Under the Dome blog

NCAE hedges on Senate leadership

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:43:49 -0500

The state's teacher lobby seems to be leaning one way on who it supports to replace Senate majority leader Tony Rand.

But the lobby isn't taking any chances on backing the wrong candidate, either.

In an e-mail to members, the N.C. Association of Educators says that Sen. Martin Nesbitt has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Rand in the second-in-command position within the chamber. The headline on its Nesbitt brief reads, "K-12 Champion Vies for Senate Majority Leader."

Sen. Nesbitt's success comes as no surprise to Buncombe County Association of Educators President Anna Austin, who lunches with the mountain senator regularly. "Sen. Nesbitt checks in with me every week during session and its not surprising to watch issues we bounce around at a lunch table in Ashevillle make it into state law," she said.

The next item is about Sen. Dan Clodfelter and is written under the decidedly more staid headline: "Charlotte Democrat Eyes Leadership Post."

The write-up is positive on Clodfelter.

We have immense respect for Sen. Clodfelter, especially his support for public education and a modernized tax structure," said NCAE Vice President Rodney Ellis. "As educators, we also admire Sen. Clodfelter's incredible intellect. He is a strong leader and whatever happens within the caucus, we hope that Sen. Clodfelter continues to lead on tax reform."

Butterfield has $231,000

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:09:04 -0500

U.S. Rep. G.K. Butterfield has $231,643 in his campaign account, according to federal election records.

Butterfield, a Wilson Democrat, received $66,929 in individual contributions and $207,812 from political action committees through September.

Contributors include Arthur R. Collins of Arlington, Va., president of Public Private Partnership ($2,400); lawyers Thomas Taft Sr., Thomas Taft Jr. and Jonathan Taft of Greenville ($2,400 each); the National Beer Wholesalers Association PAC, ($5,000) and the American Association for Justice PAC ($5,000).

Democrat Chad Larkins has not reported raising any money in the race.

Powell talks cartooning

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:56:25 -0500

News & Observer Dwane Powell, who retired this week, talked about his craft and what goes into a cartoon in this new video.

The oddest couple: Foxx and Frank

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:32:07 -0500

Ice may be thawing between U.S. Reps. Virginia Foxx and Barney Frank.

Foxx, as Dome readers know, is a conservative Banner Elk Republican who is prone to getting her name in print, on blog posts, in the punchline of late night monologues — you get the idea — for blurting hyperbole that tends to outrage the left.

And Frank is the liberal, openly gay Massachusets Democrat.

And so it's not too surprising that Politico reports that a few months ago, Frank got so annoyed with Foxx's endless questioning that he just walked out of a committee meeting.

This week, though, Frank and Foxx had some friendlier banter. We heard the conversation went something like this:

Foxx: "You’re looking particularly disheveled tonight."

Frank: "Well, my partner is the one who keeps me sheveled, and he’s been out of town."

(Please imagine Foxx’s reaction to that. Truly, it would have been priceless.)

Etheridge close to decision on Senate bid

bkrueger — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:03:07 -0500

Democratic U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge is going to decide soon whether he’s running for U.S. Senate.

Any day now.

Etheridge figured in August he’d have a decision by September. Earlier this week, he was expected to reach a decision by the end of the week. This morning, he told Dome it would be by this weekend, but not today or tomorrow.

(So, not until after Saturday’s anticipated health care vote, about which Etheridge has yet to take a position.)

He’s heard from supporters. He’s heard from the White House. He’s heard from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He’s heard from his wife and family.

The conversations with his family, Etheridge said, might be the most important. In running for state-wide office, he would be away for the next year criss-crossing the state. Etheridge routinely returns home to Lillington on weekends to spend time with his grown children and grandchildren.

“You’ve got to weigh a lot of factors,” Etheridge said. “And I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be in the position, but I’m also in the position to help people right where I am.”

Etheridge last year was appointed to the powerful House Committee on Ways and Means, a role he has sought for years.

Harrison wants BCBS investigation

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:29:19 -0500

Rep. Pricey Harrison has asked for an investigation into Blue Cross and Blue Shield's campaign against the public option health care proposal.

Harrison, a Greensboro Democrat, has asked the Attorney General and N.C. Department of Insurance to look into whether the insurer violated the state's do-not-call registry with a robocall and whether it is proper for the insurer to use premiums to pay for mailers, reports Mark Binker of the Greensboro News & Record.

"We are a fully taxed medical services and hospital corporation," Borman said, adding that the company paid $162 million in federal, state and local taxes last year.
However, the fact the company paid taxes does not make it a for-profit company, said Adam Searing, a health policy expert with liberal-leaning advocacy group The North Carolina Justice Center.
"They are a nonprofit organization," Searing said. "They are organized under a special part of the nonprofit corporation law in North Carolina. They have a nonprofit board."

Race for Kissell's seat generating cash

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:59:01 -0500

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell has $244,952 in his campaign account, according to federal campaign finance records.

Kissell, a Biscoe Democrat, raised $99,000 from individuals and $305,000 from political action committees.

Contributors included Anne B. Wilkins of Cary, a consultant ($2,000); Ronald J. Bernstein of Durham, chief executive of cigarette company Liggett Vector Brands ($2,000); the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association PAC ($5,000) and the American Health Care Association PAC ($5,000).

