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People In Politics
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 02 June 2011 23:00 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 26 May 2011 23:00 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 20 May 2011 23:00 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 12 May 2011 23:00 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 06 May 2011 11:59 |
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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. |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 12 May 2011 12:23 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 29 April 2011 02:01 |
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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). |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 22 April 2011 06:06 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 15 April 2011 22:34 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 08 April 2011 02:00 |
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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. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 25 March 2011 12:45 |
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Stategovernmentradio.com reporter Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the political maneuvering at the legislature over the proposed voter ID bill, the state Democratic Party's "turtle" ad that pokes fun at Republican legislators seeking to repeal the coastal plastic bag ban, changes to the state health plan, and allegations of illegal lobbying against a former state senator. Then Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) assesses the state budget challenge, the efforts to find common ground with Gov. Beverly Perdue, and pressure from interest groups who fear cuts in their state appropriations. That's followed by comments from Revenue Secretary David Hoyle about the role of his department in state administration and the knowledge gained during nine terms in the state Senate. Finally, the pulse of the North Carolina voter is on display in new polling from Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling about Gov. Perdue and her likely Republican challenger, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, and from Francis DeLuca of the Civitas Institute about state employee salaries, health care reform, and medical malpractice. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:12 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 18 March 2011 18:01 |
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Host Donna Martinez is joined by retired North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr to discuss the Court's recent ruling on third-party access to the North Carolina ballot - a fight waged by the Libertarian and Green parties for several years -- and the potential legislative action that could lower signature requirements for third parties. Orr also discusses the constitutionality of Gov. Perdue's plan to borrow nearly $500 million from specific funds to help pay state income tax refunds, as well as legislative pushes to require a photo I.D. to vote and to put back on the ballot the political party affiliations of judicial candidates.
Then the subject turns to a prediction by Democratic political consultant Joe Trippi, the man who first broadly used the Internet in political campaigns, that social media will propel a third-party candidate past front runners of the major parties and spell the two-party dominance. News Radio680 WPTF talk show host Bill LuMaye and Mike Davis, host of North Carolina's Evening News, offer perspective on this story and on word that former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is assembling a campaign team for a presumed rematch with Gov. Perdue in 2012. That's followed by analysis of changes likely to occur through redistricting based on new Census data. Jonathan Kappler of the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation discusses which districts will likely see the most change at the congressional and legislative levels. And finally, Tom Jensen of Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling reviews voter opinion on President Barack Obama and the Wisconsin union protests. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:14 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 11 March 2011 17:57 |
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Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss Gov. Beverly Perdue's veto of HB 2 -- the GOP-supported bill that would exempt North Carolina from the federal health insurance law's individual mandate -- and the Republican attempt to override the veto. You'll also hear the governor's comments on YouTube as she vetoed the bill, as well as reaction from N.C. House Speaker Pro Tem Dale Folwell (R-Forsyth) and former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who is rumored to be itching for a rematch with Perdue in 2012. Then the subject turns to Rep. Folwell's push to pass the fetal homicide bill and Gov. Perdue's controversial plan to borrow funds to make timely tax return payments -- a plan the GOP leadership opposes. That's followed by a discussion of 2012 politics with Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation. They talk about the impact of redistricting on 2012 races as well as the impact on turnout for both major parties if constitutional amendments related to same-sex marriage and property rights are on the ballot. Finally, the panel takes a look at probation and parole reforms being considered by Rep. David Guice of Henderson and Transylvania counties. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:16 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 04 March 2011 17:56 |
