People In Politics


People in Politics June 20, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 18 June 2015 16:30

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Did a North Carolina state senator use his campaign funds for personal living expenses? The State Board of Elections has referred the case of Republican Sen. Fletcher Hartsell to prosecutors for investigation. Host Donna Martinez gets the details of the election board’s report from Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson, who also discusses the complex nature of campaign finance law. Then the two delve into comments from new Republican Party Chairman Hasan Harnett about his next steps and working relationship with GOP establishment officials, as well the announcement by former U.S. Senate candidate Heather Grant that she will seek the GOP nomination for Insurance Commissioner. Next is a look at the political dynamics of Sen. Richard Burr’s re-election bid and the ramped up North Carolina campaign structure of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. Then Martinez talks with Elon University Poll Director Kenneth Fernandez, who offers perspective on the views North Carolinians express about the U.S. Supreme Court and key issues and cases that are pending before the high court and which are the subject of much political debate.
 
People in Politics June 13, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Friday, 12 June 2015 06:01

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State Democrats elected a new chairwoman earlier this year, and now state Republicans have done the same. Host Donna Martinez delves into the intrigue surrounding the election of Hasan Harnett as GOP Chairman with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson. The two discuss the intrigue on the convention floor as the Republican establishment candidate – Craig Collins – found himself out-gunned by grassroots activist Harnett, who ran the 12th District congressional campaign of Vince Coakley. Henderson explains the dynamics for Republicans moving forward into 2016. The two also delve into the unexpected resignation from the legislature of Democratic Rep. Rick Glazier of Cumberland County. Glazier announced he will leave his seat mid-term in order to lead the liberal advocacy group, the N.C. Justice Center. Next you’ll hear brief comments from one of the people whose policies Glazier is likely to oppose: Gov. Pat McCrory. The governor spoke in Fayetteville this week about his transportation and infrastructure bond proposals. That’s followed by Glazier’s words on the N.C. House floor as he told his colleagues about his decision to leave the General Assembly. And finally, we look at fascinating new polling data that compares N.C. voter attitudes from 2005 to 2015. Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute gives Martinez the rundown of how views have, and haven’t, changed in North Carolina over the past decade, and how voter registrations have changed.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 June 2015 15:28
 
People in Politics June 6, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 11 June 2015 12:10

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This week, we look at the impact of women in North Carolina politics. Host Donna Martinez talks with Meredith College Professor David McLennan about his latest research. McLennan discusses his view that women must be heavily recruited and he talks about the many role models in our state for women interested in running. The professor’s research has found that when women make the decision to run, they have a very good chance of winning the seat. That’s followed by a conversation about 2016 presidential politics with former White House political director Jonathan Felts. Martinez and Felts discuss both the Republican and Democratic fields and the tough road that is the primary process.
 
 
People in Politics May 30, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Monday, 01 June 2015 05:48

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This week, host Donna Martinez focuses on the legislature. After months in session the bills are heading to Governor Pat McCrory's desk. We hear from the Governor on two key pieces of legislation. The first honors the lake state legislator Jim Fulghum of Wake County. You'll hear the governor's comments at the signing ceremony for the teen Skin Cancer Prevention Act. Then you'll hear the governor discuss why he signed a.law that protects the disabled and the elderly from abuse in group and nursing homes in North Carolina. That is followed by a discussion with Carolina Journal's Rick Henderson about the latest efforts by national Democrats to encourage former US Senator Kay Hagan to challenge Republican Senator Richard Burr. And finally,  Martinez talks with Democratic political consultant Thomas Mills about the Democratic Party's view of actions taken so far by the state legislature and the governor.