Four Republicans are competing for the party's nomination to challenge Kissell and the race has generated lots of money already.

Businessman Lou Huddleston has raised $57,641 from individuals and loaned himself $45,125. He has $102,000 in his account.

Tim D'Annunzio, who owns a skydiving business, has loaned himself $303,000 and raised $8,400. Hamlet resident Darrell Day has raised $30 and loaned himself $3,000.

Republican Thomas Sweeney has not reported raising any money.

Coble has $525,000

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:01:27 -0500

U.S. Rep. Howard Coble has $525,373 in his campaign account.

Coble, a Greensboro Republican, has received $25,311 in individual contributions and $117,165 from political action committees in his bid to keep his seat, according to federal campaign finance records.

Contributors include Roger Milliken of Spartanburg, S.C., CEO of the Milliken & Co. Textile company ($2,400); Allen Gant of Burlington, an executive at textile maker Glen-Raven Mills ($1,000); the Major League Baseball PAC ($5,000); the National Football League's Gridiron PAC ($4,000) and the National Beer Wholesalers Association PAC ($5,000).

Coble is a member of the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees aspects of professional sports leagues.

Dome Memo: Eras and Rhetoric

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:10:20 -0500

RAND OUT: State Sen. Tony Rand is quitting the Senate. The news that the chamber's chief Democratic enforcer and most formidable political gamesmen is leaving likely thrilled liberal Democrats and conservatives alike. Rand is one of the great characters in state politics and the legislature just got a little more boring.

HOW MANY IS THAT: Gov. Bev Perdue's communications director David Kochman has resigned as her approval numbers remain in the sub-basment. From her days as lieutenant governor, Perdue has had four communications directors in six years, making the job a little bit like being the drummer for Spinal Tap. With luck, Perdue's approval rating will go above 11.

REP. HYPERBOLE: U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx said the Democrats' health reform proposals are more dangerous than terrorists. Republicans may have more to fear from Foxx's own mouth than anything Democrats have to say.

IN OTHER NEWS: President Barack Obama has nominated two North Carolina judges to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has had only six Tar Heels since 1801. With the election of a new mayor in Charlotte, Pat McCrory will be out of elected office, but his loss to Perdue is apparently still gnawing at him, so don't expect McCrory to be out of politics. N&O political cartoonist Dwane Powell has retired after 35 years of skewering politicians.

Stimulus sends 16 to San Diego

bniolet — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:08:55 -0500

UNCLE SAM'S BUYING: The state is using $140,000 in federal stimulus money to send 16 employees to child development workshops in San Diego while North Carolina has thousands of struggling families seeking subsidized care for their children. Critics say the money should be used to create jobs. (N&O)

LINE INSURANCE: PSNC Energy, the Triangle's natural gas utility, is raising questions with its newest line of business: insuring water lines and sewer lines against damage. The insurance coverage is not regulated by the N.C. Utilities Commission. (N&O)

TAX BREAK: The legislature estimates the state will forgo $1.4 million in tax revenue this weekend, and area retailers say they have high hopes based on how they did last year during tax holiday. (N&O)

NCGOP brings in Hoffman, NY candidate

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:39:59 -0500

The N.C. Republican Party is bringing in Doug Hoffman, the defeated conservative New York congressional candidate who helped spark a national debate about the party's future, to speak at a political fund raiser in Raleigh later this month.

State GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer said that Hoffman would be a good fit for Tar Heel Republicans, Rob Christensen reports.

"His candidacy in New York inspired conservatives across the country, and he will reach out to North Carolina conservatives to help us reclaim our government," Fetzer said in a statement.

Hoffman has been part of a national debate about what should be the party's stance toward moderates. The GOP leadership had nominated Dede Scozzafava for a U.S. House vacancy after President Barack Obama named Republican Congressman John McHugh as Army Secretary.

But her conservative credentials were criticized her because she favored abortion rights and same sex marriage. Hoffman, a local businessman, ran as a conservative party candidate, picking up the endorsement of such conservative luminaries as former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and TV personality Glenn Beck.

Scozzafava ended up withdrawing from the race and throwing her support to Democrat Bill Owens who won a congressional seat that had been in Republican hands for 100 years.

The N.C. Republican Party has long been a conservative party associated with the late Jesse Helms, and Fetzer said he had personally supported the Hoffman candidacy.

Hoffman will speak at the party's Hall of Fame Dinner on November 21 at the North Raleigh Hilton.

Campaign cash: Congress

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:33:57 -0500

Here's a summary of what members of Congress had in their campaign accounts through September 2009. The remaining members of the state's delegation will be added to the list.

G.K. Butterfield: $231,000.

Howard Coble: $525,000.

Bob Etheridge: $1 million.

Virginia Foxx: $1.1 million.

Larry Kissell: $244,000. Businessman Lou Huddleston has raised $57,641 from individuals and loaned himself $45,125. Tim D'Annunzio, who owns a skydiving business, has loaned himself $303,000 and raised $8,400. Hamlet resident Darrell Day has raised $30 and loaned himself $3,000. Republican Thomas Sweeney has not reported raising any money.

