The ever evolving rationale for voter ID
The Republican rationale for voter ID keeps evolving. First, the move was going stop rampant voter fraud. When no significant fraud was found, the GOP said it wanted to prevent future voter fraud. Now, Thom Tillis took to the airways, on MSNBC no less, to say that...
North Carolina is purple. Period.
An op-ed in today’s News & Observer used the shift of County Commissioner seats from Democrat to Republican to conclude that North Carolina is not a purple, or swing state, but one that is trending red. This conclusion is flawed but the data does highlight the...
What’s the fracking rush?
Last year, the legislature decided that North Carolina is going to allow drilling for natural gas using hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.” While the issue is controversial, the legislature put a process in place to establish rules that Republican leaders said would...
Who is the customer?
The Republicans in the North Carolina legislature have decided that they need to scrap all of the institutional knowledge of boards and commissions charged with protecting the public interest. They unabashedly admit that they want to put a partisan spin on the...
The Sequester and DC Parochialism
The sequester debate has exposed Washington’s dysfunction and its unique brand of parochialism. But it’s not just the White House and Congress, it’s the Washington press corps, too. The whole town needs to step back, stop talking to themselves and start communicating...
NC GOP’s 47% Moment
During the 2012 election, Democrats pounded Mitt Romney with his "47%" comment. The attack worked because it reinforced the stereotype that Republicans, and Romney in particular, side with the rich at the expense of the middle class. In essence, it made true what many...
Berger Petition: First Move in U. S. Senate race?
North Carolina Senator Phil Berger caused quite a stir with his "Petition to Stop Obamacare." The media was quick to point out that Berger uses misleading and discredited information to rally opposition to Obamacare in North Carolina. Progressives called foul,...
Why Should Democrats Compromise on Voter ID?
Pat McCrory and some of his Republican allies are now saying they are ready to compromise on voter ID. Compromise with whom? With super-majorities in the state house and senate, Republicans can pass whatever bill they want without any Democratic support. For their...
No Mandate in North Carolina
In a year where Democrats are smiling across the country, North Carolina looks like a black hole. Pat McCrory became the first Republican governor in twenty years. Congress went from a 7-6 Democratic advantage to a 9-4 Republican one. The GOP added to their super...
Candidates Must Provide Policy Specifics in Second Debate, Analysts Agree: Part 2
WASHINGTON – With the second debate hours away, political analysts say the one way to provide American voters with a better choice in the upcoming election is simple: provide specifics. Tuesday night's event will pit the candidates directly up against questions by...
