At one time, many thought John Edwards might end up living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. But after his affair was exposed, his presidential dream derailed, and John Edwards now faces a federal indictment on six charges of campaign finance violations. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson lays out the legal case against Edwards, his likely defense, and what the case says about campaign finance regulations. Then we turn to education policy. Some state lawmakers believe North Carolina’s public schools should develop a personal learning plan for every student. You’ll hear Rep. Marcus Brandon, D-Guilford, promote the idea. Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake, offers some support from across the aisle. Terry Stoops, John Locke Foundation Director of Education Studies, also shares his concerns about the proposal. Next, Gov. Beverly Perdue vetoed a bill this year that would have exempted N.C. community colleges from a requirement to offer students low-interest federal loans. Legislators responded by putting together a series of bills to exempt 22 of the state’s 58 community colleges from the federal loan program, without the threat of a second veto. You’ll hear highlights from a debate about that proposal. That’s followed by a look at political history. Four years before he won the election that made him the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan won the 1976 North Carolina presidential primary. Pundits call that primary win crucial in the campaign to place Reagan in the White House. The Jesse Helms Center recently hosted a dinner celebration of the 1976 primary victory. You’ll hear comments from master of ceremonies Jim Cain and from featured speaker Michael Reagan, the president’s oldest son. And finally, with the budget nearing completion, legislators are turning their attention to other issues and priorities. John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray outlines some of the issues that will be addressed, including redistricting, forced annexation, photo I.D. for voting, and more.
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