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People In Politics
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People In Politics
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Friday, 19 August 2011 23:00 |
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Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com joins host Donna Martinez to discuss a news conference held this week by state Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir, about his business activities related to two economic development nonprofit groups he operates. LaRoque denies any wrongdoing with federal dollars or other management issues brought up by reporter Sarah Ovaska of the progressive think tank NC Policy Watch. Ellis also updates Martinez on the fight over pre-kindergarten enrollment and funding between Gov. Perdue and legislative Republicans, the push to offer casino-style gambling in western NC, and the NC NAACP’s statement that it will sue over new congressional and legislative maps. Then we turn to the race for Congress. Martinez is joined by Paul Coble, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the 13th district. Coble, a conservative Republican who is the chairman of the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the former mayor of Raleigh, discusses his views on issues and why he wants to make the leap from Raleigh to D.C. Then the discussion turns to the potential constitutional amendments that may be considered by the legislature next month. Rick Martinez, news director for SGRToday.com, the NC News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, analyzes the social, fiscal, and election-related amendments that could come up -- most notably, a same-sex marriage ban – and the politics at play for Democrats and Republicans. That’s followed by comments from State Auditor Beth Wood about how she keeps politics out of her job as a watchdog of state government spending and practices no matter which political party is in power, and the impact of budget cuts on her office’s work. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 12 August 2011 23:00 |
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Both of North Carolina’s major political parties are raking in the dough. Jonathan Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation joins host Donna Martinez to break down the fundraising numbers for the first half of 2011 and explain why the totals show state Democrats don’t hold their typical, historical lead over Republicans. Kappler also discusses the controversial new boundaries for congressional districts and details the changes in voter registration in each district that lead critics to say they’re drawn for Republican advantage rather than for greater competition. Then NC Policy Watch reporter Sarah Ovaska joins Martinez to discuss her investigate reporting of Rep. Stephen LaRoque’s business dealings with two nonprofit economic development groups. That’s followed by Rep. LaRoque’s comments about Ovaska’s story, made recently to SGRToday.com’s Josh Ellis. Next we hear brief comments from former Gov. Jim Hunt about the state’s progress – comments he made this week at the N.C. Museum of History’s get-together for the release of some of his gubernatorial papers. We also hear Gov. Perdue’s view of the Hunt legacy. Josh Ellis also reports on the possible addition of casino gambling in western North Carolina, and Rick Martinez, news director of SGRToday.com, the N.C. News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh analyzes the political implications of the potential gambling expansion. And finally, Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research discusses the role of the growing “unaffiliated” voter in our state. Nearly one out of five registered voters is now “unaffiliated.” Coble also comments on likely legal challenges to redistricting maps from Democrats. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 05 August 2011 23:00 |
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North Carolina legislators will reconvene in Raleigh for a week-long session that will address proposed amendments to the state constitution. Among the likely amendments is one that would define marriage in our state as between one man and one woman. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation discuss the political implications of the debate and which political factions would turn out for the 2012 election to make their views known on the hotly debated issue. Shaw and Gray also discuss a potential amendment to term-limit legislative leaders, update talk about legal challenges to the new congressional and legislative boundary maps, and analyze the winners and losers in the recent debate over cutting federal spending and raising the debt limit, including Tea Party discontent with new 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers. Then 2008 Libertarian Senate candidate Mike Beitler discusses his intent to run for N.C. Secretary of State as a Republican. Beitler explains why he changed his party registration and the issues he would address if elected. That’s followed by a discussion with Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com and Rick Martinez of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh about political stories swirling around state Sen. Stan Bingham, Rep. Stephen LaRoque, and a former Franklin County sheriff. Ellis and Martinez also discuss the possible legislative approval of expanded gambling options in western North Carolina. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 29 July 2011 23:00 |
