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A huge win for Charlotte tops North Carolina politics this week. Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis reports on news that Charlotte has been chosen to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Ellis also shares excerpts of this week's N.C. House floor debate between Republicans and Democrats over the federal health care law.

Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, stategovernmentradio.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, joins host Donna Martinez to analyze the poltical implications of the convention and the health care vote.

Following that, new N.C. Democratic Party Chairman David Parker joins Donna Martinez with reaction to the convention news and for a discussion of his strategy to rejuvenate the state party in the wake of massive 2010 losses.

That's followed by a look at fresh polling data with Civitas Institute President Francis DeLuca, who reveals the latest data on Gov. Beverly Perdue's popularity overall and within the Democratic Party, as well as North Carolinians' views of the state's economy and GOP efforts to exempt Tar Heels from the new federal health care law's individual mandate.

Then Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research analyzes the challenge ahead for Republicans as they redraw the legislative and congressional districts and Martinez shares more information about the National Enquirer's investigation into John Edwards, a coveted assignment for new Rep. Renee Ellmers, and a humorous anecdote about House Speaker Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County.

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Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss former Gov. Mike Easley's law license suspension and Gov. Beverly Perdue's bold proposals to Republicans that seized the media narrative for the week.

Then Dallas Woodhouse of Americans for Prosperity reacts to Gov. Perdue's proposals for limiting legislative sessions, going to an independent redistricting commission, and adding more transparency to legislative documents and communications. Woodhouse also discusses with Martinez the impact of a federal judge's ruling on the federal health care law on North Carolina legislative efforts to exempt the state from the law's individual mandate.

That's followed by a discussion with Rep. Bill Faison (D-Orange and Caswell) about his bid for the top job at the North Carolina Democratic Party and the impact of Republican control of the legislature on the state.

Martinez also updates several political news stories, including former Rep. Robin Hayes' desire to lead the state Republican Party and Sen. Kay Hagan's reported girls night out in Washington D.C. with 11 other female U.S. senators.

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People in Politics marks the passing of Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards, with a retrospective on her life from reporter Gurnal Scott.

Then host Donna Martinez and North Carolina News Network News Director Rick Martinez discuss Edwards' legacy, the announced funeral protest that was planned by the infamous Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, and the subsequent counterprotests planned by North Carolinians of all political stripes who sought to allow the Edwards family the space to grieve in peace.

Then Sen. Richard Burr comments on Erskine Bowles' deficit commission recommendations, the war in Afghanistan, Congresswoman-Elect Renee Ellmers' new challenge, and Sen. Burr's longtime friend Tom Fetzer, the outgoing chairman of the N.C. GOP.

That's followed by analysis from Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation about the influence of outside money on North Carolina's midterm races for the General Assembly and U.S. Congress.

Donna Martinez also updates the latest political news about losing congressional candidate Ilario Pantano, state Democratic Party plans to put a full-time tracker on Renee Ellmers, Gov. Perdue's election to a top job in the Democratic Governors Association, former state Sen. Fred Hobbs' $150,000 fine, the latest return on investment figures for the state pension fund, and more.

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Two of the state's power players assess the legacy of former Gov. Mike Easley in the wake of his guilty plea to a Class I felony for violating campaign finance law. Dana Cope, executive director of SEANC and Francis DeLuca, president of the Civitas Institute, join host Donna Martinez and offer their views on the Easley plea deal, North Carolina's ethics and campaign finance laws, and Easley's future. Then Cope and DeLuca discuss Gov. Perdue's political future in light of a new GOP-led General Assembly, the prospect of state employee furloughs and layoffs, and other possible budget cuts as a $4 billion budget hole looms.

That's followed by a look at how an Arizona case that will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court could impact North Carolina's system of taxpayer financing of some statewide election campaigns. Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation joins Martinez to explain the case.

Then Rick Martinez, news director of stategovernmentradio.com, the North Carolina News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh provides an update on the still unsettled "instant" runoff race for a seat on the state Court of Appeals, as well a several recent legislative appointments.

And finally, Donna Martinez updates state and national political stories.