Patrick McHenry: $158,000. Iredell County Commissioner Scott Keadle has loaned himself $250,000 to challenge McHenry for the Republican nomination.

Brad Miller: $148,000. Challenger William Randall II has not reported raising any money.

David Price: $218,000. Republican challenger Frank Roche has raised $10,879, mostly through individual contributions. Republican George Hutchins has loaned himself $5,000.

Heath Shuler: $1.1 million.

Shuler has $1.1 million

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:23:31 -0500

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler has $1.1 million in his campaign account through the end of September.

Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat, has received $366,000 since he was elected in 2008, according to federal campaign finance records.

Shuler received $178,236 from individual contributions and $171,050 from committees.

Contributors include Vincent Ney of San Antonio, president of payday lender GECC ($2,500); William Quinton of Powder Springs, Ga., president of C.W. Matthews Contracting; Independent Community Bankers of America PAC ($5,000) and a PAC of the American Resort Development Owners Association ($5,000).

Shuler, a member of the House's Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, also received $5,000 contributions from PACs for rail companies Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail company and CSX as well as the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen.

Shuler cleared by ethics committee

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:34:17 -0500

The House ethics committee on Thursday cleared Rep. Heath Shuler of any wrongdoing for his role in a land deal.

Shuler, a Waynesville Democrat has been dealing with questions about whether he used his office improperly to influence the Tennessee Valley Authority over a land swap. The House ethics committee cleared Shuler and was the third investigative body to find no wrong-doing, Shuler's office notes. In a statement, Shuler said he was ready to move on with his job of representing his constituents.

Throughout my personal and professional life I have always held myself to the highest possible ethical standard. I maintained that standard through all my interactions with the TVA relating to Blackberry Cove. I have never and will never attempt to use my office for personal gain and look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina.

Easley hearing fodder for advocates

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:19:23 -0500

Supporters of publicly financed elections are using revelations from the State Board of Elections hearings into former Gov. Mike Easley to push their cause.

In publicly financed elections, taxpayer dollars provide candidates with money for advertising and campaigning. To qualify, candidates must demonstrate they have a minimum base of support and must agree to spending limits and restrictions on fundraising.

Municipal elections in Chapel Hill, appellate judge races and some Council of State races use the system.

That's exactly the type of election the state needs in the wake of revelations that Easley's gubernatorial campaign planned to funnel money through the N.C. Democratic Party to circumvent the state's campaign finance limits, said Chase Foster, director of N.C. Voters for Clean Elections.

"More and more, North Carolina leaders see Voter-Owned Elections as the obvious answer to the rising cost of elections,” Foster said in a news release.

Foster released a scorecard tracking votes on publicly financed elections bills. Foster said the scorecard shows that lawmakers are increasingly supportive of the election changes.

A bill that would create a pilot program for more publicly financed municipal elections cleared the House this year. The Senate approved a bill that would expand the program to more Council of State races.

Opponents to such elections say taxpayers would be forced to fund political speech, and that political contributions would instead be given to special interest groups to spend.

Cowell: better credit education needed

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:55:25 -0500

The state's college students don't know enough about managing money and debt and get themselves in trouble, state Treasurer Janet Cowell learned on a debt tour of college campuses.

Cowell visited four campuses, Wake Tech, Alamance Community College, Fayetteville State University and High Point University and met with 53 students. She found that students were using credit cards for every day purchases and getting into trouble with debt.

"This experience, along with national research, has demonstrated the need for programs that can assist and educate students on debt and its consequences," Cowell said.

In a report, Cowell made six recommendations for new programs that could help students make better choices. Her report included resources that could help the state pay for the changes.

Nesbitt v. Clodfelter, for now

markjohnson — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:50:51 -0500

The race to succeed Sen. Tony Rand as Senate majority leader is on, and Senators Martin Nesbitt, of Asheville, and Dan Clodfelter, of Charlotte, are the early entries.

The two have been making calls to their fellow Democrats in the Senate. Both hail from the more liberal side of the caucus, compared to the more conservative, business-friendly team of Rand, from Fayeteville, and Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, of Manteo.

Nesbitt, (above) an Asheville lawyer, chairs the Judiciary 1 committee and is a veteran of intracaucus jockeying from his 11 terms in the House. He has focused many of his efforts on health care and mental health reform. The conservative Civitas Institute ranked him as the most liberal senator.

Clodfelter, (below) a Charlotte lawyer and former city council member, is a co-chair of the tax-writing finance committee and has long been viewed as a future candidate for president pro tem when Basnight retires.

Neither senator returned Dome's calls. Seems they might have some votes to line up.

Congresswoman Gump?

mbieseck — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:10:06 -0500

In a blistering editorial Thursday morning, The Charlotte Observer took U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican from Banner Elk, to the woodshed for comments she made on the House floor earlier this week that Americans had more to fear from the Democrats reforming health care than from any terrorist attack.

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx is a visible reminder of the Forrest Gump saying, "Stupid is as stupid does." Foxx has made so many gaffes since her first election to Congress in 2004 that it's more than just mildly embarrassing for North Carolina. It's find-an-island-to-ship-her-to embarrassing. And it's becoming how-can-voters-keep-electing-her embarrassing.