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The General Assembly adjourned this week’s session after high political drama that featured successful Republican overrides of vetoes issued by Gov. Beverly Perdue. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson analyzes key override votes on bills that touch issues as diverse as abortion, regulatory reform, administration of the Employment Security Commission, and medical malpractice reform. Some of the override votes saw Democrats joining Republicans. He also explains the political dynamics at play in the Republicans’ unsuccessful attempt to override Perdue’s veto of the voter identification legislation. Henderson also talks about the federal prison sentence of former Mike Easley aide Ruffin Poole, as well as comments to Newsweek by heiress Bunny Mellon about former Sen. John Edwards. Then Tom Jensen of the Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling reports the latest results of polls assessing President Obama, Gov. Perdue, and legislative Republicans. That’s followed by a look at political history with former N.C. Attorney General and Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten. Thirty-eight years ago this month, Edmisten, who worked for Democratic Sen. Sam Ervin on the Watergate committee, delivered the subpoena to President Richard Nixon for the infamous White House tapes. Edmisten recalls the constitutional crisis and behind-the-scenes politics. Then former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory discusses his political support, as evidenced in recent polling, should he decide to challenge Gov. Perdue for the state’s top job. And finally, House Speaker Pro Tem Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, assesses the work of legislative Republicans and the need to stabilize the State Health Plan. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 22 July 2011 23:00 |
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North Carolina Democrats find themselves in even worse political circumstances under the second round of congressional redistricting maps. How did that happen and who wins and who loses? Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rob Thompson of the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children and Dallas Woodhouse of Americans for Prosperity, who weigh in on the newly redrawn lines, what it means for Democratic and Republican incumbents, the double bunking of David Price and Brad Miller, as well as Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell, and whether conservative Democrats can survive in today’s political environment. Thompson and Woodhouse also discuss a ruling by Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning that challenges actions by legislative Republicans relative to the state’s pre-K programs, and they predict whether Gov. Perdue’s vetoes of several key bills are in danger of legislative override. That’s followed by comments from Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger, Republican of Rockingham County, on the challenge of balancing the state budget while allowing for enrollment growth in the K-12 education system, and the prospect of higher tax revenues in the future. Then Martinez reports on this week’s Federal Election Commission’s ruling that the John Edwards presidential campaign must repay $2.3 million to the U.S. Treasury. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 08 July 2011 23:00 |
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Much of the political focus so far has been on the potential rematch for governor between Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory. This week, host Donna Martinez focuses on the state’s #2 job when she’s joined by Wake County Commissioner Tony Gurley, who plans to run for the seat. Gurley discusses his background and goals for the office, should he be elected. Then Democratic Congressman Brad Miller of the 13th district comments about his political aspirations and the current impasse in Washington D.C. over raising the debt limit and/or cutting spending. That’s followed by analysis of proposed congressional redistricting maps from Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation. Kappler analyzes key districts, as redrawn by the legislature, and the implications for incumbents, challengers, and voters. Next, we explore the phenomenon of Twitter as a campaign and news tool. Recently, the Fox News Twitter account was hacked and ugly messages were tweeted over the network’s name about President Obama. The Secret Service is investigating. In North Carolina, a candidate for Congress had his name used over ugly tweets. Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF offers perspective. And finally, Donna Martinez details some of the reaction to redistricting maps from members of Congress, as well as a blog from Democratic strategist Gary Pearce about the N.C. governor’s race. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 01 July 2011 23:00 |
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Gov. Perdue used the veto stamp again this week to squash Republican legislation on abortion, voter identification, and medical malpractice. Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez, news director for the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh to discuss the political dynamics between Perdue and the Republicans and whether the GOP can override Perdue’s actions. He also explains why the N.C. GOP has issued an apology to a former legislator and gives us the latest on a re-election rumor about Rep. Heath Shuler of western N.C. Then N.C. State political science professor Andy Taylor delves into research about voter turnout in states that require voter identification. That’s followed by comments from Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville) about his vote to override Gov. Perdue’s veto of the state budget, and comments from Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) about the GOP’s legislative work to date. And finally, Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute discusses the latest polling data on the classic right track/wrong track question, as well as how Gov. Perdue and the Republicans are faring with North Carolina voters. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 24 June 2011 23:00 |