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Jeff Shaw of the N.C. Justice Center and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation join host Donna Martinez to discuss the budget tug-of-war in Raleigh between Gov. Perdue, Republican budget writers in the legislature, and outside interest groups that are pressuring legislators to fund their programs and services. Shaw and Gray also weigh in on the issues that may play a key role in the 2012 election cycle, such as Charlotte hosting the Democratic National Convention, the redrawing of congressional and legislative districts by Republicans, and the possibility of the ballot containing a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, which could fuel turnout on both sides of the political aisle. Then Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory discusses his view of Gov. Perdue's budget proposal and responds to Martinez's question about whether he will challenge Perdue next year. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:17 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 25 February 2011 17:54 |
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This week a political showdown in Raleigh between Gov. Beverly Perdue, who issued her first veto, and the Republican-led state legislature. Joining host Donna Martinez to discuss the power and policy struggle over the state budget is Rick Martinez, news director for stategovernmentradio.com, the N.C. News Network, and News Radio 680 WPTF in Raleigh. Rick also reacts to comments from Senate President Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) about questions of transparency when it comes to state legislators who access the state health plan, and Rick explains why Gov. Perdue is not expected to veto legislation that exempts the state from the individual mandate in the federal health insurance law. Then we hear from state Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler about his concerns over how Gov. Perdue's proposed budget treats his department. Next is an interview with former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who joins Donna Martinez to discuss his view of the state budget crisis. That's followed by comments from new 2nd District Congresswoman Renee Ellmers on the federal debt ceiling and a potential shutdown of the federal government. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:19 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 18 February 2011 17:52 |
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Gov. Beverly Perdue used this week's State of the State speech to outline her budget priorities and issue a challenge to the Republican-led state legislature to protect education and jobs. You'll hear excerpts from the governor's remarks and the response from Sen. Phil Berger, the Republican leader in the Senate. WTVD/ABC 11 reporter Steve Daniels joins host Donna Martinez to discuss his reporting on then-state Sen. Perdue's mid-1990s car accident in Raleigh and the subsequent FBI investigation into possible undue influence in Highway Patrol promotions. The investigation was closed with no action taken. Daniels describes what's in the FBI file and the response he received from Gov. Perdue's office. Then the Executive Director of the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC), Dana Cope, joins Martinez to respond to Gov. Perdue's budget proposal, which would eliminate 10,000 state jobs, roughly 3,000 of which are currently filled. Cope also discusses his group's suggestions for closing the estimated $2.7 billion budget hole. That's followed by comments from Democratic political consultant Brad Crone about Perdue's re-election prospects and a possible primary challenge, and an update on legal actions involving John Edwards. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:21 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 11 February 2011 17:07 |
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Huge political news this week as a donor to Gov. Beverly Perdue's election campaign is indicted. Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, stategovernmentradio.com, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, joins host Donna Martinez to discuss details of the indictment, Perdue's hiring of well known defense attorneys, her YouTube announcement about the state budget, new details about the hiring of former Rep. Bob Etheridge for a high-powered state job, and next Monday's State of the State address. Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis reacts to the spat between two state senators over who is to blame for the state's budget mess. Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg) and Sen. Martin Nesbitt (D-Buncombe) sparred as other legislators watched and the news media listened to the debate over budget cuts. Ellis also discusses a lawsuit filed by defeated Democratic Rep. Margaret Dickson of Cumberland County over 2010 election ads, a legislative bill to make judicial races partisan again, and the hallway scuttlebutt about what Gov. Perdue might say in next week's State of the State address. Then Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins Martinez to talk about a 2003 memo from a legislative staffer that concludes legislators can, indeed, move money out of special tobacco settlement funds and into the General Fund, despite protestations from some legislators who've said it can't be done. Finally, Mike Munger, the 2008 Libertarian candidate for governor, discusses the recent N.C. Supreme Court ruling about state incentives to Google for a Caldwell County server farm -- a case in which Munger was a plaintiff. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:32 |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 04 February 2011 17:05 |
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A huge win for Charlotte tops North Carolina politics this week. Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis reports on news that Charlotte has been chosen to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Ellis also shares excerpts of this week's N.C. House floor debate between Republicans and Democrats over the federal health care law.
Rick Martinez, news director of the N.C. News Network, stategovernmentradio.com and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, joins host Donna Martinez to analyze the poltical implications of the convention and the health care vote.
Following that, new N.C. Democratic Party Chairman David Parker joins Donna Martinez with reaction to the convention news and for a discussion of his strategy to rejuvenate the state party in the wake of massive 2010 losses.