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Gov. Mike Easley pleads guilty in a Wake County courtroom, ending both the state and federal investigations into his campaign finances and other dealings. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins substitute host Mike Davis to discuss Easley's plea deal, the unanswered questions that remain, and Easley attorney Joe Cheshire's tirade against the news media.

Then Rick Martinez, news director of NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, the N.C. News Network, and stategovernmentradio.com, joins Davis to talk about N.C. GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer's resignation and plans for 2011 , as well as the election of Rep. Thom Tilllis as the new N.C. House Speaker.

That's followed by a second look at the impact of the midterm election results. Donna Martinez talks to Tom Fetzer and Democratic political insider Gary Pearce about what the results mean and what comes next for Democrats and Republicans.

And finally, we revisit Martinez's recent interview with Democratic pollster Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling about the internal feud between campaign pollsters and public pollsters.

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Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss Republican Renee Ellmers' defeat of Democratic incumbent Bob Etheridge for the 2nd District seat in Congress. The race will be certified by the State Board of Elections on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Ellmers, anticipating her win, spent the week in Washington D.C. at freshman orientation.

Then Duke University Professor Mike Munger, the 2008 Libertarian candidate for governor, assesses the Libertarian performance in the North Carolina midterm election and discusses the Tea Party movement heading into the 2012 cycle. He warns that grassroots activities may be disappointed. That's followed by a look at the internal polling industry feud that is pitting campaign pollsters against pollsters who conduct polls distributed to the public.

Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling talks with Martinez about the campaign pollsters' allegation that early public polling hurt some of their candidates. Jensen also discusses polling in the wake of the midterms and how PPP's predictions stacked up.

And finally, long time Democratic strategist Gary Pearce talks about his new book Jim Hunt: A Biography. Pearce has known the former governor for 40 years and chronicles Hunt's legacy, his victories, and his defeats as he held office during turbulent times for North Carolina.

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Who will represent the 2nd District of North Carolina in the next U.S. Congress? Rick Martinez, news director of NewsRadio 680 WPTF, stategovernmentradio.com, and the N.C. News Network, joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the likely recount in the Renee Ellmers/Bob Etheridge race, the competition for House Speaker in the N.C. House, and Gov. Perdue's 2012 re-election run.

Then N.C. GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer dissects the big GOP midterm win, the expectation of voters for the new GOP-led General Assembly, his view of RNC Chairman Michael Steele, and Gov. Perdue's re-election prospects.

Then Democratic insider Gary Pearce provides perspective on the road ahead for N.C. Democrats and Gov. Perdue. That's followed by a look at the Instant Runoff count in the race for a seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals with retired Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr. Orr also discusses the stunning vote in Iowa, in which three justices were ousted following their controversial ruling in favor of same-sex marriage.

And finally, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler tells Gov. Perdue he won't provide the budget cut recommendations she's asked all agency heads to submit. Troxler explains why he's not willing to do it.

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North Carolina voters have spoken and historic changes are coming to the North Carolina General Assembly as a Republican wave engulfs state-level races. Josh Ellis, capital reporter for stategovernmentradio.com, joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the power change from Democrat to Republican in both chambers of the legislature and the emerging power players.

The analysis of the legislative and congressional results continues with Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation. They discuss the likely recount of the Bob Etheridge/Renee Ellmers race in District 2, and the surprisingly strong victories for Democratic congressional incumbents Heath Shuler, Larry Kissell, and Mike McIntyre. Martinez also engages Shaw and Gray in reaction to the vote against local sales tax hikes in 14 counties, and the overwhelming vote in favor of a constitutional amendment to prevent felons from serving as North Carolina sheriff.

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With the election heading into the final days of campaigning, the allegations are flying. Rick Martinez, News Director for StateGovernmentRadio.com, the North Carolina News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF joins host Donna Martinez with the details of campaign finance impropriety allegations made by the state Democratic Party against the state Republican Party, the GOP's legal action over reports of problems with touch-screen voting machines, and the North Carolina NAACP's pointed criticism of GOP advertising about the Racial Justice Act.

Then Josh Ellis of StateGovernmentRadio.com joins Donna Martinez to discuss the latest early voting data, while Public Policy Polling's Tom Jensen analyzes his firm's latest poll data as the election nears. That's followed by a brief look at comments made by the three U.S. Senate candidates about the stimulus package, Social Security, and the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

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StateGovernmentRadio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss early voting tallies and what the strategists on both sides of the aisle are saying about turnout so far.