The editorial then goes on to recount a litany of statements and actions by Foxx it characterizes as either hypocritical or dumb, and then urges voters in her 5th district, which stretches from the Piedmont to the mountains, to turn her out of office in 2010.

Count that as a strong negative endorsement from the state's largest newspaper a year before the election. Maybe the congresswoman should reply with a box of chocolates.

Senate Dems too liberal?

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:10:05 -0500

Sen. Tony Rand hasn't run through a detailed explanation of why he's quitting the Senate.

Rand leads the Democratic majority in the Senate and Senate Republican leader Phil Berger wonders if the Senate is getting too liberal for Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat. Dome's Mark Johnson reports that Rand's departure follows the growth of a liberal wing among Senate Democrats.

A leftward shift in the Democratic caucus that controls the Senate made his role as majority leader more difficult. A growing coalition of more liberal Democrats in the Senate helped push through laws this year that allow more comprehensive sex education, specifically protect gay students from bullying and allow death penalty challenges based on race.
"Sen. Rand increasingly found his views at odds with his more liberal Democratic colleagues, and that may have led to this decision," said Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger of Eden.

This explanation is helpful to Senate Republicans, who are eager to paint the Democratic majority as way out left and out of touch with state residents in advance of the coming legislative elections next year.

Dome can see the campaign ad now: "The Senate: Too liberal for Tony Rand."

McHenry curbs it

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:15:52 -0500

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry was running late at the airport.

And just like any Congressman on the go, McHenry decided to create his own parking space at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport to save time, the Gaston Gazette reports, including a full-size image of the offending Ford.

It probably wasn't the best thing for him that his SUV was sporting not only his Congressional license plate, but also a McHenry for Congress sticker, which would save any passerby with a camera phone the effort of looking up which member of Congress represents the 10th district.

On Monday, spokesman Brock McCleary e-mailed a Gazette reporter to say the 10^th District Republican was running late and couldn’t find a parking place ("He made a mistake in not leaving the vehicle in a proper parking spot … It has been moved.").
Granted, we’re not exactly dealing with Watergate here. The fact is, though, a car without government plates might not last an hour parked illegally at an airport. This thought probably occurred to at least some of the people who toted their luggage past a four-wheeled double standard.

Previously: U.S. Sen. Richard Burr's VW "Thing" and its questionable parking spaces develops a paparazzi following.

Tony Rand's career

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:52:51 -0500

News & Observer photographers have had their lenses trained on Sen. Tony Rand over the years. See some images compiled in a photo gallery.

Rand 'blindingly clear'

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:45:46 -0500

Sen. Tony Rand is known for his pointed and colorful style. His quips are delivered in a deep, scratchy drawl, and impersonating him is an unofficial sport around the halls of the legislature and at Dome's office.

Over the years, he has provided plenty of memorable lines. "It is blindingly clear," he would often say during floor debates.

Here are some Rand moments:

To Sen. Ed Jones, about Jones' bill this year to regulate possession and handling of venomous snakes: "If we get a cobra loose in Fayetteville, will you come down there and catch it?"

Describing negotiations with prosecutors and defense lawyers over a 2003 bill to require prosecutors to turn all evidence over to defendants: "They argued, they prayed, they kicked, they gouged. ... We bled right smart on it."

Explaining in 2008 that the top issue for then-candidate Barack Obama was not a flag lapel pin but creating jobs, energy independence and solving the problems in the Middle East:

"If we can do those things, you know, he could walk around naked as far as I'm concerned and it would be fine."

Telling why he would not take a question on the state budget in 2008: "Because we're going to adjourn in a few minutes, and that's what it says."

DAs' letter unanswered

bniolet — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:22:06 -0500

CHECK THE MAIL: Gov. Bev Perdue's administration has not responded to a letter from the state's District Attorneys complaining about the erosion of services for the mentally ill who are accused of crimes. (N&O)

JUDGE NOT: Sen. Kay Hagan has withdrawn her support for a possible lifetime federal appointment for a state judge who ruled in favor of a company that includes Hagan's husband. (Greensboro N & R)

SPEND AWAY: A higher sales tax means North Carolina consumers will get a larger break when they purchase energy-efficient appliances during this weekend's tax break. (AP)

Tony Rand

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:16:54 -0500

State Sen. Tony Rand reads a bill in this July 2008 photo by News & Observer photographer Chris Seward.

Rand to resign

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:07:15 -0500

State Sen. Tony Rand, one of the most powerful political figures in the state, is leaving the Senate.

Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat, will become chairman of the state Parole Commission, Mark Johnson reports. He will resign before the end of the year.

"There comes a time when it's time to go," Rand said.

Rand has been in the Senate since 1981. He was appointed to his seat and later became rules chairman and the majority leader.

Rand, known for his wit and gravelly drawl, was the enforcer for Senate Leader Marc Basnight and made sure that the Senate's machinery ran smoothly. On the Senate floor, he is known for delivering pointed, but often entertaining allegories: "It's all chicken but the beak," he once told Dome.

Gov. Bev Perdue released a statement announcing her appointment of Rand to the Parole Board.

"North Carolina is fortunate that Senator Rand decided to take this position. He, like me, cares first and foremost about protecting the public but also understands the importance of giving people a fair shot at a second chance," said Perdue. "I don’t believe I could find a better candidate in the state or country to lead this commission."

