Document Actions
Wed: Afternoon Update
posted at 2007-05-23 16:03 | Last modified 2007-11-14 10:38
The House and Senate kicked off Crossover Eve with an hour-long joint session to honor Jimmie Johnson, last year's NASCAR Nextel Cup champ.
There are plenty of racing fans around here, it seems, including Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue, who asked Johnson and team owner Rick Hendricks when they were going to let a woman drive their car - she wants to volunteer.
But the best line of the day came from Harnett Republican David Lewis, as Johnson and guests sat in front of the dais:
Hear it here."I think it's rather interesting that they seem to be more comfortable with cars moving 200 mph than to have their backs to politicians."
NASCAR wasn't the only extracurricular activity today on Jones St. today. The Charlotte Chamber held its own ice cream social on the back sidewalk. The NC Golf industry put on a lobby day out back on Halifax Mall, complete with pro lessons and a picnic. (Gov Easley even proclaimed today "Golf Day" in recognition of the "golf industry's contribution to our state.")
Golf, racing, and ice cream. Not a bad afternoon. But the calendar awaits.
House Speaker Joe Hackney told members they'll break at 6 for dinner, then back to work at 8 pm till they finish the 39 bills on their calendar, or till midnight, which may very well come first. He's starting with the non-controversial bills to speed things up.
The Senate hasn't made special plans, even though their calendar is almost as long - 38 bills. On the other hand, they move faster anyway because no one actually debates much of anything.
More to come - check back later...