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Democratic state Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville/Vance) joins host Donna Martinez to discuss his decision to join with legislative Republicans and vote to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s budget veto. Crawford talks about constituent reaction, the potential political implications of his vote, and his future legislative priorities particularly as they relate to job creation in rural North Carolina counties. Then Senate President Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) assesses the GOP’s legislative efforts on the budget and other issues. That’s followed by comments from former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory about his possible rematch with Gov. Beverly Perdue and her performance to date. Then political strategist Brad Crone analyzes a potential McCrory-Perdue race. Next is fresh polling data from Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute. He analyzes North Carolinians’ responses on issues ranging from public education to spending, taxation, and the gas tax. Finally, Martinez provides an update on John Edwards’ court appearance this week, new plans for his daughter Cate, a national news article that features Rep. Renee Ellmers of the 2nd congressional district, and the announced November resignation of Rep. Debbie Clary of Cleveland County. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 16 June 2011 23:00 |
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This week, Gov. Perdue suffered a huge political defeat as her veto of the state budget was overridden by Republicans and five House Democrats who defected to the GOP’s position. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute join host Donna Martinez to debate the politics and the details of the spending plan, including funding for K-12 and higher education. The two also discuss tax policy enshrined in the plan. Then we turn to this week’s visit from President Obama to the Triangle. Gurnal Scott of the N.C. News Network details the visit, while Rick Martinez of NewsRadio 680 WPTF, SGRToday.com, and the N.C. News Network analyzes the politics of the visit. He also reviews the seven Republican candidates who debated on CNN this week, and provides an update on John Edwards’ legal troubles. That’s followed by comments from Chad Adams, radio host at The Big Talker in Wilmington, about new questions that swirl around former Democratic state Sen. R.C. Soles of Columbus County, and the ongoing fight by Republican Ilario Pantano to unseat Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 09 June 2011 23:00 |
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A war of words escalates at the General Assembly between Rep. Stephen LaRoque and members of the Legislative Black Caucus in the wake of Rep. LaRoque calling the NAACP a racist organization. We hear reaction from Rep. Rodney Moore (D-Mecklenburg) and a response from Rep. LaRoque (R-Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene). Then Rep. Mike Stone (R-Lee) speaks out about his view that his 8-year-old daughter was used as a political pawn by a Lee County Schools teacher via a writing assignment about cuts to the state’s education budget. Then host Donna Martinez gets analysis on both stories from Rick Martinez, News Director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Next, Peace College Political Science Professor David McLennan offers perspective on new polling that shows a drop in support for President Obama. McLennan also weighs in on Gov. Perdue’s re-election prospects. That’s followed by comments from Damon Circosta of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education, who discusses corporate cash and campaigns, as well as election reform legislation that’s making its way through the legislature. And finally, we hear from former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr about his support for reforming a law that puts 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds into the adult justice system. Orr wants judges to have discretion to divert the teens’ cases to juvenile court. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 02 June 2011 23:00 |
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This week, a political earthquake as former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate John Edwards is indicted on campaign finance violations. The six counts relate to money allegedly provided by wealthy donors Rachel “Bunny” Mellon and Fred Baron to hide Edwards’ mistress Rielle Hunter from the public. We hear Edwards’ comments after he pleaded not guilty in a Winston-Salem courtroom, and we hear from Edwards’ attorney Greg Craig about his view of the prosecution’s case against his client. That’s followed by reaction from former federal prosecutor Kieran Shanahan on the arrest warrant that was issued for Edwards and what’s ahead in the legal maneuvering. We also hear from North Carolina political watchdog Joe Sinsheimer, who has closely followed the case for two years. For additional analysis, host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Then we focus on the second major political story of the week – defections of legislative Democrats to the Republican budget. Will this handful of Democrats give the GOP the upper hand with Gov. Perdue? Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com joins Donna Martinez to analyze the political chess game and the pressure on Democrats to stick with their party on a budget Gov. Perdue has denounced. Then we look at legislative efforts at ethics reform with Jane Pinsky of the N.C. Coalition on Lobbying and Government Reform. Pinsky tells Donna Martinez about progress made this session on so-called pay-to-play politics and the possibility of redistricting reform. Turning to the 2012 election, Tom Jensen of Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling discusses the latest data on a Beverly Perdue/Pat McCrory re-match. And finally, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes comments on his party’s effort to oust Perdue and President Obama from office. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 26 May 2011 23:00 |
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Is Gov. Beverly Perdue gaining public support? Tom Jensen of the Democratic North Carolina polling firm Public Policy Polling joins host Donna Martinez to analyze fresh polling data on Gov. Perdue, particularly as it relates to a possible rematch with former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory for the 2012 race for the top job in our state. Jensen also provides data on how the public views legislative Republicans as well as his prediction for which party would control the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House if the election were held today. Then we delve into allegations of campaign finance violations by former presidential candidate John Edwards. This week multiple news outlets reported the Department of Justice has given the go-ahead for an indictment of Edwards, whose attorney issued a statement in response, saying his client has broken no law. We delve into the Edwards story by revisiting our late April interview with ABC 11 TV’s Steve Daniels about what his sources are telling him about Edwards’ potential legal jeopardy. Then we hear once again from two gentlemen who are already running for Congress. Progressive Democrat Cecil Bothwell, an Asheville City Councilman, is upset with conservative Democrat Heath Shuler. In this early May interview, he tells Martinez why he think there is support within the western North Carolina Democratic Party for a primary challenge to Shuler in 2012. And finally, Republican Ilario Pantano lost to Democrat Mike McIntyre last year in the race to represent southeastern North Carolina, but in this late April interview, Pantano explained to Martinez why he’s continuing to fight to replace McIntyre. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 20 May 2011 23:00 |
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One of former Gov. Mike Easley’s closest aide, Ruffin Poole, is sentenced to prison. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins host Donna Martinez to describe the courtroom scene as the man known as the “little governor” received his year-and-a-day federal prison sentence. Henderson also analyzes news of a federal investigation of Law Enforcement Associates, a firm with ties to former state Sen. Tony Rand of Fayetteville and former N.C. Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett. Then the North Carolina News Network’s Gurnal Scott talks to supporters and foes of a bill to ban same sex marriage in our state. That’s followed by analysis from NCNN’s Rick Martinez of the political reaction to the GOP push on social issues, an attempt to shorten early voting, and the visit to North Carolina by new Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Florida congresswoman. Then Donna Martinez referees a discussion between Dana Cope, executive director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) and Francis DeLuca, president of the Civitas Institute. The two analyze the impact on state and local employees of legislative budget decisions that will result in layoffs, this week’s compromise over premiums for the State Health Plan, the political implications for legislators who support cuts to public education, whether to lower the corporate income tax rate, and the push to change the state pension plan from a defined benefit to a defined contribution program. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 12 May 2011 23:00 |
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Is President Barack Obama poised to win North Carolina just like he did in 2008, no matter which Republican snags the nomination? NC State Political Science Professor Andy Taylor assesses Mr. Obama’s strength in the state, as well as the GOP field that now includes former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Sarah Preston of the NC ACLU also explains why her group opposes a legislative push to expand the state’s authority to collect DNA from those arrested on certain felonies. Next, Rick Martinez, news director of News Radio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, SGRToday.com, and the N.C. News Network, joins host Donna Martinez to look at President Obama’s polling numbers in the wake of the Osama bin Laden killing, including data that shows the president is enjoying a bump in his job approval rating but not in his re-election effort. Martinez also details the potential weaknesses the Republicans bring to the race for the White House. That’s followed by comments from N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis about the controversy over the number of state and local government layoffs that will result if the House version of the budget becomes law. Tillis also talks about how the session is going. In addition, veteran Democratic political operative Gary Pearce, who spent years with former Gov. Jim Hunt, analyzes the political chess game being played by Gov. Beverly Perdue and legislative Republicans. And finally, retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr discusses the growing talk about changing the way North Carolina selects judges, including a bill that would exempt appointees from having to run in the next election. Orr also offers perspective on the legal profession and the job outlook for North Carolina’s law school graduates. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 06 May 2011 11:59 |