Last Updated on Monday, 01 June 2015 16:55
 
People in Politics May 23, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Tuesday, 26 May 2015 07:01

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This Memorial Day weekend, host Donna Martinez talks about the impact of North Carolina’s military bases and veterans with Ilario Pantano, director of the state’s Division of Veterans Affairs. They also discuss  the political debate over whether the state should elevate military and veterans affairs to a Cabinet level state agency, as Gov. Pat McCrory has proposed. Pantano explains why he and the governor believe the move is one that will enhance efficiency, help veterans, and ensure that the state’s #2 industry is given the attention it deserves. Military and defense represents a $48 billion annual economic impact, behind only agriculture at more than $70 billion. Pantano also discusses the state’s new veterans treatment courts, the “veteran as victor” approach he takes in his job, and why some people choose to serve while others don’t. That’s followed by Martinez’s discussion earlier this year with the head of the state’s Democratic Party, Patsy Keever. The two spoke following Keever’s election to the post.  They discuss what it means to be a North Carolina Democrat and the challenges the party faces as it finds itself in the minority following decades of being in the power seat.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 May 2015 16:46
 
People in Politics May 16, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Friday, 15 May 2015 05:56

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New polling data shows Gov. Pat McCrory is gaining ground in his job approval rating. Host Donna Martinez talks with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson about the poll of registered voters conducted by the Civitas Institute, which gives the governor a 53 percent job approval rating. The poll also shows President Obama continues to have difficulty with North Carolinians, with his approval at just 46 percent. The two also discuss the potential matchup between McCrory and Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, who continues to speak out against Republican policies with Democratic groups, as well as the potential impact of a safe race for U.S. Senate Richard Burr on the gubernatorial outcome.  Then we hear from 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers about bipartisanship in the U.S. Congress and her view of the Affordable Care Act. That’s followed by Martinez’ discussion with national pollster Kellyanne Conway. They talk about voter trends Conway is finding in her focus groups, Sen. Hillary Clinton’s dominance of the Democratic Party’s side of the contest, the wide open field on the Republican side, and the role women and “older young people” will play in the presidential race.
Last Updated on Thursday, 21 May 2015 07:57
 
People in Politics May 9, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Monday, 11 May 2015 05:51

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U.S. Senator Richard Burr wants another term in Washington, but which Democrat will he face for re-election? Host Donna Martinez gets details on a new polling matchup between Burr and former Congressman Mike McIntyre from Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson. The two also discuss which high-profile Democrats have passed on the Senate race and what the Washington pundits have to say about Burr’s chances in 2016, as well as word from state Auditor Beth Wood that she will seek another term as the state’s chief auditor. Martinez also provides an update on the state Republican convention lineup and approval ratings for the president recently released by Elon University. That’s followed by a discussion with former White House political director Jonathan Felts, who’s now a partner in the Raleigh public affairs firm The Results Company. Felts and Martinez discuss the growing slate of GOP presidential candidates, North Carolina’s influence on the 2016 cycle, and why Democrat Hillary Clinton is getting a challenge from her party’s Leftist flank.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 13 May 2015 12:54
 
People in Politics May 2, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 06 May 2015 16:09

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They’re back. Anti-Republican protesters descend on the General Assembly for another round of protests against policies they say are wrong-headed, even “sinful.” You’ll hear remarks made at a news conference by Rev. William Barber, head of the N.C. NAACP, who leads the protest movement along with other progressive activists. Then host Donna Martinez gets reaction to the reverend’s comments from Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal. The two also discuss the latest Elon University poll results for the General Assembly and the hypothetical gubernatorial matchup between Gov. Pat McCrory and Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper.  Henderson also reacts to a Howard Stern interview with Democrat Clay Aiken, who hurled vulgarities at the Republican congresswoman who defeated him in 2014, Rep. Renee Ellmers. Aiken was promoting his reality series “The Runner Up,” which chronicles his failed bid for the 2nd District seat in the U.S. Congress. That’s followed by Martinez’ conversation with Dallas Woodhouse, a North Carolina conservative activist who was a guest of C-SPAN over the weekend at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in the nation’s capital. Woodhouse talks about the ambience of the event, which is the hottest political ticket in town each year. He also discusses the 2016 presidential and gubernatorial races.
 

