He served more than three years in a federal prison on corruption charges, but six months after being released from prison early, disgraced former N.C. House Speaker Jim Black is giving interviews in which he denies key elements of the case against him. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson compares the facts of the case with Black’s new statements and discusses what the powerful former Democratic legislator may do in the future. Then we turn to one of the fascinating legislative discussions on Jones Street in Raleigh. While North Carolina legislators have engaged in partisan battles over a number of issues, measures such as Phoebe’s Law have generated bipartisan support. The measure would set up a pilot program of speed cameras in highway work zones and school zones. You’ll hear Reps. Jonathan Jordan, R-Ashe, Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland, Tom Murry, R-Wake, and Becky Carney, D-Mecklenburg, debate the issue. That’s followed by the contentious disagreement over whether North Carolina should accept $461 million in federal stimulus money to pursue high-speed rail projects. Rep. Ric Killian, R-Mecklenburg, sponsored a bill that would require authorization from the General Assembly before the N.C. Department of Transportation could accept the stimulus dollars. You’ll hear Killian’s argument in favor of the bill, along with criticism from Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx. Then we turn to remarks made in North Carolina by one of the most popular Republican supporters of libertarian views. Now that his party has won control of the U.S. House, Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, sees little change in his role of pushing for a limited, constitutional government that protects individual liberty. Paul outlined his priorities during a recent presentation to the N.C. State University chapter of Young Americans for Liberty. And finally, since 2005, the North Carolina History Project has sought to shine the light on resources and personalities that have been forgotten or overshadowed in our state. NCHP Founding Director Troy Kickler discusses the new expansion of the organization with an office in Edenton, a town that played a key role in our country’s and our state’s constitutional history, as well as the advancement of women in political movements.
Do Facts Support Jim Black’s Denial of Corruption?
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