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Wednesday Roundup
posted at 2007-02-21 23:13 | Last modified 2007-11-14 10:38
Little Ripples
You might think Jim Black's revelations in state court yesterday would have caused some sort of seismic reaction among state Democratic leaders. You'd be wrong.
State party Chairman Jerry Meek released a letter today saying he's "furious" about Black's dishonesty. Meek's statement refers specifically to Black's admission he took cash from chiropractors in exchange for legislative favors. But there's no explicit reference to Black's payments to former Rep. Michael Decker for the vote that kept Black (and the Dems) in power in 2003.
On the other hand, at least Meek said something. More than a day after Black's court hearing revealed that the leadership of the House had been bought and sold four years ago, neither Governor Mike Easley nor Speaker Joe Hackney had an official statement on it. It's not hard to understand why they'd rather not talk about it - but you have to wonder whether they realize they're the only ones who aren't.
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Now that Jim Black is out of the picture, noted gadfly Joe Sinsheimer is taking aim at Black's allies. He hand-delivered this letter to Speaker Hackney today, asking for New Hanover Dem. Thomas Wright to step down from his chairmanships on the House Health and Appropriations Committees until the State Elections Board finishes its inquiry into his campaign finance reports.
I doubt Wright will step aside, and it's hard to see Hackney pushing the issue. But on the other hand, Wright's name is one of those most commonly mentioned in connection with the ongoing state and federal campaign finance probe -- in part because of his delay in reporting contributions from landfill companies last year while working on their behalf in the House. Wright has said the omission was accidental. He said months ago he'd file a correction, but as of tonight, no report amendments are listed on the State Board of Elections' website.
Gov's budget due Thursday
Governor Mike Easley will release his biennial budget proposal tomorrow - the same day President George W. Bush is coming to town. Is Easley hoping to own the news cycle, or trying to bury his budget announcement behind Bush? Guess we'll find out when we see the proposal itself.
Blust-er?
When it comes to legislative effectiveness ratings, Guilford Republican John Blust is WAY down the list. But sometimes, having nothing to lose is liberating, especially in the current scandal-ridden environment. The quixotic back-bencher held his first solo press conference today to talk about his upcoming proposals for legislative reform, some of which have substantial backing on both sides of the aisle. Greensboro's Mark Binker has an excellent rundown here.
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