 
People in Politics April 25, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 29 April 2015 11:32

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This week the U.S Supreme Court ordered the North Carolina Supreme Court to revisit the Republican drawn election districts. Host Donna Martinez talks with Carolina Journal's Rick Henderson, who explains why the state must look closely at a high court ruling related to Alabama. Henderson also describes reaction from both the Republicans who drew the districts and the Democrats who oppose them. Then the two discuss news that Republican Congresswoman Renee Ellmers of the 2nd district has drawn a second primary challenger. Henderson discusses the discontent felt by some of Ellmers' constituents within her own party. Then Martinez talks with the latest challenger, Frank Roche, about his second run at Ellmers' seat. Former Chatham County GOP Chairman Jim Duncan is also in the race. Next is Martinez' conversation with conservative activist Dallas Woodhouse, who has tickets to the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington D.C. He is a guest of C-SPAN along with his Democratic strategist brother and mother Joyce. And finally, Martinez talks about the presidential race with Kansas Lt. Gov. Jeff Colyer who was in North Carolina and attended a speech by GOP candidate Sen. Ted Cruz.
 
 
People in Politics April 18, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 23 April 2015 08:51

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This week President Obama held a town hall meeting in Charlotte about economics and, while there, took a shot at Republican lawmakers and the Governor by saying the state needs to pay its teachers more. You'll hear some of the president's general remarks and how Gov. Pat McCrory responded to the teacher comments. One of the people who wants to replace the president was in Raleigh this week. You'll hear remarks from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is seeking the GOP nomination for president. Then host Donna Martinez analyzes the comments made by the President and the senator with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson. And finally, Martinez talks about the latest polling data of North Carolina voters with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling.

 

 
People in Politics April 11, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Monday, 13 April 2015 05:55

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This week primary challenges to Republican incumbent Congresswomen in our state grab national headlines. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson tells host Donna Martinez about discontent with Reps. Virginia Foxx and Renee Ellmers. He also discusses the first installment of the Clay Aiken campaign documentary. They also discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's decision on our state's election reform law. Then N.C. Republican Party chairman Claude Pope explains the effort to move the presidential primary earlier in the year. Next is political analyst John Hood, who looks at the presidential race. And finally, Martinez chats with new state Democratic Party chairwoman Patsy Keever about the party's messaging going into 2016.
Last Updated on Thursday, 16 April 2015 16:25
 
People in Politics April 4, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Tuesday, 07 April 2015 12:18

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In an April Fool’s political stunt, the state Republican Party announced that Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper had announced his run for governor. Host Donna Martinez talks with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson about the news release issued April 1 by the GOP, using the URL, roycooperforgovernor.com. The news release came in response to Cooper’s attack on Gov. Pat McCrory and legislative Republicans via an ad on Cooper’s personal Facebook page. Henderson analyzes the political dynamic of a sitting attorney general who has all but declared his candidacy for governor. Then we turn to the political debate over religious freedom. As legislators consider the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, both sides have engaged in an emotional debate over the intersection of religion, politics, and culture. Martinez looks at both sides of the issue. First, Tami Fitzgerald of the N.C. Values Coalition discusses the bill, followed by comments from N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore, and edited remarks from Christopher Sgro of Equality North Carolina. That’s followed by a look at new polling data from High Point University. People in Politics Special Correspondent Bruce Ferrell talks with Martin Kifer about approval ratings for the president, the governor, and North Carolina’s two U.S. senators. And finally, we hear from Democratic political strategist Brad Crone about the state of the Democratic Party and what he expects from the General Assembly this session.
 
