nc house

One mnemonic they teach at the Naval Academy - red right returning - is designed to help newbies remember which side of a channel red buoys are on. (The are on the right when you're returning to port.) The saying came to mind today when I spent a few hours studying the issues around Easley's veto of the Boating in the Fast Lane bill.

I've written all my representatives asking them to uphold the Governor's veto. From all I can see, the bill is just another suck-up to business interests, exactly what you'd expect from a North Carolina Senate who jumps at every chance to put profits ahead of people.

But maybe, just maybe, representatives in the House will hold the line on this egregious legislation. Why? Because it will kill people. Just ask the State Highway Patrol.

Hopefully this is not in bad form. We are having a contest over at Progressive Electorate and Larry Kissell is one of our candidates. He is lagging behind in votes so we just wanted to invite some Carolina Blue folks over to come and visit and join in. The winner and runner up are guarantee donations. Also we have a diary up on Daniel Johnson.

Again, I hope I did not offend anyone but I wanted to make sure that the Larry folks knew they were in the contest and had an opportunity to get their folks participate.

The House and Senate Education Appropriation Committee distributed a version of the Conference Budget this afternoon. Our public schools received less funding in the Conference Budget than was included for public schools in the House or the Senate passed Budgets. The Conference Budget is $33.9 million less than the Budget passed by the House for public schools. The Conference Budget is $10.2 million less than the Budget passed by the Senate for public schools.

For all the friends of labor that are in the General Assembly, there are a few who need a backbone transplant in order to help them stand by working families.

On Saturday, June 14, we'll be canvassing precinct 18-03, Al's home precinct, with Congressman David Price, who has graciously agreed to go to his constituents' doors and tell them why Al should be the next representative from the 36th district.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Al Swanstrom, and I’m running for the NC House of Representatives in District 36, which my friend Greer Beaty almost won in 2006. It covers parts of Cary, Apex, and Swift Creek.

This from the Obama folks today.

Raleigh, NC – Today 29 members of the North Carolina state legislature endorsed Senator Obama, citing his ability to inspire and bring people together to move our country forward, and put an end to the divisive politics of Washington that have stalled progress on the great challenges facing our nation. The legislators’ endorsements are the latest addition to Obama’s grassroots movement for change, which has come to encompass a broad spectrum of North Carolinians – from the grassroots level to representatives in United States Congress – who will vote for change on May 6.

Here's the list:

Apex Town Councilman Bryan Gossage sent his first shot across NC Representative Ty Harrell's bow last week in their race for the NC 41 seat. It's too bad he didn't do a better job of fact checking.

I don't know why it's so hard to get both of our illustrious houses in the legislature lined up on the right side of important issues. We had a helluva fight keeping the special interests out of the Senate on the transfer tax, but now it's the House that's out of whack on the landfills issue.

The N&O has a good editorial that covers most of the important points.

Late Tuesday night, The Southern Pines Pilot ran a story in which Joe Boylan called the rumors of his wild exploits baseless. The hard copy of the paper hit the stands on Wednesday. By Thursday, Joe had to issue retractions to two of his statements. Misrepresentations? Or Lies? Hmmm.....

I'm posting this to the front page. I don't think the headline makes it clear - this is a big deal. I think we can kiss the hairdresser goodbye. - RP