Free Republic

Calling the recently passed state budget a “debacle,” Republican leaders kicked-off a statewide “budget tour” in Burlington on Monday as part of their efforts to win back legislative seats and return their party to the majority in the state House and Senate. State GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer, along with Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger and House Minority Leader Paul Stam, joined local GOP leaders and others for lunch at Sal’s Italian Restaurant, where Stam said there were “great questions” and a “great turnout” that included Sheriff Terry Johnson, state Rep. Dan Ingle and school board Chairman Tom Manning. Fetzer, Stam...

Two Republican state senators are challenging their party's Senate leader for his job in a vote next weekend. Sen. Bob Rucho, of Charlotte, and Sen. Pete Brunstetter, of Winston-Salem, both plan to run against Sen. Phil Berger, of Eden, the current Senate Republican leader. Berger is seeking a third term in the post. The GOP caucus is scheduled to meet and vote on their leadership team on Sunday, Dec. 7 in Greensboro. The challenge to Berger comes despite Republicans' gain of one senate seat in this year's election, pushing back against a national Democratic tide that pummeled Republicans elsewhere and...