Fetzer: corruption began in '77

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:05:23 -0500

N.C. Republican Party Chairman Tom Fetzer says he believes the genesis for the current run of corruption in state government began in 1977, when the state changed the Constitution to allow governors to serve two consecutive terms.

That prompted the legislature to end its practice of limiting leaders leaders of both chambers to serving only one term, Rob Christensen reports. Powerful lawmakers could then hold onto power.

"I trace the end of good government back to 1976 when Jim Hunt changed the Constitution to succeed himself," Fetzer told News and Observer editors and reporters Wednesday. (Hunt was elected in 1976 but the Constitution was changed in 1977.) "I would personally advocate that we pass a constitutional amendment to get the governor back to one term."

Fetzer said he was saddened to see the campaign finance investigations surrounding former Democratic Gov. Mike Easley, noting that he often chatted with Easley while hitting balls on a public driving range off Yonkers Road on Sunday afternoons.

"On a personal level," Fetzer said, "I like Mike Easley. I think he has made some horrible mistakes. I think he and State of North Carolina are going to pay a price for those mistakes. I think that is sad."

Fetzer: Elections bode well for GOP

bkrueger — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:26:01 -0500

State GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer said Tuesday's election results are good news for Republicans.

"I think the pendulum is turning back as it always does," Fetzer said in an interview with reporters and editors of The News & Observer. "I think there is a wave cresting right now that bodes well for Republicans."

Fetzer said Tuesday's elections, in which Republicans captured the governorships of Virginia and New Jersey, reminded him of the run up to the 1994 elections which turned into a national GOP landslide led by Newt Gingrich, reports Rob Christensen.

Fetzer said the N.C. Republican Party would focus on the re-election of U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and winning control of at least one chamber in the state legislature during the 2010 mid-term election. He said the key issues will be ending the "culture of corruption" in Raleigh and better management of taxpayer's money.

Health care: what we think

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:11:22 -0500

One poll says North Carolinians are increasingly opposed to health care reform proposals advanced by Democrats.

Another poll says more than half of state residents support those proposals. A third national poll says 45 percent of Americans oppose President Barack Obama's health care plan.

Dome isn't an expert on these sorts of things, but it's a safe bet that how the questions were asked and how the polls were conducted has something to do with the difference. Here's a quick roundup of what the October polls asked and what respondents said. Percentages may not add up to 100 because of rounding.

Civitas Institute: (600 North Carolina voters) "Do you approve or disapprove of the health care plan being proposed by Barack Obama and Congress?" 49 percent opposed, 40 percent supported, 10 percent no opinion.

Elon University Poll, (703 state residents) "As you are likely aware, the public option is a health insurance option provided by the federal government...so, with this in mind, would you [support or oppose] health insurance legislation that would offer a public option?" 54 support, 38 percent oppose and 7 percent don't know.

Public Policy Polling (766 American voters) "Do you support or oppose President Obama’s health care plan, or do you not have an opinion?" 42 percent support, 45 percent oppose and 13 percent no opinion.

New book out on Wilmington race riot

bkrueger — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:06:11 -0500

The state has published a new book on the 1898 Wilmington race riot. It is called, not surprisingly, "A Day of Blood: The 1898 Wilmington Race Riot."

The book, by LeRae Umfleet, is being published by the Historical Publications Section of the N.C. Office of Archives and History and the African American Heritage Commission. Umfleet is chief of collections management for the state Department of Cultural Resources.

Umfleet is scheduled to talk about the book at 7:30 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 17, at Quail Ridge Books in Raleigh.

Sens. want Tar Heels on bench

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:34:59 -0500

U.S. Sens. Kay Hagan and Richard Burr said they want to see North Carolinians on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.

President Barack Obama nominated Judges James Wynn and Albert Diaz to the court, which serves North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia. North Carolina has had only six judges serve on the 15-judge panel since it was established in 1801, according to Hagan's office.

Judge Allyson Duncan is the only North Carolinian on the bench. The late Sen. Jesse Helms blocked Wynn's 1999 nomination to the court.

"Today’s announcement is a victory for North Carolina," Hagan said in a statement. "For too long partisan bickering and obstructionism on both sides of the aisle have unnecessarily derailed the nominations of qualified North Carolinians."

Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, whose opposition or support could prove pivotal to the confirmation of the nominees, said this morning he "looks forward to working with" Diaz and Wynn during the confirmation process.

"Since coming to the Senate, I have fought for greater representation for North Carolina on the United States Court of Appeals, and I plan to continue that fight for the people of North Carolina," he said.

The senators' complete statements after the jump.

Stop in the name of health

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:49:26 -0500

The State Employees Association of N.C. has launched a Web site and mail campaign intended to counter Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C.'s efforts on health care.

SEANC's campaign is a reaction to a mailer by Blue Cross, which urged people to lobby U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan to oppose the public option for health insurance included in Democratic health reform bills. The flyer followed a premium increase by the company, which didn't exactly help their message.

SEANC says, "Stop," with its Web site, stopbcbs.com.

Wynn, Diaz tapped for 4th circuit

markjohnson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:23:09 -0500

North Carolina Court of Appeals Judge Jim Wynn and Superior Court Judge Albert Diaz, of Charlotte, have been nominated by President Barack Obama for the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit.

