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."
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One of the best protections against corruption, Fetzer said, is strong two-party competition. He said that the Democrats had been allowed to control Raleigh for too long.
"I do think the culture of corruption will be an issue in the next election cycle," Fetzer said.
But Fetzer, a former Raleigh mayor and congressional candidate, said it was "highly unlikely" that he would ever run for political office again.
Elected state party chairman last spring, Fetzer also cast doubt on whether he would seek another term at the end of his two-year term as party chair. Having recently married, Fetzer said he was looking forward to raising a family and doing something other than politics.
"I think one term as state chairman is gracious plenty," he said.
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Re: Fetzer: I'd so kiss Jesse Helms on the mouth
Crazy dude. I'm so with you. I voted for Jesse twice before I grew up and read a book. But, this thread is about the NCGOP hypocrisy of Tom Fetzer blaming Jim Hunt for the sun showing it's face every day.
Believe it or not, I split my ticket, but "Tom Fetzer" couldn't make change for Governor Hunt if he was given a dollar for a penny whistle.
You know I'm right CD. But I so appreciate your passion. You're rare.
I'd quote you out of context if I didn't have so much respect for you and occasionally agree.