Heard on the Street Posted: Thursday, August 13th, 2009 Not with a Bang but a whimper
The 2009 session of The General Assembly is over, ending, as T.S. Eliot said in describing the end of the world, “Not with a bang but a whimper.” Every session is different. Each has distinguishing marks. This session will be remembered for missed opportunities.
To hear more discussion on this session be sure to catch this week’s NC SPIN and to read My Spin.
Funnies
We love the irreverent humor of Charlotte Observer cartoonist Kevin Siers. Here are several recent examples of his take on current events. Enjoy.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/kevinsiers/story/869865.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/kevinsiers/story/867613.html
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/kevinsiers/story/867613.html
Speaking of test results, this week’s NC SPIN talks about the recent results released for state testing. It is pretty interesting.
Fallout from the session
Already there is speculation as to how this will impact Democrats in North Carolina. The mood of the electorate is angry, as evidenced by the many town hall meetings taking place across the nation and in North Carolina. There is a widespread belief that the tide has turned against the President and Democrats. If nothing changes this could affect the re-election bids of Congressmen Bob Etheridge, Heath Shuler, and Larry Kissell. Most don’t think it will hurt G.K. Butterfield or David Price.
If this abandonment by moderates and independents is widespread and lasting we could easily see the balance of power in our state government shift. All 170 legislators come up for re-election next year and our Governor and Council of State face re-election in 2012.
Look for some telltale signals in this fall’s municipal elections. While most are nonpartisan, the defeat of incumbents will demonstrate the mood.
Soles investigations reach Grand Jury
For more than a year we’ve been reporting to our subscribers that Senator R.C. Soles was being connected with allegations of wrongdoing. WWAY-TV in Wilmington has done good investigative reporting on Soles’ connections with troubled young men in his district even though most mainstream media outlets have shied away from reporting about one of the most powerful and longest tenured Senators in our state.
Following a report by a Tabor City newspaper, WWAY took this reporting to the next phase, releasing interviews from several of these young men that they have appeared before a Grand Jury investigating Soles. For the first time the TV station reported that Soles is being investigated for arson, embezzlement, child molestation and prostitution. Read the full WWAY news story.
UNC Retreats
The News and Observer did a great piece of investigative reporting about generous payouts given to UNC Administrators who were dismissed or chose to move back to the classroom. The stories pointed out overly generous payouts and questioned millions of tax dollars to the top brass. UNC President Erskine Bowles, responding to the stories, is reportedly asking the UNC Board of Governors to modify policies for UNC Administrators who leave their positions, however protecting those currently in those positions. Read the N&O story and stay tuned to NC SPIN next week for a discussion on these payouts.
Basnight’s health
Recent television interviews with Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight are all the proof one needs that the health of this Senate icon is not good. We hear from folks Down East that Basnight is telling close friends he won’t run in 2010. There is even some speculation that his health might prevent him from attending the short session next summer.
All this fuels discussion about who might take Basnight’s place, both in the Senate as well as in Senate leadership. Some are speculating that Pasquotank Representative Bill Owens might be the logical successor to the Senate seat, although Owens has a powerful voice in the House and would not likely have for a while in the Senate.
Who will be the next President Pro Tem? Most observers don’t believe Senator Tony Rand will have the support to win the post. Senator Dan Clodfelter is known to want it, as does A.B. Swindell. We’ve even heard Clark Jenkins’ name mentioned. There might be a coalition forming between Martin Nesbitt and Dan Blue, both capable members but neither able to swing the votes by themselves.
This drama will take on more shape in the short session. The candidates for the post will begin to make themselves better known so that following the November 2010 elections they can begin their efforts in earnest.
Sermons on the bench
We understand Beaufort County attorney Wayland Sermons has been appointed a Superior Court Judge in Beaufort County. We also heard he hosted a fundraiser for Governor Perdue last year.
Public Financing: How far?
The revelation that big finance houses made major contributions to the campaign of State Treasurer Janet Cowell has many (including Cowell) suggesting that we outlaw such practices. They suggest we make the Treasurer’s election publicly funded. But if you’re going to do that, don’t stop with the Treasurer. Last year, for the first time, the Commissioner of Insurance’s race was publicly funded but prior to that time campaigns were largely funded by insurance companies. So how about the Commissioner of Agriculture? Or the Labor Commissioner? How far are we willing to chase these rabbits? ");
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