|
People In Politics
|
|
Saturday, 08 October 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Host Donna Martinez is joined by Mileah Kromer of the Elon University Poll to discuss the latest polling data on President Obama, Gov. Beverly Perdue, and the same-sex marriage constitutional amendment that will appear on the May 2012 ballot. Kromer analyzes what the dropping numbers might mean for the president and the governor, both of whom will battle for re-election next year. Then we turn to the New Yorker profile of former N.C. Republican state legislator Art Pope and hear comments from two people who were interviewed for the piece. Bob Hall of Democracy North Carolina and John Hood of the John Locke Foundation react to the New Yorker with talk show host Bill LuMaye of NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Then we delve into campaign spending during the 2010 election cycle for state legislative candidates – specifically money donated by political action committees. Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation discusses the amounts given to candidates and political parties and reveals the most influential PACs. That’s followed by comments from leading North Carolina progressive Chris Fitzsimon of N.C. Policy Watch. Fitzsimon talks about President Obama’s re-election prospects and the views of the Democratic base, and he also weighs in on the impact of the grassroots tea party movement’s role in the Republican Party. |
|
Friday, 23 September 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Sen. Josh Stein (D-Wake) joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the state Democratic Party’s 19-stop bus tour to criticize the new state budget. Sen. Stein also weighs in on the constitutional amendment about same-sex marriage that will appear on next year’s primary election ballot. Then we get analysis of the Democratic bus tour and of comments by Rep. Bill Faison (D-Orange/Caswell) that lead some to believe he may challenge Gov. Beverly Perdue in the Democratic primary. Joining Martinez for the discussion are Mike Davis, host of N.C.’s Evening News, and Stephanie Hawco, executive producer of the program. They also weigh in on North Carolinians’ view of the Tea Party movement, the dropping approval ratings of North Carolina icon Andy Griffith in the wake of his ad supporting President Obama’s health insurance mandate, and the latest development in the John Edwards legal case. Then we hear comments from House Speaker Thom Tillis about his recent town hall meetings, the state budget, and the economy. And finally, Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation analyzes a recent decision by the N.C. Board of Elections to tell the Town of Chapel Hill to cease giving election candidates “rescue” funds to help fund their campaigns. |
|
Friday, 16 September 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
State legislators have voted to put on the May 2012 ballot an amendment to North Carolina’s constitution that will define marriage as between one man and one woman. Rick Henderson, managing editor of Carolina Journal, joins host Donna Martinez to explain the behind the scenes political action related to the amendment, as well as updates on three amendments that some thought would be addressed but which didn’t make it out of the legislature: eminent domain, change in makeup of the state Board of Education, and term limits for legislative leaders. Then we turn to visits to our state this week by President Obama and Vice President Biden. Mike Davis, host of North Carolina’s Evening News and Rick Martinez, news director for SGRToday.com, the North Carolina News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, join Donna Martinez to analyze the politics of the visits, the recent debates featuring Republican presidential candidates, John Edwards’ legal victory, former Congressman Bob Etheridge’s new state job, and the latest on undeclared gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory. That’s followed by the latest polling data from Tom Jensen of Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling. Jensen explains why President Obama would not win North Carolina today and why Gov. Perdue wouldn’t be re-elected if the election were held today. He also assesses President Obama’s weaknesses with independents and the Democratic Party base. Then Sarah Ovaska of N.C. Policy Watch provides an update on her reporting about Republican Rep. Stephen LaRoque’s work with economic development nonprofit groups. And finally, Rep. Bryan Holloway, R-Rockingham and Stokes, comments on his role in the General Assembly under Republican leadership, the state budget, the prospect of an independent redistricting commission, and education reform. |
|
Friday, 09 September 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
A political showdown looms in Raleigh as legislators head back to Raleigh on September 12 to consider a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as between one man and one woman. If passed, voters would have their say on the amendment in November 2012. Alex Miller, Interim Executive Director of Equality NC, makes the case against the amendment, while Bill Brooks of the N.C. Family Policy Council defends the amendment. Then Wake Forest University Political Science Professor John Dinan offers historical perspective on the 30 states that have amended their constitutions as it relates to same sex marriage. That’s followed by a discussion with state Sen. David Rouzer (R-Johnston) about his run for the Republican nomination for the 7th district of North Carolina – the seat now held by Democrat Mike McIntyre. Next are comments from Democratic political strategist Gary Pearce about the challenge candidates face when running for office in a down economy. Pearce also assesses President Obama’s chances at re-election and analyzes the Republican leadership in the General Assembly. Finally, SGRToday.com’s Josh Ellis explains this week’s disagreement between Gov. Bev Perdue and state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about the governor’s denial of a request for a waiver from truck weight regulations as farmers tried to get crops out of the ground as Hurricane Irene approached. |