That's followed by a look at fresh polling data with Civitas Institute President Francis DeLuca, who reveals the latest data on Gov. Beverly Perdue's popularity overall and within the Democratic Party, as well as North Carolinians' views of the state's economy and GOP efforts to exempt Tar Heels from the new federal health care law's individual mandate.
Then Ran Coble of the N.C. Center for Public Policy Research analyzes the challenge ahead for Republicans as they redraw the legislative and congressional districts and Martinez shares more information about the National Enquirer's investigation into John Edwards, a coveted assignment for new Rep. Renee Ellmers, and a humorous anecdote about House Speaker Thom Tillis of Mecklenburg County. |
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People In Politics
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Friday, 28 January 2011 17:02 |
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North Carolina Republicans took control of the General Assembly this week as they savored the fruits of their November election victory. Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss the first political feud of the session, which saw Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton on the short end of the stick. That's followed by a look at the GOP's opposition from a variety of groups, including the N.C. NAACP. Then new N.C. GOP Chairman Robin Hayes explains his priorities for the state party and what he expects from his Democratic opposition. Then Martinez and stategovernmentradio.com's Mike Davis discuss new polling about the 2012 presidential race and Gov. Perdue's rise in the polls. Finally, the State of the Union address featured a "we are the world" moment as members of Congress from opposing parties sat together in a show of unit. Was it all for show, or was it real? Martinez discusses the SOTU with Rick Martinez, news director for the N.C. News Network and NewsRadio 680 WPTF. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:33 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 06 January 2011 19:58 |
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A North Carolina era ends as state Senate President Marc Basnight (D-Dare) announces his resignation from the seat he's held for nearly two decades. The North Carolina News Network's Gurnal Scott looks back on Basnight's career, while Democratic insider Brad Crone and North Carolina News Network News Director Rick Martinez assess Basnight's impact, legacy, and future. Erskine Bowles also weighs in the country's fiscal crisis, while Republican legislators discuss the state's budget gap. That's followed by a look at the new U.S. Congress, which was sworn in this week, and what the new session means for North Carolina's 13-member delegation, including new GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers who defeated Bob Etheridge in November. Then host Donna Martinez is joined by Bob Hall of Democracy North Carolina for a discussion about legislative and congressional redistricting, public financing of election campaigns, and ethics reform. And finally, stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins Martinez to discuss the latest legislative rumors and appointments made by the new Republican legislative majority as the GOP prepares to take control in late January. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:34 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 30 December 2010 19:47 |
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What were the major political stories of 2010, and what are we likely to see play out in 2011 as Republican legislators take control of the General Assembly and the major political parties start to gear up for 2012? Barlow Herget of stategovernmentradio.com and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation join host Donna Martinez to discuss Mike Easley, Elizabeth Edwards, the GOP's big midterm win, redistricting, and the relationship between the GOP and Gov. Perdue. Then stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis reports on the controversy over the GOP's push to require a photo ID for voting. State senators David Rouzer (R-Johnston) and Ellie Kinnaird (D-Orange) weigh in. Martinez also provides an update on the week's big political stories, including the funeral of a former North Carolina First Lady and the prison term that has begun for a former North Carolina sheriff. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:36 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 23 December 2010 19:43 |
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On this Christmas weekend, People in Politics looks back at some of its most intriguing recent interviews. Host Donna Martinez talks with SEANC Executive Director Dana Cope and Civitas Institute Executive Director Francis DeLuca about the Mike Easley plea deal and the former governor's legacy. Then Martinez revisits her interview about outside money's impact on the midterm elections with Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation and her discussion with state Rep. Bill Faison (D-Orange/Caswell) about his bid to win the top job at the state Democratic Party. Martinez also looks back at a recent conversation with Gary Pearce, longtime colleague and friend of former Gov. Jim Hunt, about Hunt's place in North Carolina history. |
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Last Updated on Friday, 22 April 2011 10:36 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 16 December 2010 19:41 |
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Stategovernmentradio.com's Josh Ellis joins host Donna Martinez to discuss former Gov. Mike Easley's law license suspension and Gov. Beverly Perdue's bold proposals to Republicans that seized the media narrative for the week.