Last Updated on Tuesday, 07 April 2015 12:19
 
People in Politics March 28, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 26 March 2015 16:14

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This week, we look at the impact of women in North Carolina politics and data that shows while women make up 54 percent of registered voters, they hold roughly 25 percent of elective and appointed office. Host Donna Martinez digs into new research data with the report’s author, Dr. David McLennan, a visiting professor of political science at Meredith College. The two discuss challenges women face, efforts to recruit more women into running for office, the political affiliations of women, and some of the female role models in North Carolina politics. Then we turn to presidential politics with the announcement from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz that he will seek the Republican nomination for president. Cruz will make an appearance in Raleigh on April 13. You’ll hear some of his announcement made this week at Liberty University. That’s followed by a look at the debate over when North Carolina’s presidential primary will be held and the possible consequences for the GOP by pushing to move the primary from May to February or March. Martinez talks with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson about why the political class wants the move, and why national party leaders don’t. The two also discuss the large GOP field and the pros and cons for candidates who are part of a bruising primary election contest. They also look at behind-the-scenes maneuvering in Congress that helped bring 10th District Congressman Patrick McHenry into a position of power at a young age.

 

 

Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2015 06:12
 
People in Politics March 21, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 25 March 2015 05:46

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Gov. Pat McCrory headed to Washington D.C. this week to represent the National Governors Association before a U.S. House transportation committee. You’ll hear the governors remarks about North Carolina’s transportation reforms and why he and other governors are seeking a full partnership between the federal government and the states when it comes to interconnectivity of states and cities. The governor’s trip to Washington followed on the heels of a major victory in the courts. This week a 3-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the governor and against the General Assembly over the issue of separation of powers between the two branches of government. Host Donna Martinez talks with Catawba College political science professor Dr. Michael Bitzer about the importance of the ruling and the political dynamic at play between the executive and legislative branches. Bitzer also weighs in on the challenge facing state Democrats as they head into the 2016 political cycle with a new chairwoman on board but few options for gaining power in the legislator or U.S. Congress. Next is a look at Democratic Party efforts to roll back election reforms passed by the General Assembly. Martinez talks about two proposals from Minority Leader Larry Hall of Durham with Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson. The two also discuss new developments in the investigation of spending by Dana Cope, former head of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), as well as a 2016 primary challenge for 3rd District Congressman Walter Jones. And finally, Martinez and Henderson discuss the guilty verdict in the murder trial of Jonathan Broyhill, who was found guilty of killing Democratic political fundraiser Jamie Hahn.
 
Last Updated on Thursday, 26 March 2015 16:15
 
People in Politics March 14, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 12 March 2015 09:05

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North Carolina Democrats have begun to plan their strategy for the 2016 election cycle, and their plans are being engineered by a new state party chairwoman. Patsy Keever joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the Democrats’ challenge in North Carolina in the wake of multiple electoral losses to Republicans and why Keever believes her party’s message will resonate, particularly with the middle class. Keever also criticizes Republican policies, talks about the races her party will focus on, and acknowledges that Democrats must reach out beyond its traditional constituencies of single women and minorities in order to win back power. Then Martinez delves into changes afoot at the state Republican Party as well. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson tells Martinez about GOP Chairman Claude Pope’s decision not to run for a second term, the Gaston County Republican who has earned key endorsements for the post, and the hiring of a veteran political operative to assist the party. The two also discuss the complaint filed against Gov. Pat McCrory by the liberal advocacy group Progress North Carolina, new national handicapping of Sen. Richard Burr’s re-election prospects, and comments made by former Sen. Kay Hagan about why she lost her race to Thom Tillis.
 