|
Saturday, 03 September 2011 23:00 |
|
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 the wake of Hurricane Irene, SGRToday.com’s Josh Ellis reports on the political spin over recovery money coming from some politicians. Then we hear N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis describe what he saw when he surveyed Irene damage from a helicopter. Tillis also comments on recent protests at his town hall meetings, a potential same-sex marriage amendment to the N.C. Constitution, and the possibility of providing compensation to victims of the state’s eugenics program. Then host Donna Martinez revisits the political money trail with Jonathan Kappler of the N. C. Free Enterprise Foundation, who details fundraising by both major N.C. political parties in the first half of the year. Kappler also analyzes new congressional election maps. That’s followed by comments from Republican Mike Beitler, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Secretary of State. And finally, the John Edwards legal saga gets an update when we revisit a recent roundtable discussion about Edwards, as well as the political future for several vulnerable members of the N.C. congressional delegation and the presidential race. Martinez is joined by N.C. Evening News Host Mike Davis and Rick Martinez, news director for SGRToday.com, the N.C. News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh for that discussion. |
|
Saturday, 27 August 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Congressmen Larry Kissell and Heath Shuler have been identified by a Washington DC political newspaper as among the most vulnerable incumbents in the 2012 election. North Carolina’s Evening News Host Mike Davis and North Carolina News Network News Director Rick Martinez join host Donna Martinez to analyze the precarious re-election prospects for the two members, the discontent among some Tea Party movement members with Republican Rep. Renee Ellmers, and stories about a change in John Edwards’ legal team and discontent among some unions about the choice of Charlotte as the site for the Democratic National Convention. Then Republican Bill Randall talks about his intent to seek the GOP nomination for the 13th district of Congress, while State Board of Elections Executive Director Gary Bartlett discusses the impact of new election maps on his department’s operations. That’s followed by comments from State Treasurer Janet Cowell about the recession’s impact on state investments and her view of when the state will see signs of recovery. Finally, Martinez provides updates on a personnel change at the state Democratic Party, former President Bill Clinton’s health, and an indictment of two men for harassing former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. |
|
Friday, 19 August 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com joins host Donna Martinez to discuss a news conference held this week by state Rep. Stephen LaRoque, R-Lenoir, about his business activities related to two economic development nonprofit groups he operates. LaRoque denies any wrongdoing with federal dollars or other management issues brought up by reporter Sarah Ovaska of the progressive think tank NC Policy Watch. Ellis also updates Martinez on the fight over pre-kindergarten enrollment and funding between Gov. Perdue and legislative Republicans, the push to offer casino-style gambling in western NC, and the NC NAACP’s statement that it will sue over new congressional and legislative maps. Then we turn to the race for Congress. Martinez is joined by Paul Coble, who is seeking the GOP nomination for the 13th district. Coble, a conservative Republican who is the chairman of the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the former mayor of Raleigh, discusses his views on issues and why he wants to make the leap from Raleigh to D.C. Then the discussion turns to the potential constitutional amendments that may be considered by the legislature next month. Rick Martinez, news director for SGRToday.com, the NC News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, analyzes the social, fiscal, and election-related amendments that could come up -- most notably, a same-sex marriage ban – and the politics at play for Democrats and Republicans. That’s followed by comments from State Auditor Beth Wood about how she keeps politics out of her job as a watchdog of state government spending and practices no matter which political party is in power, and the impact of budget cuts on her office’s work. |
|
Friday, 12 August 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Both of North Carolina’s major political parties are raking in the dough. Jonathan Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation joins host Donna Martinez to break down the fundraising numbers for the first half of 2011 and explain why the totals show state Democrats don’t hold their typical, historical lead over Republicans. Kappler also discusses the controversial new boundaries for congressional districts and details the changes in voter registration in each district that lead critics to say they’re drawn for Republican advantage rather than for greater competition. Then NC Policy Watch reporter Sarah Ovaska joins Martinez to discuss her investigate reporting of Rep. Stephen LaRoque’s business dealings with two nonprofit economic development groups. That’s followed by Rep. LaRoque’s comments about Ovaska’s story, made recently to SGRToday.com’s Josh Ellis. Next we hear brief comments from former Gov. Jim Hunt about the state’s progress – comments he made this week at the N.C. Museum of History’s get-together for the release of some of his gubernatorial papers. We also hear Gov. Perdue’s view of the Hunt legacy. Josh Ellis also reports on the possible addition of casino gambling in western North Carolina, and Rick Martinez, news director of SGRToday.com, the N.C. News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh analyzes the political implications of the potential gambling expansion. And finally, Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research discusses the role of the growing “unaffiliated” voter in our state. Nearly one out of five registered voters is now “unaffiliated.” Coble also comments on likely legal challenges to redistricting maps from Democrats. |
