Dome Memo: Chats and Debates

NET-SIDE CHATS: Gov. Beverly Perdue, who has been hammered by Republicans for a state budget that cut spending and raised taxes, released two videos on YouTube that were addressed to state workers and teachers. The videos were nominally meant to encourage state employees submit money saving ideas for cash prizes. Perdue also used the opportunity to defend the budget and her role in it. Guess it's okay for state employees to be on YouTube at work, huh?

WHENEVER, WHEREVER: Sen. Richard Burr says he'll debate anyone who wants to challenge him next year. Burr, a Republican, may find himself with a full calendar. Democrats, who continue to search for a marquee candidate, are courting former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker and U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, who join at least four others who are trying to build buzz. All the fuss comes as a poll finds North Carolina residents know very little about the two people who represent them in the Senate.

ONE DOOR CLOSES: Auditor Beth Wood settled a dispute between the auditor's office and the State Ethics Commission that arose from an incident in which a staffer from then Lt. Gov.-Beverly Perdue's office viewed ethics disclosure without supervision. It was probably helpful to have that issue off her plate, since federal investigators looking into former Gov. Mike Easley wanted to talk to Wood about any involvement she had with Easley. A spokesman said there was little to talk about.

IN OTHER NEWS: Former Democratic state Rep. Bob Hensley of Wake County died. The state lottery wants to put ticket dispensing vending machines in chain stores across the state. Elizabeth Edwards said she expects her husband, former Presidential candidate John Edwards, to take a test to settle whether he father a child with his former mistress.