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 March 2015 15:55
 
People in Politics March 7, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Tuesday, 03 March 2015 17:04

 

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Congressman G.K. Butterfield is settling in to his new duties as chairman of the powerful Congressional Black Caucus. This week, we revisit his rousing speech from his swearing-in ceremony earlier this year, in which he said we must learn from the past and focus on the future. You’ll hear some of what he had to say about his vision for the venerable organization. Then we turn to the challenges facing North Carolina Democrats, who are still finding their way in the General Assembly after another election cycle in which voters put Republicans in control. We look back at remarks made by a key Democratic legislator, Rep. Larry Hall of Durham, in the Democratic reaction to Gov. Pat McCrory’s recent State of the State address. That’s followed by a look at new polling data from Elon University. Host Donna Martinez talks with Poll Director Kenneth Fernandez, who discusses Hillary Clinton’s popularity in the state, as well as rosier approval numbers for the governor. And speaking of the governor, as he rolls out his state budget proposal this week, we take another listen to some of his State of the State address, in which he laid out the vision the new budget plan will help fund. 
 
People in Politics February 28, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Friday, 27 February 2015 07:12

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Hillary Clinton takes North Carolina. That’s what would occur if the election for president were held today, according to the latest Elon University Poll. Host Donna Martinez talks with Poll Director, Dr. Kenneth Fernandez, about the data that shows Clinton handily beating Jeb Bush in our state, and they discuss which candidates are catching on with their respective parties. The two also discuss North Carolinians’ views on gay marriage, abortion, and the energy extraction process known as hydraulic fracturing. Then Martinez talks with Democratic political consultant Thomas Mills about a new national report from Democrats, which says the party must reach out beyond its core constituencies if it hopes to rebound from devastating 2014 midterm losses. Mills talks specifically about the need for Democrats to appeal to white voters in the South. That’s followed by more perspective on the Elon Poll from Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal, who focuses on the data that shows Gov. Pat McCrory with a 4-point increase in job approval since October. The two also discuss debate among state Republicans about the best date to hold North Carolina’s 2016 presidential primary, and a possible primary challenge for 3rd District Republican Rep. Walter Jones.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2015 16:56
 
People in Politics February 21, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 25 February 2015 15:52

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She’s in! Democrat Linda Coleman has made it official: for a second time, she will run against Republican Dan Forest for the Lt. Governor’s seat. Coleman lost to Forest in 2012 despite heavy backing from the now-embattled quasi-union group, the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC). Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson talks about Coleman’s prospects with host Donna Martinez, including the distinctions between Coleman and Forest, who has confirmed he will seek re-election. The two also discuss data from Public Policy Polling that shows legislative Democrats are more unpopular than legislative Republicans and that a big chunk of the electorate still doesn’t know much about U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, who is up for re-election in 2016. Henderson tells Martinez about the developing national media narrative that ousted Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan may challenge Burr for his seat. Then we turn to more polling data from Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling. Jensen tells Martinez that North Carolina Democrats have already coalesced around Hillary Clinton in the presidential sweepstakes and that Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker is surging in popularity among Republicans. That’s followed by comments about governors he has known from Phil Kirk, who was chief of staff to two North Carolina governors and a U.S. Congressman. In a speech made in Raleigh this week, Kirk shares his memories of several of the governors. And finally, Lt. Gov. Dan Forest explains his educational priorities and talks about his admiration for legislators, who technically have a part-time job but who commit huge amounts of time away from home to fulfill their duties.

 

Last Updated on Friday, 27 February 2015 07:12
 
People in Politics February 14, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Friday, 13 February 2015 06:40

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He’s out. In a stunning development, one of the most well-known advocates seen regularly in the halls of the General Assembly has resigned his position. Dana Cope, head of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), stepped before the media microphones this week for a 1-minute resignation speech in the wake of a Raleigh News & Observer report that raised serious questions about spending of SEANC money on what appeared to be Cope’s personal expenses. You’ll hear Cope’s emotional statement. Then host Donna Martinez gets analysis from Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson. They also discuss the election of the state Democratic Party’s new chairwoman, Patsy Keever, and N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore’s meeting with Moral Monday protesters. Then Martinez gets the latest polling data surrounding the 2016 election cycle from Tom Jensen of the Democratic polling firm of Public Policy Polling. They discuss new data showing that in a hypothetical matchup for governor, incumbent Pat McCrory would beat Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper by five points. Jensen also provides survey results for Sen. Richard Burr, who will be up for re-election in 2016, and President Barack Obama, who continues to be very unpopular in North Carolina.
 