|
Friday, 05 August 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
North Carolina legislators will reconvene in Raleigh for a week-long session that will address proposed amendments to the state constitution. Among the likely amendments is one that would define marriage in our state as between one man and one woman. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation discuss the political implications of the debate and which political factions would turn out for the 2012 election to make their views known on the hotly debated issue. Shaw and Gray also discuss a potential amendment to term-limit legislative leaders, update talk about legal challenges to the new congressional and legislative boundary maps, and analyze the winners and losers in the recent debate over cutting federal spending and raising the debt limit, including Tea Party discontent with new 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers. Then 2008 Libertarian Senate candidate Mike Beitler discusses his intent to run for N.C. Secretary of State as a Republican. Beitler explains why he changed his party registration and the issues he would address if elected. That’s followed by a discussion with Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com and Rick Martinez of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh about political stories swirling around state Sen. Stan Bingham, Rep. Stephen LaRoque, and a former Franklin County sheriff. Ellis and Martinez also discuss the possible legislative approval of expanded gambling options in western North Carolina. |
|
Friday, 29 July 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
The General Assembly adjourned this week’s session after high political drama that featured successful Republican overrides of vetoes issued by Gov. Beverly Perdue. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson analyzes key override votes on bills that touch issues as diverse as abortion, regulatory reform, administration of the Employment Security Commission, and medical malpractice reform. Some of the override votes saw Democrats joining Republicans. He also explains the political dynamics at play in the Republicans’ unsuccessful attempt to override Perdue’s veto of the voter identification legislation. Henderson also talks about the federal prison sentence of former Mike Easley aide Ruffin Poole, as well as comments to Newsweek by heiress Bunny Mellon about former Sen. John Edwards. Then Tom Jensen of the Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling reports the latest results of polls assessing President Obama, Gov. Perdue, and legislative Republicans. That’s followed by a look at political history with former N.C. Attorney General and Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten. Thirty-eight years ago this month, Edmisten, who worked for Democratic Sen. Sam Ervin on the Watergate committee, delivered the subpoena to President Richard Nixon for the infamous White House tapes. Edmisten recalls the constitutional crisis and behind-the-scenes politics. Then former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory discusses his political support, as evidenced in recent polling, should he decide to challenge Gov. Perdue for the state’s top job. And finally, House Speaker Pro Tem Dale Folwell, R-Forsyth, assesses the work of legislative Republicans and the need to stabilize the State Health Plan. |
|
Friday, 22 July 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
North Carolina Democrats find themselves in even worse political circumstances under the second round of congressional redistricting maps. How did that happen and who wins and who loses? Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rob Thompson of the Covenant with North Carolina’s Children and Dallas Woodhouse of Americans for Prosperity, who weigh in on the newly redrawn lines, what it means for Democratic and Republican incumbents, the double bunking of David Price and Brad Miller, as well as Mike McIntyre and Larry Kissell, and whether conservative Democrats can survive in today’s political environment. Thompson and Woodhouse also discuss a ruling by Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning that challenges actions by legislative Republicans relative to the state’s pre-K programs, and they predict whether Gov. Perdue’s vetoes of several key bills are in danger of legislative override. That’s followed by comments from Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger, Republican of Rockingham County, on the challenge of balancing the state budget while allowing for enrollment growth in the K-12 education system, and the prospect of higher tax revenues in the future. Then Martinez reports on this week’s Federal Election Commission’s ruling that the John Edwards presidential campaign must repay $2.3 million to the U.S. Treasury. |
|
