incompetence

First it was over-reaching on Planned Parenthood, which is guaranteed to be deemed unconstitutional. Now it's the annexation fiasco. And if the anti-marriage amendment passes, that'll hit the courts too.

What else?

Was it state or national issues driving voters?

“This result is an indication of the desire of the voters of North Carolina for a change in direction in state government,’’ said Berger, R-Rockingham. “We have broken a 112-year dry spell.’’

State Rep. Mark Hilton, a Republican representing Catawba County, said Tuesday night that North Carolina voters reflect the national mood.

If you're unsure why voters chose you, then how are you going to carry out their wishes?

The Charlotte Observer reports this afternoon that the newly appointed ranking Republican on the Senate's Veteran Affairs Committee hasn't bothered to show up for more than half the votes during his tenure.

Republican State Auditor Les Merritt’s website explains that the Auditor’s office exists “to ensure that our state government executes its management responsibilities in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.” [http://www.ncauditor.net/webproject/default.asp?intro_full]

But when it comes to his own business affairs, Mr. Merritt has a hard time following the law.

When he’s not working as State Auditor, Mr. Merritt is the president of LDC Mobile Estates, Inc.  State law requires all corporations to file an annual report with the Secretary of State’s office.

But Mr. Merritt has failed to submit required paperwork and now his annual reports for 2004 and 2005 have been rejected. It also appears that his annual report for 2006 will soon be rejected as well.  [http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations/AnnualReportCount.aspx?PItemId=6457211]

“Mr. Merritt expects others in government to be meticulous in filing reports,” said NCDP Chair Jerry Meek.  “Perhaps he should practice what he preaches.  Either Mr. Merritt is incompetent, or he just doesn’t believe in following the law.  Either way, voters should be worried.”

Update: With the GOP Attack-machine working overtime, I thought now would be a good time to revisit my homage to this style of campaigning. This diary was originally intended to parody the GOP-style smear, but quickly turned into a serious look at the very real consequences of one Congressman's failure to act.

As if we didn’t have enough reasons to despise Robin Hayes, this terrible tragedy unfolds today.

LOWELL, Mass. - A trailer carrying dozens of puppies to Northeast pet stores caught fire just off an interstate, killing all of the estimated 60 dogs inside, authorities said.

What, you may wonder, does Robin Hayes have to do with 60 puppies dead in a tragic truck fire on a Massachusetts highway?

Follow me below the fold, and I’ll tell you…