Three weeks and counting until North Carolina chooses a new governor, and North Carolinians have now seen both major candidates go head to head in a statewide televised debate. Did they connect? Did they further their campaigns? John Locke Foundation President John Hood analyzes the debate performances of Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Walter Dalton, discusses the challenges each faces in the remaining days before the election, and assesses the role being played by Libertarian Barbara Howe, the third candidate in the race. Then we turn to national politics. One of the pundits and prognosticators following election developments most closely is Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner. York recently shared his thoughts about the presidential race during a visit to North Carolina for a John Locke Foundation election preview panel discussion. One of the most important races on this year’s election ballot will determine whether Republicans or Democrats hold the majority on North Carolina’s Supreme Court in 2013. During a recent Federalist Society forum, incumbent Justice Paul Newby, a Republican, and challenger Judge Sam Ervin IV, a Democrat, shared their views about the importance of judicial precedent. That’s followed by more comments from the Locke Foundation’s recent election panel. In addition to Byron York, JLF assembled a group of election preview panelists with years of expertise monitoring North Carolina elections. You’ll hear election projections from Republican campaign consultant Marc Rotterman, Democratic consultant Brad Crone, and Hood. And finally, Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson explains why a small change in North Carolina health regulations is making a huge impact on the food truck industry. Henderson discusses why the change to the so-called commissary rule may usher in new food trucks and new entrepreneurs.
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State Supreme Court questions defamation lawsuit against 2016 McCrory boosters
The North Carolina Supreme Court raised concerns Thursday about a lawsuit targeting lawyers who helped file election protests after the state’s 2016 governor’s race. One justice described the plaintiffs as asking the court to “blow up” protections provided to people engaged in those protests.
Riggs to sit out 2016 election defamation case
State Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs will not take part in an upcoming defamation case stemming from the 2016 governor’s election. Riggs revealed Monday that she had recused herself from the case before defendants filed a motion requesting her recusal last week. The case Bouvier v. Porter is scheduled for oral arguments on April 11.
Dems hope to defend governor’s office
Since the turn of the 20th century, North Carolina voters have picked Republicans for governor just four times: Jim Holshouser in 1972, Jim Martin in 1984 and 1988, and Pat McCrory in 2012. In each case, there was no Democratic incumbent. In each case, the GOP presidential candidate also won North Carolina. A similar scenario...
Where have all the debates gone?
I can’t be the only one who loves a good debate. During election seasons past, I’d get as excited for a big debate as others do for a major sporting event. But there has been a sharp drop in candidates willing to participate in a classic, no-holds-barred verbal rumble. Starting at the top, former-President Donald...