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WUNCPolitics The WUNCPolitics Podcast is a free-flowing discussion of what we're hearing in the back hallways of the General Assembly and on the campaign trail across North Carolina.
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WUNCPolitics

From North Carolina Public Radio

The WUNCPolitics Podcast is a free-flowing discussion of what we're hearing in the back hallways of the General Assembly and on the campaign trail across North Carolina.

Most Recent Episodes

Public Funding For A Hate Group?

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill faced criticism this week for its decision to pay the Sons of Confederate Veterans $2.5 million, and hand over the Confederate monument Silent Sam which was erected during the Jim Crow era and loomed over the school's campus until it was toppled in August, 2018. Rob Schofield and Mitch Kokai discuss the development. Meanwhile, the state lottery commission is making a recommendation that runs counter to recent efforts by state lawmakers. Those

A Guarantee For Nonpartisan Redistricting

Darren Jackson wants to be the next Speaker of the North Carolina House. Jackson (D-Wake) is currently the Democratic leader in House. He says if Democrats can take back the chamber he will insist on redistricting reform at the General Assembly. In a wide ranging conversation, Jackson discusses candidate filing for the 2020 elections, which began Monday. And he addresses a friendship with David Lewis (R-Harnett) that soured after a controversial budget-override vote on September 11th.

Medicaid Overhaul On Hold, Pipeline Deal Questioned Again, Post-Redistricting Exodus Begins

Plans to overhaul North Carolina's Medicaid program are on an indefinite hold — another casualty of the budget impasse. A Republican-led investigation concluded Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper improperly handled negotiations over a mitigation fund related to the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project. And, on the heels of legislative redistricting, a five-term state senator has announced his retirement. Rob Schofield of NC Policy Watch and Becki Gray of the John Locke Foundation give their takes — from the

Medicaid Overhaul On Hold, Pipeline Deal Questioned Again, Post-Redistricting Exodus Begins

Listen · 22:33

A Footnote Of Watergate: The NC Senate Staffer Who Delivered A Subpoena To The White House

Rufus Edmisten knows something about impeachment hearings. In the summer of 1973, while working as a staffer to U.S. Senator Sam Ervin, it was Edmisten who hand-delivered a subpoena to the White House. He called it a footnote in American history. Following his role in the Watergate hearings, Edmisten served as North Carolina Attorney General, and later Secretary of State. Edmisten was also defeated during a bruising 1984 gubernatorial campaign. Edmisten discusses these topics, as well as his

A Footnote Of Watergate: The NC Senate Staffer Who Delivered A Subpoena To The White House

Listen · 32:10

A New Congressional Map, A Whistleblower Named, A Legislative Session Adjourned

North Carolina's General Assembly approved a replacement congressional map. Newly elected Republican Congressman Dan Bishop tweeted out the name of the person he believes is the whistleblower at the center of the ongoing impeachment inquiry. And state lawmakers adjourned an extra-long legislative session without resolving a budget impasse. Rob Schofield of NC Policy Watch — on the left —and Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation — on the right — weigh in on the week's political news.

A New Congressional Map, A Whistleblower Named, A Legislative Session Adjourned

Listen · 21:31

Dan Forest In His Gubernatorial Campaign Office

Republican Dan Forest wants to be promoted to governor of North Carolina. Forest, in his second-term as lieutenant governor, says Democratic incumbent Roy Cooper is too liberal. On this edition of the WUNC Politics Podcast, Forest gives his take on Medicaid expansion, why he believes a significant expansion of charter schools would benefit public education, and why he's happy to have a primary opponent for 2020.

Should Purchasing A Townhouse With Campaign Donations Be Legal?

The most powerful politician in North Carolina was accused of misusing campaign funds this week. But Phil Berger's staff says this is much ado about nothing, and that the Republican from Rockingham County has twice received approval. Mitch Kokai, of the John Locke Foundation, and Rob Schofield, of NC Policy Watch, review whether or not what Berger did should be illegal. And they also provide thoughts on the latest layer of drama within the UNC System.

A North Carolina Congressman's District Is A Moving Target

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly have begun redrawing congressional districts again. Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Walker is in his third term representing what is currently known as the 6th District. The boundaries have already shifted several times since he first took office. Walker talks about the frustrations of constant redistricting, why he joined a protest against the impeachment inquiry process, and why he's pushing to let college athletes get paid.

The Acrimony In The NC General Assembly This Week Could Be Cut With A Knife

The North Carolina General Assembly concluded this week with a decresendo. Legislators adjourned for a two-week recess without overriding a budget veto or finding much in the way of compromise. Rob Schofield of NC Policy Watch and Mitch Kokai of the John Lock Foundation discuss the heightened acrimony, and the court ruling that all but guarantees lawmakers will be returning to another round of redistricting. And Mitch and Rob share their reflections on the career of former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan

The Acrimony In The NC General Assembly This Week Could Be Cut With A Knife

Listen · 19:09

He Lost A Battle On Healthcare. But The State Treasurer Is Still At War With Lawmakers Over Reform

Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell went to battle with the General Assembly earlier this year over healthcare. He lost the battle, but the war over pricing, transparency, and reforming a system in North Carolina may not be over. On this episode of the podcast, a conversation with Folwell about that dispute, as well as the State Health Plan open enrollment, and a recent hobby which left him injured.

He Lost A Battle On Healthcare. But The State Treasurer Is Still At War With Lawmakers Over Reform

Listen · 22:12

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