* Liberal blogger Doug Gibson outlines 10 things North Carolinians should know about the state's budget problems.

* Conservative blogger Justin Thibault says proposals to require loyalty oaths and close state Republican primaries are bad ideas.

* Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza is still convinced that either U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre or Rep. Bob Etheridge will run for Senate. 

* Meantime, Rep. Heath Shuler's got troubles of his own, receiving criticism for the appearance of preferential treatment on water access.