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Rob Christensen of the Raleigh News & Observer joins host Donna Martinez to give a firsthand account of the N.C. Democratic Party’s Jefferson/Jackson dinner, at which Gov. Beverly Perdue ratcheted up the rhetoric against Republicans who now control the General Assembly. Christensen assesses Perdue’s political strength, use of the veto, and polling numbers as she rallies the party faithful heading into the 2012 election cycle as well as the reaction of Republicans. Then Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell talks about his decision to challenge his fellow Democrat, Rep. Heath Shuler, for the Democratic nomination for the 11th District seat in Congress. Bothwell, a progressive, tells Martinez about the progressive and libertarian leanings of the area. Then SGRToday.com’s capital reporter Josh Ellis gives Martinez the latest behind-the-scenes news at the legislature, including how the five Democrats who crossed over to support the Republican House budget are faring with their colleagues. That’s followed by news about John Edwards’ testimony in a lawsuit filed by his former mistress Rielle Hunter against former aide Andrew Young, and comments from state Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson about the debate electing or appointing the state’s top education leader. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 12 May 2011 12:23 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 29 April 2011 02:01 |
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Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-7th) won re-election by 8 points last November, yet it was the closest race of McIntyre’s political career. But the fight to represent southeastern North Carolina in the U.S. Congress doesn’t seem to over yet. The Republican McIntyre defeated – Ilario Pantano – has already announced he will challenge McIntyre again in 2012. Pantano joins host Donna Martinez to explain his continuing fight and his views on jobs and the economy. Then David Bass of Carolina Journal discusses the many social-policy bills that have been approved or filed so far this legislative session. They include several on abortion topics, one that recognizes an unborn fetus as a victim when the baby’s mother is murdered or injured, and a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. That’s followed by a discussion with Democratic political consultant Perry Woods, who talks about Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker’s decision not to seek a sixth term and why the Raleigh mayor’s seat is one of the most coveted mayoral seats in North Carolina politics. Woods, who has been Meeker’s strategist for years, also offers perspective on a bill making its way through the legislature that would scale back early voting, which was used successfully by Democrats in 2008 and by Republicans in 2010. Woods explains that early voting can be a double-edged sword for candidates. Next up is ABC11 TV’s investigative reporter and anchor Steve Daniels, who received a fascinating tip this week about the federal investigation into John Edwards’ campaign finances. Daniels explains why ABC11 put its helicopter in the air over the Alamance County airport. And finally, Martinez updates North Carolina voter registration totals, which show that unaffiliated voters now make up 25 percent of the state’s registered voters, and reports on a national political analyst’s story about North Carolina Democratic Congressmen Brad Miller (13th District) and Larry Kissell (8th District). |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 22 April 2011 06:06 |
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Tornadoes hit North Carolina hard on April 16, but where was Gov. Perdue? Reporters jumped on inconsistent statements from the governor's spokesmen about where she was all day Saturday and why it was 11 p.m. before she appeared. Rick Martinez, news director for the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, joins host Donna Martinez to analyze the confusion and potential political implications, including a public records request filed by the N.C. Republican Party. Then the subject turns to Perdue's fight with Republicans over the state budget, insurance premiums for state workers, and other issues. Perdue hasn't hesitated to use the veto pen, thwarting the Republican majority in the General Assembly. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Dallas Woodhouse of Americans For Prosperity offer differing views on the political and policy fight over money, redistricting, and requiring a photo I.D. to vote. That's followed by comments from Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research about the power struggle he's observing with Republicans running the legislative show, and we'll hear an update on former Mike Easley aide Ruffin Poole, who's facing a judge next month, and the details of N.C. House Minority Leader Joe Hackney's recent trip to Washington D.C. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 15 April 2011 22:34 |
