The new Republican majority hasn’t even taken power in the statehouse yet, but Governor Bev Perdue is already asking them for favors. At a hearing Wednesday, Perdue urged lawmakers to limit the length of their sessions, and set up an independent panel to handle redistricting.
She also asked them to make their own legislative correspondence part of the public record:
"Many of you, and I’ve listened to you as you’ve spoken in the House and Senate chambers or out on the campaign trail, you’ve talked about your beliefs in holding state government accountable and transparent. Now is the time I believe you can stand behind those words and do the same thing with the legislature."
GOP leaders rejected the session limit idea. They say it will take time to figure out how to handle a projected $3.7 billion budget shortfall. They also said there isn’t time to set up a redistricting panel for 2012, but promised to study the idea for the future.
