Senate Doubles Down on Casinos, House Plays Against the Odds
Sep 14, 2023
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A casino politics controversy disrupts the state budget vote. Mark Harris makes a political comeback while Mike Morgan challenges Josh Stein. The podcast explores internal conflicts, political divisions, and the intense atmosphere in the General Assembly. The hosts discuss budget negotiations, Mark Harris's redemption, Mike Morgan's entry into the democratic primary, and Alison Riggs's appointment to a supreme court seat. Additionally, they cover a GOP primary poll, a debate recap, and chaotic events during a sports event evacuation.
The podcast analyzes the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the passage of the budget in the North Carolina General Assembly, with a focus on the inclusion of casinos and the difficulties in obtaining support from Democrats.
The episode explores the tensions and disagreements among Republican leaders, particularly between Speaker Tim Moore and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, regarding the inclusion of casinos in the budget and the challenges of appeasing different factions within the party.
Deep dives
Budget Delays and Uncertainty
The podcast episode discusses the delays and uncertainty surrounding the passage of the budget in the North Carolina General Assembly. Despite expectations that a budget would be passed, the week was filled with closed-door meetings and rumors. The General Assembly remained in a state of chaos and discord, leading to concerns about trust and the ability to reach a consensus. The podcast highlights the different options and possibilities for moving forward, including the prospects of including casinos in the budget and the challenges faced in garnering support from Democrats.
Disagreements Among Republican Leaders
The podcast delves into the tensions and disagreements among Republican leaders in the General Assembly. The debate centers around Speaker Tim Moore's commitment to Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger regarding the inclusion of casinos in the budget. The podcast sheds light on the dynamics between the two leaders, with Moore needing the support of Democrats to pass a budget and the challenge of addressing the concerns and demands of different factions within the party.
Shifts and Announcements in Political Races
Another significant aspect discussed in the podcast is the shifting landscape of political races and key announcements. Mark Harris, previously involved in a disputed congressional race, announced his candidacy for Congress in the 2022 election. Additionally, former Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan entered the Democratic primary race for governor, potentially bringing further complexity to the race. These developments add to the drama and uncertainty surrounding the political landscape in North Carolina.
Polling and Debates
The podcast briefly covers recent polling and a Republican gubernatorial debate. Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson emerges as the frontrunner in the polls, leading by a wide margin. The debate, attended by three candidates, provided insight into the positions and strategies of the candidates. The podcast highlights the performance of Jesse Thomas, who challenged the electability of Mark Robinson against potential Democratic nominee Josh Stein.
It was an epic week at the General Assembly as casino politics took center stage and threw a state budget vote off track this week. In this special edition of the podcast, Skye and Brian give a rundown of what happened (and what's likely to happen)from their vantage point just outside the Senate GOP Caucus room.