Then Rick Martinez, News Director of stategovernmentradio.com, the North Carolina News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF, joins the show to analyze the dust-up at Winston Salem State University, and the reaction by the local GOP and universities officials, over an e-mail sent to 6.400 WSSU employees and students that encouraged them to vote early and vote for Democrats. Who sent the email is still unknown. Martinez also updates listeners on Bill Clinton's campaigning on behalf of Rep. Heath Shuler and on the latest developments in the Rielle Hunter lawsuit against ex-John Edwards aide Andrew Young.

Then retired North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr talks about the challenges faced by judicial candidates in stumping for voters, and the challenge for voters in assessing candidates.

That's followed by conversations with two people vying for a seat on the N.C. Court of Appeals: Judge Rick Elmore and Steven Walker.

Then Donna Martinez talks with Erica Holloway of the Speakers Education Project about the power of the U.S. House Speaker and the group's push to get congressional candidates to say for whom they will vote, if elected.

And finally, Martinez reports on some of the latest fundraising totals in key N.C. congressional races, on Donald Rumsfeld's venture into Twitter, and on White House Spokesman Robert Gibbs' election prediction.

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The U.S. Senate candidates held their first statewide debate this week. StateGovernmentRadio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to assess the performance of Republican Sen. Richard Burr and his Democratic challenger, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

Then we revisit candidate remarks from the debate, which was sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation and hear from the candidates on the stimulus package, the Pentagon budget, the War in Afghanistan, and health care reform. Later in the week, Libertarian candidate Mike Beitler joined Burr and Marshall for a debate sponsored by NBC 17 and the League of Women Voters. We hear their comments on the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy, as well as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Then the subject turns to gubernatorial power. Jeannette Doran of the North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law joins Martinez to explain the recent N.C. Supreme Court ruling, which by a 3-3 vote, let stand a lower court ruling that said Gov. Mike Easley did not have the authority to move $80 million from the Highway Trust Fund to the General Fund to balance the budget.

And finally, Martinez reports on another state legislator who's the subject of comic relief on Saturday Night Live.

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The federal investigation into the campaign finances of former Sen. John Edwards took a turn this week as Edwards' attorney confirmed that sources tell him 20 subpoenas have been issued in the case. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the potential legal implications of allegations that donor money was funneled to Edwards' mistress Rielle Hunter. Henderson also discusses the investigation into Gov. Beverly Perdue's campaign flights.

Then StateGovernmentRadio.com's Josh Ellis joins Martinez with an update on former North Carolina House Speaker Jim Black, who was recently released from federal prison and returned to North Carolina. Black, a Charlotte-area Democrat, reportedly may write a book.

Then the Republican seeking to unseat Sen. President Pro Tem Marc Basnight -- Beaufort County Commissioner Hood Richardson -- joins Martinez to explain why he's taking on one of the powerful and popular Democratic members of the Senate.

That's followed by a discussion with Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate Mike Beitler, who was invited to participate in one televised debate with Richard Burr and Elaine Marshall next week, but not invited to another.

Then Raleigh News & Observer political columnist Rob Christensen assesses the Senate race and key congressional races.

Finally, Martinez reports on D.C. rumors that NC State alum and current White House spokesman Robert Gibbs may be in line for the top job at the Democratic National Committee, as well as the controversy over Republican Rep. Larry Brown's e-mail to other GOP state legislators that included degrading words about gays and lesbians, and the unsolicited advice Presidents Obama and Bush are getting from TV star Cesar Millan, the man known as the Dog Whisperer.

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An abrupt staff resignation of a key state official -- Revenue Secretary Ken Lay -- headlines a rocky week for Gov. Beverly Perdue. Rick Martinez, news director of StateGovernmentRadio.com, the North Carolina News Network and NewsRadio 680 WPTF joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the bad publicity that came Perdue's way after Lay told the media she had known about a policy that made it more difficult for taxpayers who had overpaid to get their money back. Rick and Donna also discuss why the person named to oversee the troubled SBI crime lab backed out of the job, and the excess payouts of unemployment insurance made by the Employment Security Commission.

