Martin Marietta Materials, hurt by erratic weather and reduced spending on infrastructure projects, reported disappointing second-quarter earnings this morning that missed Wall Street estimates.

The Raleigh company, which produces rock, gravel and other materials used to build roads, subdivisions and commercial buildings, had sales of $426.7 million for the quarter that ended June 30, down from $442.8 million in the same period in 2010.

The company reported earnings of 78 cents per share for the quarter, compared to $1.18 per share in the second quarter of 2010.

That was below the $1.07 per share expected by Wall Street analysts who cover the company. Analysts also expected sales to come in at $513 million for the quarter.

Go to the story online and weigh in on the proposals by Erskine Bowles, president of the UNC system, and former Sen. Alan Simpson to reduce the deficit.  They want to jack up the Social Security retirement age to 69 (but not until 2075, so we're ok. Tough luck, 1-year-olds).  They also want to do away with the mortgage interest deduction but cut the top income tax rate.  I know I don't come out ahead there.  They also want to bump up the gas tax 15 cents to pay for road projects. A three-year freeze on federal pay and a 10 percent cut in the federal workforce.