The General Assembly in 2013: "The Next Election is 2014"

by Jeanne Milliken Bonds

The NC General Assembly convenes January 30 for the long session. With an influx of new members, we are sure to see leadership take more control to stay on schedule.

And, there will be the usual differences between the House and Senate. We could see more jockeying for position than we have in the past because, even though the Republicans have supermajorities in each chamber, early speculation is that both Speaker Tillis and Senate President Pro Tem Berger will be vying for US Senate in 2014. That could lead to some competition for the bully pulpit. Add to that mix the super speaking style and content of Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and you have a three way competition for tv time. Forest's remarks on Jan. 9 were an original and appealing mix of his profession (architecture) and history. No doubt in my mind that he will garner attention early and often.

There are going to be contentious issues early. Voter identification to start. Already Governor McCrory is backing off campaign statements about photo identification. And, now some legislative leaders are doing the same. Tax Reform will be a battle but there are some competent, calming voices that will lead including Republican Julia Howard in the House.

New Members will be on the fast track to learn issues. McCrory's Executive Branch will be slowly taking shape.

One of my Wilmington friends, Bruce Holsten, says, "The minority party's strategic plan to remain relevant and influential within a body with a dominant party is important."  I agree. Selecting the issues for debate with enough public support to effect an outcome is critical. Said another way, they will need to choose their battles carefully, while paving a successful path to 2014.

Jeanne Bonds is a political analyst and an NC Spin Panelist