Carter Wrenn
Gary Pearce
Mr. Speaker, didn’t you guys learn anything from the Democratic scandals of the last decade? Lesson 1: Don’t stiff-arm Andy Curliss and the N&O. Ask Mike Easley how that worked out. Lesson 2: Don’t have a closed-door “policy committee” meeting at the Legislative Building to hear from special-interest lobbyists. Lesson 3: Especially when you’re…
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…
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. …
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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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Thom Tillis and Phil Berger fed the MAGA alligator. Then it ate them. Thomas Mills wrote…
Exactly 80 years ago, in 1946, Republicans took control of Congress with a simple message: “Had…