Then Chris Hayes of the Civitas Institute analyzes the key North Carolina Senate races that will make or break the Democrats' efforts to retain control the chamber. Multiple retirements from the Democratic ranks, along with shifting political winds in the Republicans' favor, give the GOP a good chance of taking control of the chamber.

Then Democratic political strategist Perry Woods expresses his concerns over the Instant Runoff Voting process that will be used in one Court of Appeals race, should one of the 13 candidates not garner a majority of the vote. IRV is a problem waiting to happen, says Woods, and voters should be prepared.

Then Martinez discusses the push to raise money by several congressional candidates, N.C. Senate Majority Leader Martin Nesbitt's warning to Democrats that a 1994-style GOP landslide could be coming unless Democrats turn out in November, and Archie Comics' plan to put President Obama and Sarah Palin on a comic books cover -- this time as "the Chicago Kid" and the "Thrilla from Wasilla."

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The fight for a seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals takes center stage as host Donna Martinez revisits her conversation with Judge Ann Marie Calabria, who faces Judge Jane Gray in November.

Then the subject turns to legislative politics. Can Democrats retain control of the North Carolina House of Representatives? Legislative analyst Chris Hayes of the Civitas Institute joins host Donna Martinez to discuss which Democratic and Republican House incumbents are on the bubble, and the political dynamics at play in the dozen or so seats that will decide which party controls the House next year.

Then veteran Democratic political strategist Gary Pearce offers an unvarnished view of the political landscape for Democrats as the party faces a cycle that could put Republicans in control of the U.S. Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly. Pearce also provides a preview of his upcoming book about former Gov. Jim Hunt.

Then Martinez explains the constitutional amendment that will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot concerning whether convicted felons should be allowed to serve as a North Carolina sheriff, provides details of a lawsuit filed this week against state Sen. A.B. Swindell by his Republican challenger Buck Newton, and gives an update on activities by First Gentlemen Bob Eaves.

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Can Democrats retain control of the North Carolina House of Representatives? Legislative analyst Chris Hayes of the Civitas Institute joins host Donna Martinez to discuss which Democratic and Republican House incumbents are on the bubble, and the political dynamics at play in the dozen or so seats that will decide which party controls the House next year.

Then veteran Democratic political strategist Gary Pearce offers an unvarnished view of the political landscape for Democrats as the party faces a cycle that could put Republicans in control of the U.S. Congress and the North Carolina General Assembly. Pearce also provides a preview of his upcoming book about former Gov. Jim Hunt.

That's followed by a look at concerns over Instant Runoff Voting (IRV), the process the state will use to determine the winner of the North Carolina Court of Appeals seat vacated by Judge Jim Wynn. Thirteen candidates are running for the seat and IRV will be implemented if one fails to achieve a majority of the votes cast. Joyce McCloy of the North Carolina Coalition for Verified Voting says the process may lead to serious problems. She explains her concerns to Martinez.

Then former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr talks about his view of nonpartisan judicial races. And finally, Martinez explains the constitutional amendment that will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot concerning whether convicted felons should be allowed to serve as a North Carolina sheriff.

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Wake County District Court Judge Jane Gray joins host Donna Martinez to discuss her campaign for a seat on the North Carolina Court of Appeals versus Judge Ann Marie Calabria. 

Then Martinez discusses with Tom Jensen of the Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling, the tough political environment for North Carolina Democrats and his advice that, based on strong disapproval numbers, Democrats should keep President Obama, Gov. Beverly Perdue, and Sen. Kay Hagan off the campaign trail. Then the focus turns to a court case that seeks to determine the power of the North Carolina governor.

Former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr gives a firsthand account of what took place in a Raleigh courtroom as he argued what's commonly called the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) case before the high court. The case stems from the 2002 move by then-Gov. Mike Easley to move $80 million out of the HTF to cover other state expenditures. Orr also discusses another case argued before the Supreme Court this week -- a case that challenges the state's restrictive ballot access laws for third party candidates.

