People in Politics December 14, 2013 Print
People In Politics
Monday, 16 December 2013 11:40

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

 
In a sign that North Carolina’s 2nd District congressional race could be a referendum on Tea Party incumbent Renee Ellmers, business analyst Frank Roche has announced he will challenge the two-term Republican for the GOP nomination for the seat. Host Donna Martinez talks with Roche about his run to the right of Ellmers and his views on key issues such as the federal budget and entitlement reform. Then we turn to the holiday season and efforts by the wife of Lt. Gov. Dan Forest – Alice Forest – to help families of North Carolina’s deployed military members. Martinez talks with Mrs. Forest about why she got involved, how North Carolinians can help, and what Christmas means to the Lt. Governor and his family. That’s followed by a look at the growing candidate field for North Carolina’s 6th District – a seat now held by retiring Republican Howard Coble. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson profiles the field for Martinez. He also provides an update on a lawsuit involving Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper’s 2000 campaign committee, which is set for trial in April 2014. Cooper’s campaign is accused of defamation by the father of his Republican opponent, Dan Boyce, over a last-minute Cooper ad that allegedly defamed Boyce’s father, Gene, a well-known North Carolina attorney. Martinez and Henderson also discuss the resignation of Democratic state legislator Deb McManus of Chatham and Lee counties. McManus was arrested on allegations of embezzlement and quickly resigned her House seat. And finally, NC State political science professor Andy Taylor offers his view of the back-and-forth polling data on dissatisfaction with Republicans and Democrats alike. 
Last Updated on Monday, 16 December 2013 11:41