The chairman of the state Democratic Party finds himself in hot water – with some veterans in his own party – following his comment that North Carolina Republicans are “raping” citizens with their policies. Veteran Democratic political consultant Thomas Mills tells host Donna Martinez why he’s concerned about the direction and leadership of the party, and why the Republicans need to be held to account for their legislative actions. Then William Peace University professor David McLennan assesses the impact of protests against legislative Republicans by the North Carolina chapter of the NAACP. Next is a look at the tax overhaul laid out this week by Senate Republicans, who say it will result in a $1  billion tax cut. Senate Leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County and Bob Rucho of Mecklenburg County talk about the goal of the plan. That’s followed by a look at Gov. Pat McCrory’s stature within the national GOP. NC State professor Andy Taylor weighs in on what it means for McCrory to have been chosen to give last week’s GOP response to President Obama’s weekly radio and internet address. To find out more about the governor’s working relationship with legislative Republicans, Barlow Herget of SGRToday.com talks with veteran Republican lawmaker Leo Daughtry of Johnston County. Then we turn our attention to what could be the political comeback story of the year. Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford talks about his huge win over Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch for a seat in the U.S. Congress. His win stunned many in the political world, particularly since polls showed the race a dead heat heading into election day. Martinez talks with Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling about why firm’s poll, as well as others, so badly misread the public.