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Gov. Beverly Perdue cranked up the rhetoric this week, saying legislative Republicans are committing "extortion" with their budget proposals. Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez, news director of the North Carolina News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh to discuss the political and fiscal battle, as well as this week's visit to Camp Lejeune by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden, President Obama's falling poll numbers with the left wing of his Democratic base, legislative efforts to term-limit Senate and House leaders, and the speculation over a possible indictment of John Edwards on allegations of campaign finance violations related to former mistress Rielle Hunter. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson also analyzes recent interview comments by disgraced former House Speaker Jim Black, who is denying elements of the corruption case that sent him to prison for more than three years. That's followed by comments from Attorney General Roy Cooper about reforms to the state's crime lab in the wake of a devastating investigation into misconduct by the lab, and comments from Democratic Congressmen Brad Miller and David Price about federal budget negotiations and government shutdown drama between Democrats and Republicans. Finally, Gurnal Scott explores this week's N.C. Senate vote that saw a Civil War-era North Carolina governor, William Holden, get a chance at political redemption. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 08 April 2011 02:00 |
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State lawmakers are spending plenty of time on the new budget, but they're also dealing with a slew of bills that would change election law in our state. Damon Circosta, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the push for a photo ID to vote and claims that it would disenfranchise the elderly and minorities, the push by Republicans to end public financing of campaigns, and bills that would add the political affiliation back to the ballot for judicial candidates and remove political affiliations from all offices on the ballot.
We find out just how testy legislators have gotten as they prepare to redraw the legislative and congressional districts, as required by law. David Bass, reporter for Carolina Journal, describes the rhetorical slings and arrows tossed by both parties over who will sit on the redistricting committee and what's ahead as the Democrats fear a loss of electoral influence and the Republicans eye a gain.
Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF, updates us on news media requests to unseal John Edwards' deposition in the lawsuit filed by his former mistress Rielle Hunter against Edwards' former aide Andrew Young. Martinez also talks about rumors of money woes for the state Republican Party, a breach of security at the Governor's mansion, verbal attacks on a Democratic primary opponent for Rep. Mike McIntyre, and President Obama's re-election campaign. Then North Carolina News Network's Gurnal Scott reports on constitutional concerns over state tax reform, and 2008 Libertarian candidate for governor Mike Munger explains why he left the Republican Party and offers a critique of the Republican majority in the General Assembly. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 25 March 2011 12:45 |
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Stategovernmentradio.com reporter Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the political maneuvering at the legislature over the proposed voter ID bill, the state Democratic Party's "turtle" ad that pokes fun at Republican legislators seeking to repeal the coastal plastic bag ban, changes to the state health plan, and allegations of illegal lobbying against a former state senator. Then Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) assesses the state budget challenge, the efforts to find common ground with Gov. Beverly Perdue, and pressure from interest groups who fear cuts in their state appropriations. That's followed by comments from Revenue Secretary David Hoyle about the role of his department in state administration and the knowledge gained during nine terms in the state Senate. Finally, the pulse of the North Carolina voter is on display in new polling from Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling about Gov. Perdue and her likely Republican challenger, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, and from Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute about state employee salaries, health care reform, and medical malpractice. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:12 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 18 March 2011 18:01 |
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Host Donna Martinez is joined by retired North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr to discuss the Court's recent ruling on third-party access to the North Carolina ballot - a fight waged by the Libertarian and Green parties for several years -- and the potential legislative action that could lower signature requirements for third parties. Orr also discusses the constitutionality of Gov. Perdue's plan to borrow nearly $500 million from specific funds to help pay state income tax refunds, as well as legislative pushes to require a photo I.D. to vote and to put back on the ballot the political party affiliations of judicial candidates.