Then, as the nation commemorates the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez, news director of the North Carolina News Network, to reflect on new details of that horrific day provided by then-Sec. of State Condoleezza Rice. Rice says she had a heated exchange with then-President Bush over whether he should return to Washington D.C. and that the secure bunker that sheltered many key officials -- including Vice President Dick Cheney and Rice -- ran short of oxygen due to so many people congregating in the area.

Finally, Donna Martinez provides an update on three televised debates that Sen. Richard Burr and Sec. of State Elaine Marshall have agreed to, as well as information on a speech by Karl Rove at UNC-Chapel Hill.

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Judge Ann Marie Calabria joins host Donna Martinez to discuss her campaign for re-election to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Calabria faces Wake County District Court Judge Jane Gray in November.

Then Martinez and guests Damon Circosta of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education and Dallas Woodhouse of Americans for Prosperity react to the latest sparring between Senate candidates Richard Burr and Elaine Marshall over Burr's first general election ad. Burr positions himself as a down-home North Carolinian in the ad, and Marshall says that characterization is a fairytale. Circosta and Woodhouse also analyze Rep. Heath Shuler's re-election bid against Republican challenger Jeff Miller in the 11th District, Republican Renee Ellmers' run against Democratic incumbent Bob Etheridge in the 2nd District, and Sarah Palin's endorsement of Ellmers, and the race between Democrat Mike McIntyre and Republican Ilario Pantano in the 7th District. That's followed by a debate between Circosta and Woodhouse over whether North Carolina candidates should be funded by taxpayer dollars and the $30,000 fine imposed by the state Board of Elections on the Beverly Perdue campaign.

Then the subject turns to a judge's exoneration of former lottery commissioner Kevin Geddings and the news about state Sen. R.C. Soles' run-in with a young man who's been in the news before. Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal provides Martinez with the developments. 

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The State Board of Elections has fined the Beverly Perdue campaign $30,000 for failing to disclose more than 40 flights donated to, and taken by, the campaign. Rick Martinez, news director for the North Carolina News Network, StateGovernmentRadio.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the details of the fine and reaction to it. For the political implications, Martinez turns to Dana Cope, executive director of SEANC and Claude Pope of the Wake County Republican Party. Cope and Pope also discuss Cope's scathing comments about a recent fundraiser for N.C. Senate Democrats, hosted by Ken Eudy, co-founder of the public relations firm Capstrat. Eudy has called Cope's remarks pathetic and defamatory.

Then the subject turns to the congressional races, including Sarah Palin's endorsement of GOP 2nd District candidate Renee Ellmers, and the latest twist in the 7th District race in which the Republican who lost the nomination to Ilario Pantano has endorsed Democrat Mike McIntyre. Cope and Pope also weigh in on Democratic efforts to retain control of the N.C. Senate and SEANC's decision not to endorse legislative candidates this cycle.

Then Martinez provides details on Bill Clinton's 64th birthday bash in the Hamptons, a new teaching role for N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, and a new iPhone App from Rep. Sue Myrick.

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N.C. Supreme Court candidate Judge Robert Hunter joins host Donna Martinez to discuss his run for the state's highest court and his background, including his service on the N.C. Court of Appeals.

Then Martinez revisits her recent conversations with Raleigh News & Observer political columnist Rob Christensen about the fundraising efforts of the North Carolina Senate candidates, with Civitas Institute Executive Director Francis DeLuca about poll results that indicate the mood and concerns of likely North Carolina voters in November, and with investigative journalist Diane Dimond about the political fall of John Edwards and his life in the wake of disclosures of an affair and child with his former mistress.

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Host Donna Martinez talks with North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Barbara Jackson about her run for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court. Judge Jackson, who faces off against fellow Court of Appeals Judge Robert Hunter in November, discusses her judicial philosophy, background, and reason for running for the high court.

Then the subject turns to the fundraising race by state legislators and the state's two major political parties. John Rustin of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation analyzes second quarter campaign finance reports and talks about which legislators have the most on hand and the role the parties play in the process.

Then North Carolina News Network News Director Rick Martinez discusses the flap over state Board of Elections chairman Larry Leake and executive director Gary Bartlett.

And finally, bestselling author Ron Kessler talks with Donna Martinez about the Secret Service and what he learned from agents about the defense of the president and First Family when he interviewed them for his new book.