Friday, 08 July 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Much of the political focus so far has been on the potential rematch for governor between Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory. This week, host Donna Martinez focuses on the state’s #2 job when she’s joined by Wake County Commissioner Tony Gurley, who plans to run for the seat. Gurley discusses his background and goals for the office, should he be elected. Then Democratic Congressman Brad Miller of the 13th district comments about his political aspirations and the current impasse in Washington D.C. over raising the debt limit and/or cutting spending. That’s followed by analysis of proposed congressional redistricting maps from Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation. Kappler analyzes key districts, as redrawn by the legislature, and the implications for incumbents, challengers, and voters. Next, we explore the phenomenon of Twitter as a campaign and news tool. Recently, the Fox News Twitter account was hacked and ugly messages were tweeted over the network’s name about President Obama. The Secret Service is investigating. In North Carolina, a candidate for Congress had his name used over ugly tweets. Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF offers perspective. And finally, Donna Martinez details some of the reaction to redistricting maps from members of Congress, as well as a blog from Democratic strategist Gary Pearce about the N.C. governor’s race. |
|
Friday, 01 July 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Gov. Perdue used the veto stamp again this week to squash Republican legislation on abortion, voter identification, and medical malpractice. Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez, news director for the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh to discuss the political dynamics between Perdue and the Republicans and whether the GOP can override Perdue’s actions. He also explains why the N.C. GOP has issued an apology to a former legislator and gives us the latest on a re-election rumor about Rep. Heath Shuler of western N.C. Then N.C. State political science professor Andy Taylor delves into research about voter turnout in states that require voter identification. That’s followed by comments from Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville) about his vote to override Gov. Perdue’s veto of the state budget, and comments from Sen. President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) about the GOP’s legislative work to date. And finally, Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute discusses the latest polling data on the classic right track/wrong track question, as well as how Gov. Perdue and the Republicans are faring with North Carolina voters. |
|
Friday, 24 June 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Democratic state Rep. Jim Crawford (D-Granville/Vance) joins host Donna Martinez to discuss his decision to join with legislative Republicans and vote to override Gov. Beverly Perdue’s budget veto. Crawford talks about constituent reaction, the potential political implications of his vote, and his future legislative priorities particularly as they relate to job creation in rural North Carolina counties. Then Senate President Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) assesses the GOP’s legislative efforts on the budget and other issues. That’s followed by comments from former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory about his possible rematch with Gov. Beverly Perdue and her performance to date. Then political strategist Brad Crone analyzes a potential McCrory-Perdue race. Next is fresh polling data from Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute. He analyzes North Carolinians’ responses on issues ranging from public education to spending, taxation, and the gas tax. Finally, Martinez provides an update on John Edwards’ court appearance this week, new plans for his daughter Cate, a national news article that features Rep. Renee Ellmers of the 2nd congressional district, and the announced November resignation of Rep. Debbie Clary of Cleveland County. |
|
Thursday, 16 June 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
This week, Gov. Perdue suffered a huge political defeat as her veto of the state budget was overridden by Republicans and five House Democrats who defected to the GOP’s position. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute join host Donna Martinez to debate the politics and the details of the spending plan, including funding for K-12 and higher education. The two also discuss tax policy enshrined in the plan. Then we turn to this week’s visit from President Obama to the Triangle. Gurnal Scott of the N.C. News Network details the visit, while Rick Martinez of NewsRadio 680 WPTF, SGRToday.com, and the N.C. News Network analyzes the politics of the visit. He also reviews the seven Republican candidates who debated on CNN this week, and provides an update on John Edwards’ legal troubles. That’s followed by comments from Chad Adams, radio host at The Big Talker in Wilmington, about new questions that swirl around former Democratic state Sen. R.C. Soles of Columbus County, and the ongoing fight by Republican Ilario Pantano to unseat Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre. |
|
Thursday, 09 June 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
A war of words escalates at the General Assembly between Rep. Stephen LaRoque and members of the Legislative Black Caucus in the wake of Rep. LaRoque calling the NAACP a racist organization. We hear reaction from Rep. Rodney Moore (D-Mecklenburg) and a response from Rep. LaRoque (R-Wayne, Lenoir, and Greene). Then Rep. Mike Stone (R-Lee) speaks out about his view that his 8-year-old daughter was used as a political pawn by a Lee County Schools teacher via a writing assignment about cuts to the state’s education budget. Then host Donna Martinez gets analysis on both stories from Rick Martinez, News Director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Next, Peace College Political Science Professor David McLennan offers perspective on new polling that shows a drop in support for President Obama. McLennan also weighs in on Gov. Perdue’s re-election prospects. That’s followed by comments from Damon Circosta of the North Carolina Center for Voter Education, who discusses corporate cash and campaigns, as well as election reform legislation that’s making its way through the legislature. And finally, we hear from former North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr about his support for reforming a law that puts 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds into the adult justice system. Orr wants judges to have discretion to divert the teens’ cases to juvenile court. |