"Their distinguished judicial careers leave no doubt that they will be esteemed additions to the Fourth Circuit," Obama said in a prepared statement.

Wynn, of Cary, was nominated to the 4th Circuit in 1999 by President Bill Clinton but then-U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms blocked his confirmation. Wynn is a former Navy lawyer and remains a military trial judge. He has been on the state appeals court since 1990, except for 1998 when he was appointed to the state supreme court but lost the election that year to retain the seat.

Diaz, a former Marine Corps lawyer and the first Latino named to a superior court bench, would be the 4th Circuit's first Hispanic judge.

Their confirmation would end a 15-year impasse over one of the vacancies on the court, which hears federal cases from the Carolinas, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

The federal appeals courts are often the last stop for many cases, since the U.S. Supreme Court takes so few.

Charlotte rare win Tue. for Dems

markjohnson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:07:27 -0500

Charlotte defied what there was of a national tide Tuesday night, electing a Democratic mayor and 8 to 3 Democratic majority on city council.

Anthony Foxx became Charlotte's first Democratic mayor in 22 years and the second youngest in memory, defeating Republican John Lassiter on a night when Republicans won the Virginia and New Jersey governor's races. The explanation lies at least partly in Charlotte's demographic changes and the lack of a Democratic challenger with any political muscle in past races.

Now-U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, a Republican, defeated then-Mayor Harvey Gantt, a Democrat and African-American, in 1987, beginning a GOP hold on the office that didn't end until last night. But Myrick won by fewer than 1,000 votes in a city that was then 25 percent black. Charlotte is now 35 percent black, and Foxx will be the second African-American mayor.

In seven campaigns over 14 years, outgoing Mayor Pat McCrory never faced a strong Democratic opponent. He does, however, enjoy wide bipartisan support that a recent poll indicated was helping Lassiter.

Lastly Republicans failed to expand their base of support beyond the south-to-southeast wedge of Charlotte that has long been their base.

Poll: Support slipping for health plan

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:45:35 -0500

Support for Democratic health care reform proposals is slipping, according to a poll released by the Civitas Institute.

According to the poll conducted Oct. 20-21, just over 49 percent of 600 likely voters said they disapproved of the current plan while about 40 percent supported it. About 10 percent had no opinion.

In Civitas' September poll, 47 percent of voters opposed the plan while 47.6 percent supported it.

The poll asked: "Do you approve or disapprove of the health care plan being proposed by Barack Obama and Congress?"

It had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

McCrory not over gov race

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:34:43 -0500

For the first time in 20 years, Pat McCrory voted in a Charlotte election and didn't see his name on the ballot.

Charlotte Observer columnist Tommy Tomlinson spent some time with McCrory on Tuesday as the Republican's tenure as mayor comes to a close. The paper is giving McCrory the full sendoff, including a photo gallery of him over the years. Here's a notable section of Tomlinson's column.

He expected to be voting on this day from Raleigh, as governor. He ran last year as a veteran mayor with a nationwide profile, a moderate Republican record and good hair. He took a whipping from Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue. He couldn't even carry Charlotte.
McCrory says Perdue spent more money on the ground and Barack Obama had long coattails. He says he's over it. But then he says he might run again. In a 45-minute stretch, he mentions the governor's race eight times. "That's a tough knot in the stomach," he says.

Powell retires, politicians safe again

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:14:45 -0500

News & Observer cartoonist Dwane Powell, who has poked, skewered and lampooned political figures and issues for 35 years, retires today.

Powell, who turns 65 this week, drew more than 8,000 editorial cartoons that pointed out the foibles, the contradictions and affectations of the state's elected leaders, Rob Christensen reports.

"It's amazing," said Gary Pearce, a longtime Democratic operative. "With just a pen and a piece of paper, he could come closer to the truth about politics and politicians than thousands of words. He could really just nail you. Even when he did, you just had to laugh."

Steve Ford, editorial page editor for The N&O, said there were no immediate plans to replace Powell.

In 2007, the N&O put together a video featuring Powell's take on some of his memorable cartoons.

Rule would slow foreclosures

bniolet — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:01:52 -0500

NOT SO FAST: The N.C. Office of the Commissioner of Banks has proposed new regulations that would stop foreclosure once a homeowner asks for a loan modification. The rule would give homeowners more time to try to keep their homes. (N&O)

TO THE RIGHT: Independents who swept Barack Obama to a historic 2008 victory broke big for Republicans on Tuesday as the GOP wrested political control from Democrats in Virginia and New Jersey, a troubling sign for the president and his party heading into an important midterm election year. (AP)

TAX TALKS: Lawmakers met for the first of a series of meetings that will focus on proposals to overhaul the state's tax system. (AP)

Isaac Hunter's Tavern reborn

markjohnson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:25:35 -0500

The 18th century watering hole partly responsible for Raleigh's selection as state capital may return to life, at least in name.

The New Raleigh web site reports that what used to be the Fayetteville Street Tavern, just south of the capitol, is being renovated with plans to reopen as Isaac Hunter's Oak City Tavern. The pub already has a web site.

In 1787, state leaders partial to the tavern's refreshments decided that the capital had to be established within a ten mile radius. Opposition prevented any action being taken until 1792, when a commission was named to pick the exact site for the new statehouse within the land around the tavern, according to the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources.

