Carter is a Republican. Gary is a Democrat.

They met in 1984, during the epic U.S. Senate battle between Jesse Helms and Jim Hunt. Carter worked for Helms and Gary, for Hunt.

Years later, they became friends. They even worked together on some nonpolitical clients.

They enjoy talking about politics. So they started this blog in 2005.

They’re still talking. And they invite you to join the conversation.

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Carter Wrenn

Gary Pearce 2024

Gary Pearce

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Fast and Focused

By Gary Pearce February 9, 2011

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,…

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America’s “Most Vulnerable”

By Gary Pearce February 8, 2011

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…

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100 Years of Disaster?

By Gary Pearce February 7, 2011

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…

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The First Shots

By Gary Pearce February 4, 2011

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…

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Perdue’s Veto Dilemma

By Gary Pearce February 3, 2011

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…

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The Bullseye State

By Gary Pearce February 2, 2011

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…

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Last Words

By Gary Pearce February 1, 2011

One of best things The News & Observer ever did was to get rid of staff-written obituaries. Now, friends and family members write their own. So the obit page has some of the most interesting stories in the paper.    Witness today’s portrayal of Helen Daniels, “a quintessential Outer Banker, (who) passed away peacefully, in…

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Teachers and Taxes

By Gary Pearce January 31, 2011

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,…

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Perdue’s Road Back

By Gary Pearce January 28, 2011

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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Education Governor

By Gary Pearce March 13, 2025

With a better General Assembly, Josh Stein could join Jim Hunt and Terry Sanford on North…

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The N&O Story

By Gary Pearce March 12, 2025

Once upon a time, there was a great and powerful newspaper: The News & Observer. Everybody…

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How Democrats Win Again

By Gary Pearce March 10, 2025

The shouting, sign-waving and cane-wielding by congressional Democrats at the State of the Union isn’t a…

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