|
Thursday, 02 June 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
This week, a political earthquake as former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate John Edwards is indicted on campaign finance violations. The six counts relate to money allegedly provided by wealthy donors Rachel “Bunny” Mellon and Fred Baron to hide Edwards’ mistress Rielle Hunter from the public. We hear Edwards’ comments after he pleaded not guilty in a Winston-Salem courtroom, and we hear from Edwards’ attorney Greg Craig about his view of the prosecution’s case against his client. That’s followed by reaction from former federal prosecutor Kieran Shanahan on the arrest warrant that was issued for Edwards and what’s ahead in the legal maneuvering. We also hear from North Carolina political watchdog Joe Sinsheimer, who has closely followed the case for two years. For additional analysis, host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Then we focus on the second major political story of the week – defections of legislative Democrats to the Republican budget. Will this handful of Democrats give the GOP the upper hand with Gov. Perdue? Josh Ellis of SGRToday.com joins Donna Martinez to analyze the political chess game and the pressure on Democrats to stick with their party on a budget Gov. Perdue has denounced. Then we look at legislative efforts at ethics reform with Jane Pinsky of the N.C. Coalition on Lobbying and Government Reform. Pinsky tells Donna Martinez about progress made this session on so-called pay-to-play politics and the possibility of redistricting reform. Turning to the 2012 election, Tom Jensen of Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling discusses the latest data on a Beverly Perdue/Pat McCrory re-match. And finally, North Carolina Republican Party Chairman Robin Hayes comments on his party’s effort to oust Perdue and President Obama from office. |
|
Thursday, 26 May 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Is Gov. Beverly Perdue gaining public support? Tom Jensen of the Democratic North Carolina polling firm Public Policy Polling joins host Donna Martinez to analyze fresh polling data on Gov. Perdue, particularly as it relates to a possible rematch with former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory for the 2012 race for the top job in our state. Jensen also provides data on how the public views legislative Republicans as well as his prediction for which party would control the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House if the election were held today. Then we delve into allegations of campaign finance violations by former presidential candidate John Edwards. This week multiple news outlets reported the Department of Justice has given the go-ahead for an indictment of Edwards, whose attorney issued a statement in response, saying his client has broken no law. We delve into the Edwards story by revisiting our late April interview with ABC 11 TV’s Steve Daniels about what his sources are telling him about Edwards’ potential legal jeopardy. Then we hear once again from two gentlemen who are already running for Congress. Progressive Democrat Cecil Bothwell, an Asheville City Councilman, is upset with conservative Democrat Heath Shuler. In this early May interview, he tells Martinez why he think there is support within the western North Carolina Democratic Party for a primary challenge to Shuler in 2012. And finally, Republican Ilario Pantano lost to Democrat Mike McIntyre last year in the race to represent southeastern North Carolina, but in this late April interview, Pantano explained to Martinez why he’s continuing to fight to replace McIntyre. |
|
Friday, 20 May 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
One of former Gov. Mike Easley’s closest aide, Ruffin Poole, is sentenced to prison. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins host Donna Martinez to describe the courtroom scene as the man known as the “little governor” received his year-and-a-day federal prison sentence. Henderson also analyzes news of a federal investigation of Law Enforcement Associates, a firm with ties to former state Sen. Tony Rand of Fayetteville and former N.C. Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett. Then the North Carolina News Network’s Gurnal Scott talks to supporters and foes of a bill to ban same sex marriage in our state. That’s followed by analysis from NCNN’s Rick Martinez of the political reaction to the GOP push on social issues, an attempt to shorten early voting, and the visit to North Carolina by new Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a Florida congresswoman. Then Donna Martinez referees a discussion between Dana Cope, executive director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC) and Francis DeLuca, president of the Civitas Institute. The two analyze the impact on state and local employees of legislative budget decisions that will result in layoffs, this week’s compromise over premiums for the State Health Plan, the political implications for legislators who support cuts to public education, whether to lower the corporate income tax rate, and the push to change the state pension plan from a defined benefit to a defined contribution program. |
|
Thursday, 12 May 2011 23:00 |
|
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.