The name has been resuscitated over the years, including at a Cameron Village restaurant that opened in 1998 and currently one of the foremost political blogs in the state, run by WUNC radio's Laura Leslie.

Delegation anxious over visa changes

markjohnson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:28:28 -0500

North Carolina's congressional delegation is asking the U.S. Department of Labor to listen to farmers before making changes to the visas used by seasonal farm workers.

Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Lillington Democrat, sent a letter (link below) co-signed by the state's other members of Congress to Labor Secretary Hilda Solis Tuesday asking her and her agency to consider the concerns of farm families and agricultural groups about any possible changes to the H-2A visa program.

Those visas are for foreign laborers who work on farms for less than a year and are required to return to their home country. The Labor Department is considering possible changes in wage rates, as well as in transportation and contract requirements, and the agency is seeking public comments on the topic.

Etheridge warned that some changes being considered could make the visa system more costly and burdensome to farmers and, ultimately, raise the grocery bills for consumers.

Document(s):
visaletter.pdf

Wildlife group wants politics ferreted out

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:49:57 -0500

A conservation group is asking Gov. Bev Perdue to investigate whether political campaign contributions and influence played a part in how members of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission got their seats.

The N.C. Wildlife Federation said testimony during the State Board of Elections hearing into former Gov. Mike Easley suggested that former commission member Gary Allen might have offered big donations to the N.C. Democratic Party. in exchange for keeping his seat on the commission, which regulates hunting and fishing.

"If these allegations prove true," said Tim Gestwicki, executive director of the federation, "We call upon Governor Perdue to immediately demand the resignations of any individuals who were appointed under such inappropriate circumstances. She should then appoint duly qualified, representative citizens to serve out any replaced terms."

Pitt leaders unhappy with BCBS

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:41:35 -0500

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners voted to send a letter to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina chastising the state's largest insurance provider over a mailer intended to whip up opposition to a public-run option to private health insurance.

The (Greenville) Daily Reflector reports the commission voted Monday to send the letter.

The county buys insurance coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Commissioner Tom Johnson said the company should not use taxpayer money from Pitt County to send a partisan mailing, which included a card meant to put pressure on Sen. Kay Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat who is still considering her position on the public option issue.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield spokesman Lew Borman told Dome that the insurer wants health care reform, but believes the public option will hurt consumers.

"Our point was these post cards won't have a significant impact on premiums, but we think some of the proposals in Washington could have a significant impact," Borman said. "We feel like we have an obligation to our customers to raise these questions."

That mailer has led some to send letters in support of the public option. The State Employees Association of N.C. is planning to hold a news conference Wednesday to announce a new Web site and campaign intended to counter Blue Cross.

Durham schools chief goes to Washington

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:54:08 -0500

The superintendent of Durham's public schools will leave at the end of the calendar year to work for the U.S. Department of Education.

Carl E. Harris will serve as the federal agency's deputy assistant secretary for policy and strategic initiatives, Sadia Latifi reports.

Harris has been credited with improving student performance and calming turmoil within the system. Like Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, Harris has ties to the Broad Foundation, a philanthropic organization for school reform that encourages charter programs, testing for accountability and a corporate model for school governance.

Appeals Court rules against SEANC

mbieseck — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:10:53 -0500

In a split decision issued Tuesday, the N.C. Court of Appeals ruled that a lower court acted appropriately in dismissing a lawsuit filed against former State Treasurer Richard Moore.

The State Employees Association of North Carolina sued in 2008 over a dispute about whether Moore's office had provided public records requested by the group regarding the handling of the state retirement system.

Moore's lawyer argued in Wake Superior Court in June 2008 that the association cannot point to a single specific public record that had been withheld, and Judge James E. Hardin dismissed the suit.

In Tuesday's decision, appeals court Judges Cheri Beasley and Wanda G. Bryant ruled that Hardin was right to dismiss the case, ruling that Moore had fulfilled his obligation under the state's public records law to search his files for documents covered under the request filed by SEANC.

Appeals Court Judge Rick Elmore dissented, writing in a separate opinion that the employees group had shown that Moore had likely withheld records he was legally obligated to provide.

UPDATE: Thomas A. Harris, the chief of staff and general counsel for SEANC, said he will recommend to the group's board that they appeal Tuesday's decision to the N.C. Supreme Court.

"The majority opinion misstates the facts of the case and, as the dissent points out, adds a equirement for maintaining a Public Records Act lawsuit that is not in the law itself," Harris said in an e-mail to Dome.

Moore said: "This news, combined with the other recent news that North Carolina's pension fund was the best performing in the country for this past fiscal year, are nice exclamation points to the end of my 8-year-tenure."

Appeals panel upholds Wright conviction

mbieseck — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:48:48 -0500

The N.C. Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of former state Rep. Thomas E. Wright on three felony counts of obtaining property by false pretenses for taking out a fraudulent bank loan and depositing contributions intended for charity into his personal bank account.

Wright, a Democrat from Wilmington, was sentenced in April 2008 to more than seven years in prison. Earlier, he was kicked out of the N.C. House of Representatives by his peers for ethical violations, becoming the first legislator to suffer that fate since 1880.