 
Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 February 2015 15:30
 
People in Politics February 7, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 12 February 2015 17:29

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In an 80-minute speech Wednesday evening, Gov. Pat McCrory delivered his vision for the next two years to a packed legislative chamber of lawmakers, cabinet members and high-ranking officials. You’ll hear some of the governor’s remarks about jobs, the economy, and education in his State of the State remarks, a biennial event. While the governor presented a hopeful message of accomplishment and new areas of focus, Democrats offered a much different message in the Democratic response to the governor. You’ll hear Democratic Leader Larry Hall, a House representative from Durham, discuss his party’s view that Gov. McCrory and Republicans have left the middle class behind. Then host Donna Martinez gets analysis of both speeches from Democratic political consultant Thomas Mills, who explains how he sees the next two years in policy and messaging for the governor and for Democrats. And finally, we hear from Republican Rep. Paul Stam and Democratic Rep. Grier Martin – both of Wake County – about the need to change the way North Carolina draws its election districts. A bipartisan group of legislators and advocates have once again begun the push for an independent redistricting commission.

 

 

 
People in Politics January 31, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 04 February 2015 17:04

 

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The General Assembly is back in Raleigh – with gusto! That’s how one North Carolina newspaper put it as lawmakers headed back to Raleigh to begin the legislative session in earnest following an organizational meeting a few days ago. But while Wednesday wasn’t the official first day of business, it was a consequential day, with legislation filed and committee assignments secured. Host Donna Martinez gets a review from Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation, one of the many lobbyists who assembled at the legislative building to say hello to lawmakers. Then we revisit comments made a few days ago by the legislature’s leaders about what could be ahead for the session. We hear from new House Speaker Tim Moore of Cleveland County and Senate Leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County. The two talk about their view of education policy and their working relationship with Gov. Pat McCrory. That’s followed by an update on the legal saga that has enveloped former Kinston Rep. Stephen LaRoque. This week he entered a plea in the case involving grant money his nonprofit group received from the federal Agriculture Department. Martinez talks with investigative reporter Sarah Ovaska of N.C. Policy Watch about the deal and what LaRoque could face. Then Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal explains why Rep. Renee Ellmers of N.C.’s 2nd congressional district could face a primary challenge in 2016. And finally, we hear the more personal side of the governor when surprises a Raleigh radio show host with a phone call. Mike Raley of NewsRadio 680 WPTF discusses gardening and pets with the governor as part of a 30th anniversary celebration of “The Weekend Gardener” program.
 
 
People in Politics January 24, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 22 January 2015 18:09

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Republicans have been very vocal about their plans for the new legislative session, but what about the Democrats? How will they find a way to wield power and influence as the minority party? Host Donna Martinez talks with Democratic political consultant Thomas Mills about the challenge Democrats face, what he expects from the new session, problems with the Democrats’ party structure in North Carolina, and why President Obama’s State of the Union speech signals a change in conversation about the middle class. Then we hear part of President Obama’s State of the Union remarks, as well as some of the Republican response, delivered by newly minted U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa. That’s followed by a look at how the president’s ideas and political rhetoric could impact North Carolina’s role in the 2016 presidential race. Martinez talks with Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal about our state’s earlier primary and why we can expect a parade of presidential candidates through the state this year, leading up to the early 2016 primary season. The two also discuss the latest news about three members of North Carolina’s congressional delegation. Rep. Patrick McHenry of the 10th district continues to add powerful committee assignments to his resume, while new 6th District Rep. Mark Walker has made a media list for his lack of personal wealth. And finally, 2nd District Rep. Renee Ellmers continues to confound her fellow Republicans with her positions on bills, this week opposing an abortion bill sponsored by fellow North Carolina Rep. Virginia Foxx.
Last Updated on Friday, 23 January 2015 06:29
 