Is President Barack Obama poised to win North Carolina just like he did in 2008, no matter which Republican snags the nomination? NC State Political Science Professor Andy Taylor assesses Mr. Obama’s strength in the state, as well as the GOP field that now includes former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Sarah Preston of the NC ACLU also explains why her group opposes a legislative push to expand the state’s authority to collect DNA from those arrested on certain felonies. Next, Rick Martinez, news director of News Radio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, SGRToday.com, and the N.C. News Network, joins host Donna Martinez to look at President Obama’s polling numbers in the wake of the Osama bin Laden killing, including data that shows the president is enjoying a bump in his job approval rating but not in his re-election effort. Martinez also details the potential weaknesses the Republicans bring to the race for the White House. That’s followed by comments from N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis about the controversy over the number of state and local government layoffs that will result if the House version of the budget becomes law. Tillis also talks about how the session is going. In addition, veteran Democratic political operative Gary Pearce, who spent years with former Gov. Jim Hunt, analyzes the political chess game being played by Gov. Beverly Perdue and legislative Republicans. And finally, retired N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr discusses the growing talk about changing the way North Carolina selects judges, including a bill that would exempt appointees from having to run in the next election. Orr also offers perspective on the legal profession and the job outlook for North Carolina’s law school graduates. |
|
Friday, 06 May 2011 11:59 |
|
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.
Rob Christensen of the Raleigh News & Observer joins host Donna Martinez to give a firsthand account of the N.C. Democratic Party’s Jefferson/Jackson dinner, at which Gov. Beverly Perdue ratcheted up the rhetoric against Republicans who now control the General Assembly. Christensen assesses Perdue’s political strength, use of the veto, and polling numbers as she rallies the party faithful heading into the 2012 election cycle as well as the reaction of Republicans. Then Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell talks about his decision to challenge his fellow Democrat, Rep. Heath Shuler, for the Democratic nomination for the 11th District seat in Congress. Bothwell, a progressive, tells Martinez about the progressive and libertarian leanings of the area. Then SGRToday.com’s capital reporter Josh Ellis gives Martinez the latest behind-the-scenes news at the legislature, including how the five Democrats who crossed over to support the Republican House budget are faring with their colleagues. That’s followed by news about John Edwards’ testimony in a lawsuit filed by his former mistress Rielle Hunter against former aide Andrew Young, and comments from state Superintendent of Public Instruction June Atkinson about the debate electing or appointing the state’s top education leader. |
|
Last Updated on Thursday, 12 May 2011 12:23 |
|
Friday, 29 April 2011 02:01 |
|
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.
Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre (D-7th) won re-election by 8 points last November, yet it was the closest race of McIntyre’s political career. But the fight to represent southeastern North Carolina in the U.S. Congress doesn’t seem to over yet. The Republican McIntyre defeated – Ilario Pantano – has already announced he will challenge McIntyre again in 2012. Pantano joins host Donna Martinez to explain his continuing fight and his views on jobs and the economy. Then David Bass of Carolina Journal discusses the many social-policy bills that have been approved or filed so far this legislative session. They include several on abortion topics, one that recognizes an unborn fetus as a victim when the baby’s mother is murdered or injured, and a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. That’s followed by a discussion with Democratic political consultant Perry Woods, who talks about Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker’s decision not to seek a sixth term and why the Raleigh mayor’s seat is one of the most coveted mayoral seats in North Carolina politics. Woods, who has been Meeker’s strategist for years, also offers perspective on a bill making its way through the legislature that would scale back early voting, which was used successfully by Democrats in 2008 and by Republicans in 2010. Woods explains that early voting can be a double-edged sword for candidates. Next up is ABC11 TV’s investigative reporter and anchor Steve Daniels, who received a fascinating tip this week about the federal investigation into John Edwards’ campaign finances. Daniels explains why ABC11 put its helicopter in the air over the Alamance County airport. And finally, Martinez updates North Carolina voter registration totals, which show that unaffiliated voters now make up 25 percent of the state’s registered voters, and reports on a national political analyst’s story about North Carolina Democratic Congressmen Brad Miller (13th District) and Larry Kissell (8th District). |
|
Friday, 22 April 2011 06:06 |
|
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.
