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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.