Then Dallas Woodhouse of Americans for Prosperity reacts to Gov. Perdue's proposals for limiting legislative sessions, going to an independent redistricting commission, and adding more transparency to legislative documents and communications. Woodhouse also discusses with Martinez the impact of a federal judge's ruling on the federal health care law on North Carolina legislative efforts to exempt the state from the law's individual mandate.
That's followed by a discussion with Rep. Bill Faison (D-Orange and Caswell) about his bid for the top job at the North Carolina Democratic Party and the impact of Republican control of the legislature on the state.
Martinez also updates several political news stories, including former Rep. Robin Hayes' desire to lead the state Republican Party and Sen. Kay Hagan's reported girls night out in Washington D.C. with 11 other female U.S. senators. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 April 2011 10:29 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 09 December 2010 19:39 |
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People in Politics marks the passing of Elizabeth Edwards, wife of former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards, with a retrospective on her life from reporter Gurnal Scott.
Then host Donna Martinez and North Carolina News Network News Director Rick Martinez discuss Edwards' legacy, the announced funeral protest that was planned by the infamous Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas, and the subsequent counterprotests planned by North Carolinians of all political stripes who sought to allow the Edwards family the space to grieve in peace.
Then Sen. Richard Burr comments on Erskine Bowles' deficit commission recommendations, the war in Afghanistan, Congresswoman-Elect Renee Ellmers' new challenge, and Sen. Burr's longtime friend Tom Fetzer, the outgoing chairman of the N.C. GOP.
That's followed by analysis from Jonathan Kappler of the N.C. Free Enterprise Foundation about the influence of outside money on North Carolina's midterm races for the General Assembly and U.S. Congress.
Donna Martinez also updates the latest political news about losing congressional candidate Ilario Pantano, state Democratic Party plans to put a full-time tracker on Renee Ellmers, Gov. Perdue's election to a top job in the Democratic Governors Association, former state Sen. Fred Hobbs' $150,000 fine, the latest return on investment figures for the state pension fund, and more. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 April 2011 10:29 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 02 December 2010 19:26 |
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Two of the state's power players assess the legacy of former Gov. Mike Easley in the wake of his guilty plea to a Class I felony for violating campaign finance law. Dana Cope, executive director of SEANC and Francis DeLuca, president of the Civitas Institute, join host Donna Martinez and offer their views on the Easley plea deal, North Carolina's ethics and campaign finance laws, and Easley's future. Then Cope and DeLuca discuss Gov. Perdue's political future in light of a new GOP-led General Assembly, the prospect of state employee furloughs and layoffs, and other possible budget cuts as a $4 billion budget hole looms.
That's followed by a look at how an Arizona case that will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court could impact North Carolina's system of taxpayer financing of some statewide election campaigns. Daren Bakst of the John Locke Foundation joins Martinez to explain the case.
Then Rick Martinez, news director of stategovernmentradio.com, the North Carolina News Network, and NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh provides an update on the still unsettled "instant" runoff race for a seat on the state Court of Appeals, as well a several recent legislative appointments.
And finally, Donna Martinez updates state and national political stories. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 April 2011 10:30 |
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People In Politics
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Thursday, 25 November 2010 19:19 |
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Gov. Mike Easley pleads guilty in a Wake County courtroom, ending both the state and federal investigations into his campaign finances and other dealings. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson joins substitute host Mike Davis to discuss Easley's plea deal, the unanswered questions that remain, and Easley attorney Joe Cheshire's tirade against the news media.
Then Rick Martinez, news director of NewsRadio 680 WPTF in Raleigh, the N.C. News Network, and stategovernmentradio.com, joins Davis to talk about N.C. GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer's resignation and plans for 2011 , as well as the election of Rep. Thom Tilllis as the new N.C. House Speaker.
That's followed by a second look at the impact of the midterm election results. Donna Martinez talks to Tom Fetzer and Democratic political insider Gary Pearce about what the results mean and what comes next for Democrats and Republicans.
And finally, we revisit Martinez's recent interview with Democratic pollster Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling about the internal feud between campaign pollsters and public pollsters. |
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Last Updated on Monday, 04 April 2011 10:30 |
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