Tornadoes hit North Carolina hard on April 16, but where was Gov. Perdue? Reporters jumped on inconsistent statements from the governor's spokesmen about where she was all day Saturday and why it was 11 p.m. before she appeared. Rick Martinez, news director for the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, joins host Donna Martinez to analyze the confusion and potential political implications, including a public records request filed by the N.C. Republican Party. Then the subject turns to Perdue's fight with Republicans over the state budget, insurance premiums for state workers, and other issues. Perdue hasn't hesitated to use the veto pen, thwarting the Republican majority in the General Assembly. Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Dallas Woodhouse of Americans For Prosperity offer differing views on the political and policy fight over money, redistricting, and requiring a photo I.D. to vote. That's followed by comments from Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research about the power struggle he's observing with Republicans running the legislative show, and we'll hear an update on former Mike Easley aide Ruffin Poole, who's facing a judge next month, and the details of N.C. House Minority Leader Joe Hackney's recent trip to Washington D.C. |
|
Friday, 15 April 2011 22:34 |
|
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.
Gov. Beverly Perdue cranked up the rhetoric this week, saying legislative Republicans are committing "extortion" with their budget proposals. Host Donna Martinez is joined by Rick Martinez, news director of the North Carolina News Network, SGRToday.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh to discuss the political and fiscal battle, as well as this week's visit to Camp Lejeune by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden, President Obama's falling poll numbers with the left wing of his Democratic base, legislative efforts to term-limit Senate and House leaders, and the speculation over a possible indictment of John Edwards on allegations of campaign finance violations related to former mistress Rielle Hunter. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson also analyzes recent interview comments by disgraced former House Speaker Jim Black, who is denying elements of the corruption case that sent him to prison for more than three years. That's followed by comments from Attorney General Roy Cooper about reforms to the state's crime lab in the wake of a devastating investigation into misconduct by the lab, and comments from Democratic Congressmen Brad Miller and David Price about federal budget negotiations and government shutdown drama between Democrats and Republicans. Finally, Gurnal Scott explores this week's N.C. Senate vote that saw a Civil War-era North Carolina governor, William Holden, get a chance at political redemption. |
|
Friday, 08 April 2011 02:00 |
|
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.
State lawmakers are spending plenty of time on the new budget, but they're also dealing with a slew of bills that would change election law in our state. Damon Circosta, executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education, joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the push for a photo ID to vote and claims that it would disenfranchise the elderly and minorities, the push by Republicans to end public financing of campaigns, and bills that would add the political affiliation back to the ballot for judicial candidates and remove political affiliations from all offices on the ballot.
We find out just how testy legislators have gotten as they prepare to redraw the legislative and congressional districts, as required by law. David Bass, reporter for Carolina Journal, describes the rhetorical slings and arrows tossed by both parties over who will sit on the redistricting committee and what's ahead as the Democrats fear a loss of electoral influence and the Republicans eye a gain.
Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, SGRToday.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF, updates us on news media requests to unseal John Edwards' deposition in the lawsuit filed by his former mistress Rielle Hunter against Edwards' former aide Andrew Young. Martinez also talks about rumors of money woes for the state Republican Party, a breach of security at the Governor's mansion, verbal attacks on a Democratic primary opponent for Rep. Mike McIntyre, and President Obama's re-election campaign. Then North Carolina News Network's Gurnal Scott reports on constitutional concerns over state tax reform, and 2008 Libertarian candidate for governor Mike Munger explains why he left the Republican Party and offers a critique of the Republican majority in the General Assembly. |
|
|
|
|
Page 1 of 4 |
Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved
3012 Highwoods Blvd., Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27604
Telephone: (919) 790-9392
|
