Free Republic

<p>RALEIGH, N.C. -- Last year at this time, the headlines focused on Jesse Helms. He had just undergone a serious heart surgery that kept him in intensive care for weeks. WRAL talked with the former Senator about his health, the war, the French and Sen. John Edwards.</p>

Edwards says Bush administration is a group of "insiders" By ALEX ORTOLANI, Associated Press Writer April 26, 2003   2:43 pm HENNIKER, N.H. -- Democratic presidential hopeful John Edwards said Saturday that President Bush's administration is run by the business elite for big business, not working people."There is a small group of people running our country," the senator from North Carolina told a gathering at New England College. "This is a government of insiders, by insiders and for insiders."Edwards emphasized his commitment to working class Americans and said companies must stop paying corporate chief executives excessive salaries. The senator...

<p>WARRENTON, N.C. -- A veteran North Carolina lawmaker faces lingering questions about a taxpayer-funded program that he helped create.</p> <p>First District Rep. Frank Ballance admitted Thursday that the nonprofit John Hyman Foundation has documentation problems. But he defended its worth to the community.</p>

Education leaders: No tax cuts By C.D. Kirkpatrick, The Herald-Sun April 15, 2003 8:15 pm RALEIGH -- The state’s education leaders have asked the General Assembly and Gov. Mike Easley to rethink proposed education budget cuts, saying the systems cannot absorb them without damage to their ability to carry out their missions. In a Monday letter, UNC system President Molly Broad, Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Mike Ward and Community College System President Martin Lancaster suggest lawmakers delay scheduled reductions in sales and income taxes.

Old North State Chapter, Free Republic Network RALLY FOR AMERICA – Raleigh, NC – 3/22/2003 The NC Chapter of the Free Republic Network announces a rally in support of our military, our President, and the war on Iraq. Speakers will include: John Armor, Esq., (Congressman Billybob)Civil rights attorney in the Supreme Court, author of articles and booksJim Snyderformer GOP primary candidate for U.S. SenateAdditional speakers to be announced soon.  Date: Saturday, March, 22, 2003 Time: 12 PM to 2:00 PM. Location: State Capitol grounds, downtown Raleigh Bring your flag, your family and signs. Sorry, no pets allowed.  COME OUT AND SHOW YOUR...

<p>RALEIGH, N.C. -- War protesters held several events in the Triangle over the weekend as the U.S. moved closer to a possible war with Iraq.</p> <p>A large group rallied near Brightleaf Square in Durham on Saturday. In a symbolic gesture, the protesters lined up plastic bags signifying body bags - stressing their point that toppling Sadaam Hussein isn't worth American casualties.</p>

Pitt elects state's first Hispanic GOP county chairman The Associated Press March 5, 2003   6:53 am GREENVILLE, N.C. -- Pitt County Republicans have elected the state party's first Hispanic county chairman, a man who fled from Nicaragua 23 years ago.Javier Castillo, 52, was elected to a two-year chairmanship during the party's annual convention. Castillo served as the party treasurer for eight years and on its executive committee."For the next two years, we want to work as a team to get the Republican Party to grow. We see it as the party of opportunity for individuals who want to...

Raleigh area FReepers, and those (like me) who don't mind driving a bit: As we do (almost) every month, we are meeting on Tuesday night at Tir na nÓg in Raleigh, NC.FReepers and lurkers are welcome.I look forward to seeing some of you there on March 4th!Don't be a FINO (Freeper In Name Only) - come out and join us! FRegards, Constitution Day  The place: Tir na nÓg Irish Pub 218 S. Blount St., Raleigh. (919) 833-7795 http://www.tnnpub.com

Most in N.C. favor war ABOUT THE POLL Polling is a tool for estimating the state of public opinion based on a random sampling of a population. For this poll, The News & Observer commissioned Research2000, a nonpartisan polling firm in Rockville, Md., to survey likely voters in North Carolina. The firm does surveys for the media, advocacy groups, trade associations and businesses but does not work with political candidates. The company did telephone interviews between Sunday and Wednesday with adults who said they voted regularly in elections. It randomly called residents in telephone exchanges across the state, giving...

Friday, February 14, 2003 6:12AM EST Dueling rallies for war, peace By MOLLY HENNESSY-FISKE, Staff Writer RALEIGH -- Organizers who hope to draw thousands to an antiwar rally at the Capitol on Saturday must deal with a pro-war rally that will be just around the corner at the same time. But they said Thursday that they aren't worried about any friction. "All voices need to be heard on this, despite what side you're on," said Mandy Carter, co-emcee for the antiwar rally, being advertised as a rally for peace and timed to coincide with similar events in more than...