People in Politics January 17, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 22 January 2015 06:21

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Goodbye Thom Tillis and hello Tim Moore. This week the North Carolina House of Representatives elected Rep. Tim Moore of Cleveland County as the new Speaker of the House while the Senate re-elected Phil Berger of Rockingham County as Senate Leader. You'll hear some of Speaker Moore's remarks. Then host Donna Martinez gets analysis of Moore from Carolina Carolina Journal Managing editor Rick Henderson. The two also talk about an ethics complaint filed against Gov. Pat McCrory by a liberal advocacy group, why some Republicans are mad at Congresswoman Renee Ellmers, and more accolades for new Sen. Thom Tillis. Then Martinez talks with Lt. Gov. Dan Forest as he begins his third year in office. They discuss his priorities and why he's planning to seek re-election.
Last Updated on Thursday, 22 January 2015 18:11
 
People in Politics January 10, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Thursday, 15 January 2015 13:55

 

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This week, Gov. Pat McCrory went toe to toe with President Obama in the White House during a 45-minute meeting. McCrory, who serves on the executive committee of the National Governors Association, attended with three other governors. After the meeting, McCrory addressed reporters and explained that Medicaid and transportation were part of the give-and-take with the president. Then host Donna Martinez gets reaction to the McCrory/Obama meeting from Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal, who explains why the Medicaid issue is key to McCrory and many other governors seeking flexibility from the federal government. The two also discuss this week’s swearing-in of a familiar name for a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court when Sam Ervin IV took his oath. Henderson discusses the continuing politics of electing judges in so-called “nonpartisan” races that are clearly conducted largely with partisan support. Henderson also weighs in on why North Carolina’s new congressional delegation is being touted as a group with growing clout, now that Thom Tillis has been elected as part of the Republican majority in the Senate and Patrick McHenry of the 10th congressional district has risen in stature and responsibility. Then we turn to comments made by veteran Democratic Congressman G.K. Butterfield of the 1st congressional district. This week, Butterfield ascended to the position of chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Following the oath-taking, Butterfield delivered a passionate speech about civil rights and the group’s agenda, which includes using legal avenues to pursue justice. You’ll hear him speak. That’s followed by perspective on the new 114th Congress from Duke University Professor David Rohde, who discusses the potential future of Obamacare, Thom Tillis’ agenda, and the role immigration reform may play in the 2016 elections. And finally, Martinez provides an update of North Carolina voter registration statistics, which show Democrats retaining a solid lead over Republicans.
 
 
People in Politics January 3, 2015 PDF Print E-mail
People In Politics
Wednesday, 07 January 2015 16:56

 

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This week host Donna Martinez revisits some of the most memorable interviews and political happenings of 2014. First, we look at the phenomenon of the unaffiliated voter with Catawba College Professor Michael Bitzer. He tells Martinez about the profile of this type of voter and why the segment is the fastest growing registration area in the state, despite massive registration efforts by Democrats and Republicans. Next is a look at why the polls of North Carolina’s  key U.S. Senate race predicted a Kay Hagan victory leading up to Election Night. Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute – one of the few pollsters who got the race right – discusses the dynamics of the race with Martinez, the makeup of the electorate, and plans for polling in 2015. That’s followed by a look at the challenge facing North Carolina Democrats heading into the new year after a disastrous 2014 cycle and the very public rift inside the party headquarters. Rick Henderson of Carolina Journal tells Martinez about the 2015 prospects for the party and some of the younger up-and-coming candidates that could spell a new era for Democrats. And finally, Martinez revisits her conversation with Dallas and Joyce Woodhouse following the now infamous  C-SPAN moment that has become an internet sensation and one of the most widely viewed C-SPAN clips of all time. Mom Joyce explains to Martinez why she called into the network during an appearance by her feuding political sons, conservative Dallas and liberal Democrat Brad, a former DNC official.

 

 
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