Little unnerves North Carolina Democrats more than the General Assembly coming back for a special session. Last time it happened, we got HB2. The Republicans went into session to fix a local Charlotte ordinance and came out with sweeping bill that undermined the authority of local governments and discriminated broadly against LGBT people. It also cost the state millions in revenue and probably cost McCrory his seat.
Today, the legislature meets ostensibly to address funding for Hurricane Matthew relief but the agenda is open. Nobody believes they’re going home without doing some sort of damage. This is the last chance they’ll have to pass legislation with the compliant Pat McCrory as governor.
Progressives are most worried the Republicans are going to pack the Supreme Court. The constitution says they can add two new seats to the court and then Pat McCrory could appoint them before he leaves office. It’s a good story and nobody would be surprised to see this legislature overreach—it’s what they do best—but most journalists I’ve talked to don’t think it will happen.
One reporter called it the “shiny bauble” to distract people from what they’re really going to do. Some of their actions may be directed at Governor-elect Roy Cooper. They can strip powers away from the governor, including powers of appointment. There’s also talk about passing a deregulation bill that was in the works during the short session this year but never got finished.
Maybe Republicans will throw us a curve ball. They could pass an independent redistricting commission to redraw the legislative districts that were found unconstitutional. That would put progressives in the rare position of having to praise the NCGA. Don’t count it.
The Republicans will certainly do more than address Hurricane Matthew business. They know that life will be at least marginally more difficult for them with Governor Roy Cooper. They’re going to take care of some last minute business. Maybe it will be a boring session. I hope so, but again, don’t count on it.
Thomas Mills is the founder and publisher of PoliticsNC.com. Before beginning PoliticsNC, Thomas spent twenty years as a political and public affairs consultant. Learn more >
“No man’s life, liberty or property are safe while the Legislature is in session.”
This North Carolina legislature has a recent history of mounting attacks on civil liberties, education and working people. Their approach to governing is like the Irishman’s approach to sex: “Brace yourself, Bridget!”
They rode into Raleigh on a horse called “Hurricane Matthew” ostensibly to save the villagers down east from the ravages of the worst storm in recent memory. The clatter of their hooves had scarcely died down before they cloaked themselves in secrecy and began their sinister work of undoing the government. In the dark of night, they communed with darkness and began to tear up the fabric of government. Democrats, reporters and the public were ejected from the inner sanctum.
Their session should end with a clap of thunder and a hard rain as they creep back to their respective districts to plot their next sneak attack on the people of North Carolina.
Well sir, my life is very safe, so your comment has just been proven wrong.wrong. (btw, Im a working “people”)
Do yo know how I can spot a libby? Using terms like working people. There are more conservatives that can be defined as working people than dems….just saying.
Mr. Ligon,
How an Irishman approaches sex as you described above is EXACTLY how the dems passed Obamacare. I bet you liked that….maybe just like “Bridget” would.
The Dems in the US congress had a majority, and they were voted into office by the people. They passed Obamacare without one republican vote. Since then, Dems have lost the house, Senate, many governors and state legislatures including NC. Thats how the people speak.
If the current NCGA is anything like your description, then it should not be too long before the NCGA goes back to Dems then, along with US Senate. McCrory may not have won, but NC actually added conservative seats this past election. So the people continue to speak, and this GA, as a representative republic, will continue to do the peoples work, like it or not. You can not bust on this NCGA, and not condemn the way Obamacare was passed, because it is the same thing.
Funny as heck man…..You say, “The constitution says they can add two new seats to the court ….yet you also say its an over reach. Bottom line, its legal.
And those “so called” journalist you have spoken with……..Most journalist Ive talked too…..are they actually Journalist or Democrats in hiding?
Those same journalist did a great job predicting a Hillary Victory, so I say they are not that reputable.
Finally, you say…..HB2discriminated broadly against LGBT people…..what a crock. The most leftest dems say it discriminates against transgenders…..Thats it. Less than 1% of the total population. Im thinking you may need to take a look at the definition of broad again. Let me help. Broad…..covering a large number and wide scope. So no, it did not discriminate broadly…hell it did not discriminate at all. Everyone is welcome to use the public bathrooms.
Good job on getting Ray Coopers name right!
Mr. Ham:
From your post, I feel safe in assuming you are a Republican. I also deduce, based on your poor spelling, punctuation, and your apparent assumption that it is impossible to be both a journalist (no capital letter required) and a Democrat, that you are an ignorant oaf. But I repeat myself.
Mr. honeycutt:
neither assumptions are correct. this is not english class.
i will not assume you are a democrat, but you sure act like one. typically, they can not stop themselves from name calling, and painting others with a broad brush, which you have so uneloquently done.
now for the meat. How do you assume that I think it is impossible to be a Journalist and a democrat? it would be contrary if anything! (notice I have only used a capital letter in the word Journalist in this post, just to freak you out haha)
i am confident most all who would read my comment and use basic cognitive reasoning skills would conclude that i believe many journalist are just an arm of the democrat party. you see, most so called Journalist are democrats, thats proven. let me be clear, i do not believe that a journalist can not be a democrat.
too easy.
If you’re going to give the man a hard time just because he’s the product of a public school, you could at least join the crusade to enlarge opportunities for North Carolina children to attend superior charter schools so the don’t end up like this man. 😉
yeah hehe Im a “victom” of the public school system. I done got me a high school diploma and everthang.