 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 MoreMoney Grab
Pat McCrory ran against a “pay-to-play culture of corruption.” Now his inauguration day features what looks like a special-interest money grab. His foundation fundraiser gives critics and the media an easy, negative story line for his administration. His strategy is: Suck up as much money as you can in anonymous corporate gifts. Plow…
Read MoreTransition Priorities
Here’s some sincere transition advice for Governor-elect McCrory – from somebody who’s been there: Focus on your key staff first, then your Cabinet. Every incoming Governor and President makes a big show about Cabinet appointments. Too often, they short-shift their key staff. Two examples: The Chief of Staff and the Communications Director will…
Read MoreCities and Republicans
The biggest demographic problem for the Republican Party may not be Hispanics, but cities – and increasing urbanization. In 2012, Democrats won in cities, and Republicans won outside the cities. The more urban a state’s population, the more likely it voted for Obama. Unfortunately for Republicans – in North Carolina and nationally –…
Read MoreWhat’s Wrong with this Picture?
When I read in the newspaper that the House Republican Leadership had given four Congressmen the boot, kicking them off their committees, for not loyally voting with the leadership I thought, Those guys must have been voting with the Democrats – but then I read one of the four Congressmen was Walter Jones the most…
Read MoreMcCrory Missteps
A veteran Raleigh observer says “Governor-elect Pat McCrory is off to a surprisingly rough start.” Here’s the TAPster’s critique: “He’s a seasoned politician but acts like an amateur (or a Wake school board member). Here are three examples of conflict where he should’ve known better: “The N&O busted him for not quitting…
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.…
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