Then the subject turns to a prediction by Democratic political consultant Joe Trippi, the man who first broadly used the Internet in political campaigns, that social media will propel a third-party candidate past front runners of the major parties and spell the two-party dominance. News Radio680 WPTF talk show host Bill LuMaye and Mike Davis, host of North Carolina's Evening News, offer perspective on this story and on word that former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is assembling a campaign team for a presumed rematch with Gov. Perdue in 2012. That's followed by analysis of changes likely to occur through redistricting based on new Census data. Jonathan Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation discusses which districts will likely see the most change at the congressional and legislative levels. And finally, Tom Jensen of Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling reviews voter opinion on President Barack Obama and the Wisconsin union protests. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:14 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 11 March 2011 17:57 |
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Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto of HB 2 -- the GOP-supported bill that would exempt North Carolina from the federal health insurance law's individual mandate -- and the Republican attempt to override the veto. You'll also hear the governor's comments on YouTube as she vetoed the bill, as well as reaction from N.C. House Speaker Pro Tem Dale Folwell (R-Forsyth) and former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who is rumored to be itching for a rematch with Perdue in 2012. Then the subject turns to Rep. Folwell's push to pass the fetal homicide bill and Gov. Perdue's controversial plan to borrow funds to make timely tax return payments -- a plan the GOP leadership opposes. That's followed by a discussion of 2012 politics with Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation. They talk about the impact of redistricting on 2012 races as well as the impact on turnout for both major parties if constitutional amendments related to same-sex marriage and property rights are on the ballot. Finally, the panel takes a look at probation and parole reforms being considered by Rep. David Guice of Henderson and Transylvania counties. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:16 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 04 March 2011 17:56 |
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Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation join host Donna Martinez to discuss the budget tug-of-war in Raleigh between Gov. Perdue, Republican budget writers in the legislature, and outside interest groups that are pressuring legislators to fund their programs and services. Shaw and Gray also weigh in on the issues that may play a key role in the 2012 election cycle, such as Charlotte hosting the Democratic National Convention, the redrawing of congressional and legislative districts by Republicans, and the possibility of the ballot containing a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, which could fuel turnout on both sides of the political aisle. Then Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory discusses his view of Gov. Perdue's budget proposal and responds to Martinez's question about whether he will challenge Perdue next year. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:17 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 25 February 2011 17:54 |
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This week a political showdown in Raleigh between Gov. Beverly Perdue, who issued her first veto, and the Republican-led state legislature. Joining host Donna Martinez to discuss the power and policy struggle over the state budget is Rick Martinez, news director for stategovernmentradio.com, the N.C. News Network, and News Radio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Rick also reacts to comments from Senate President Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) about questions of transparency when it comes to state legislators who access the state health plan, and Rick explains why Gov. Perdue is not expected to veto legislation that exempts the state from the individual mandate in the federal health insurance law. Then we hear from state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about his concerns over how Gov. Perdue's proposed budget treats his department. Next is an interview with former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who joins Donna Martinez to discuss his view of the state budget crisis. That's followed by comments from new 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers on the federal debt ceiling and a potential shutdown of the federal government. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:19 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 18 February 2011 17:52 |
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Gov. Beverly Perdue used this week's State of the State speech to outline her budget priorities and issue a challenge to the Republican-led state legislature to protect education and jobs. You'll hear excerpts from the governor's remarks and the response from Sen. Phil Berger, the Republican leader in the Senate. WTVD/ABC 11 reporter Steve Daniels joins host Donna Martinez to discuss his reporting on then-state Sen. Perdue's mid-1990s car accident in Raleigh and the subsequent FBI investigation into possible undue influence in Highway Patrol promotions. The investigation was closed with no action taken. Daniels describes what's in the FBI file and the response he received from Gov. Perdue's office. Then the Executive Director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), Dana Cope, joins Martinez to respond to Gov. Perdue's budget proposal, which would eliminate 10,000 state jobs, roughly 3,000 of which are currently filled. Cope also discusses his group's suggestions for closing the estimated $2.7 billion budget hole. That's followed by comments from Democratic political consultant Brad Crone about Perdue's re-election prospects and a possible primary challenge, and an update on legal actions involving John Edwards. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:21 |
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