In his appeal, Wright, 54, argued the trial judge erred by denying him a motion to delay his court date, by allowing the deputy director of the state Board of Elections to testify about campaign finance violations and in the instructions given to the jurors who convicted him.

The three-judge appeals panel ruled Tuesday that Wright's complaints were without merit and that he "received a fair trial, free from error."

Wright, who currently resides at Pamlico Correctional Institution as Inmate No. 1073692, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Group targets Burr over 'rape' vote

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:47:22 -0500

Sen. Richard Burr is the target of a new Internet ad campaign that seeks to tie his political contributions from the defense industry and the Chamber of Commerce to his vote on a bill involving how overseas American contractors handle allegations of rape.

"Did Sen. Burr Put Campaign Cash Above Victims of Gang Rape?" says the online ad that is scheduled to begin running today by Change Congress, a Washington-based group that pushes campaign finance reform.

The group is currently running ads on other issues targeting Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, and Rep. Mike Ross of Arkansas, all Democrats.

"We've had a series of campaigns that have tried to point out cases where members have voted consistent with contributors but inconsistent with their constitutuents," Larry Sessig, the co-founder of Change Congress said in an interview.

Perdue defends hiring inmate

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:29:03 -0500

Gov. Bev Perdue defended her decision to hire a convicted murderer to work in her office as lieutenant governor as part of a work release program.

"I have been a long believer and supporter of work release programs," Perdue told reporters Tuesday morning, Rob Christensen reports. "I believe prisoners can work to pay back restitution. I believe they must be supervised. I believe they must go back to their units. They must report in and report out. There is a whole set of rules by which they must operate."

She also said she supports parole if the offender receives community supervision. But Perdue said her support of work release and parole are different from her opposition to the proposed unsupervised release of 27 lifers convicted of rape, murder and other violent offenses.

"One has nothing to do with the other," Perdue said.

WRAL first reported Monday that Sally Holloman worked in Perdue's office when she was lieutenant governor. Holloman was convicted in 1981 of murdering her husband and a Selma businessman.

Perdue said it appropriate to release inmates who have gone through the parole process and are closely supervised. But she said that was not the case with the 27 people who were proposed to be released as a result of a court ruling that determined life sentences issued in the mid-1970s were defined as 80 years and could be further cut in half with good behavior credits.

Magazine puts NC biz climate on top

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:01:41 -0500

North Carolina has been named the state with the the "top business climate" for the fifth year in a row by Site Selection magazine, Gov. Bev Perdue announced this morning.

"We are are all mighty proud given the circumstances we were dealt in January," Perdue said in making the announcement at the Council of State meeting, Rob Christensen reports.

But Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry poured cold water on the announcement. She noted that a half million citizens were about to lose their unemployment benefits and that the state's employment levels had declined to 1999 levels.

Since this time last year, Berry noted, the state had lost more than 200,000 jobs.

Perdue replied that North Carolina was part of "a global recession."

Perdue is a Democrat and Berry is a Republican.

Funeral board violated meetings laws

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:45:37 -0500

The N.C. Board of Funeral Service didn't keep minutes of its closed sessions, as required by state law.

The State Auditor's office, acting on a tip, reviewed five years of board minutes and found that typed minutes were not kept for closed sessions, in violation of the state's open meetings law. The board regulates the funeral business.

Executive Director Paul Harris told auditors that he was aware that typed minutes were required to be kept for closed meetings. The current and previous three secretaries took notes of closed sessions, but those notes had never been turned into minutes and could not be located, according to the auditor's office.

Board President Larry Andrews promised to create minutes for future meetings and to keep notes taken during those meetings in a special file.

Document(s):
funeral report.pdf

Steinem coming to Triangle

bkrueger — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:44:28 -0500

Gloria Steinem, one of the stars of the women's movement, will be in Raleigh and Chapel Hill next week, at events sponsored by NARAL Pro-Choice North Carolina.

Steinem will give a talk at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh on November 7th at 1 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50. She will also attend a private $250 per person reception in Chapel Hill.

Steinem is best known as the co-founder of Ms. Magazine, the creator of "Bring Your Daughter to Work Day," and the author of numerous books, including "Outrageous Acts."

Farmers oppose apple insurance rules

bniolet — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:44:56 -0500

Apple farmers in Henderson County are upset about a proposed change to federal crop insurance that could alter their payout after a catastrophic loss.

"The proposed change would devastate the individual and frankly put a lot of growers out of business," Blue Ridge Apple Growers Association President Adam Pryor told the Times-News of Henderson.

The majority of the apple farms in Henderson County are insured as producing fresh apples, which pays a higher rante than processed apples. The county sells just over 50 percent of its apple crop as processed apples. The new rule seeks "verifiable records to prove at least 50 percent of their fresh apple acreage was sold as fresh apples in one or more of the three most recent crop years."

Apple farmers begin the season intending to produce fresh apples, but weather can spoil the apples and those plans.

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler met with about 50 growers at Jimmy Nix & Sons packing house in Edneyville Monday. The Waynesville Democrat said he only learned about the proposed change last week, and he wants to make sure Henderson County apple growers have a voice in the process.
"Now is the time for us to organize together and come up with an alternative," Shuler said.