<p>RALEIGH, N.C. -- Senate leader Marc Basnight named Senate committee members Tuesday, including a first for him - selecting four Republicans as chairmen.</p> <p>Democrats will continue to head the powerful Appropriations and Finance committees, which set budget and tax policy, but GOP senators will head a judiciary committee and serve as co-chairs of education, health and information technology committees.</p>

RALEIGH, N.C., Jan 02, 2003 (AP Online via COMTEX) -- Democratic Sen. John Edwards will run for president in 2004, telling guests at a party at his home Wednesday he will form an exploratory committee. The first-term senator from North Carolina told about 200 friends he will announce his plans publicly Thursday, said Walter Dellinger, a former U.S. solicitor general who attended the New Year's Day party. Edwards' guests gathered in his back yard while the senator thanked them for their support during his time in the Senate and in "what I'm going to do next." As he spoke,...

<p>WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. -- Republicans will control the state House in January after a recount declared a Republican candidate as the winner in Wayne County.</p> <p>Rep. Phil Baddour, the House majority leader since 1999, lost to Republican Louis Pate after a hand recount in Wayne County completed Friday afternoon gave Pate a 174-vote victory, a county elections official said.</p>

Election losses for Dems might help Edwards' future chances The Associated Press November 12, 2002   1:49 am CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- U.S. Sen. John Edwards may suffer less damage from last week's Republican victories than other prominent Democrats considering runs for the White House in 2004, analysts say.Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt -- top party officials who are considered presidential contenders -- face growing criticism within their party for surrendering the Senate and allowing Republicans to widen their control in the House.Tied to a similar stake is former Vice President Al Gore, who...

Butting HeadsBy TOM MURPHY, Rocky Mount Telegram Critics attack it, but Golden LEAF President Valeria Lee says the nonprofit organization was created with the future in mind. Created in 1999, the Golden LEAF awards grants and other forms of assistance for economic development, market research, product development, job training and scholarships. The money for the program comes from a national lawsuit settlement reached with tobacco companies over medical costs related to smoking. Golden LEAF is based in Rocky Mount but dispenses money statewide. Lee projects the foundation will receive $2.3 billion by the year 2025, but is far from having...

Wayne board to hold manual recount of state House race The Associated Press November 10, 2002   11:36 pm GOLDSBORO, N.C. -- The Wayne County Board of Elections has ordered a manual recount of the race that could determine which party will control the state House.The GOP gained the advantage in the House on Friday when updated vote totals from Wayne County showed Majority Leader Phil Baddour trailing Mount Olive Mayor Louis Pate Jr. by 164 votes in District 11.The House had appeared to be split 60-60 for the next legislative session. But Republicans would have a 61-59 advantage...

<p>GOLDSBORO, N.C. -- A recount of votes in Wayne County has turned up an upset in the legislative election.</p> <p>Veteran Democratic state House member Phil Baddour Junior lost to Republican challenger Louis Pate by a narrow margin of 164 votes.</p>

Raleigh area FReepers, and those (like me) who don't mind driving a bit: We are planning to meet once again at Tir na nÓg in Raleigh. On Tuesday night, November 4, 2002, we are getting together to watch the election returns, and hopefully both the election of Elizabeth Dole to the US Senate and the return of the Senate to GOP control. We will be meeting around 7 pm in a private room at this pub and will have election result access on TV via satellite. As always, FReepers in good standing and lurkers are welcome. I know that...

Dole Links License To Drug Test Elizabeth Dole wants to require all teenagers to pass a drug test before getting a driver's license. Dole, the Republican U.S. Senate candidate and a former transportation secretary, has promised to push for a federal law pressuring states to enforce such a measure. "Wouldn't that help them understand how important it is to be drug free?" Dole asked at a recent campaign stop in Washington, N.C. "It's not cool (to abuse drugs). It kills." Then-President Bill Clinton proposed a nearly identical measure in 1996 while campaigning against Dole's husband, former Sen. Bob Dole, and...

Republicans want to take control of Legislature By SCOTT MOONEYHAM, Associated Press Writer October 29, 2002   11:53 am RALEIGH, N.C. -- After more than a year of court battles, voters will finally have their say next week on who should control the state House and Senate for the next two years.The election could affect everything from tax policy to education spending. But ultimately the results will come down to how people in rural, suburban and city legislative districts feel about local candidates seeking a seat in the 120-member House and 50-member Senate."I couldn't tell you who is going...