Peter St. Onge of the editorial board at the Charlotte Observer wonders what happened to Pragmatic Pat.
-----------------------------------
Long, long ago, in one of his final days as Charlotte’s mayor, Pat McCrory looked out the window of his 15th floor Government Center office, and he swept his hand toward all that had changed in his city.

Uptown had filled out and shot upward, its streets vibrant and busy. There was a new school out there – Johnson & Wales – a promising NASCAR Hall of Fame, an arena that might help bring bigger things. Each had happened, McCrory said, because he had brought together diverse teams of leaders who had different backgrounds and different political philosophies, but a common desire to make their city better.

It was good for Charlotte, and it was good for McCrory, and when the book on Mayor Pat was finished, it told how a Republican leader got things done in his New South city. It was the story of Pragmatic Pat.

So now he’s governor, and McCrory would surely like to keep that image intact. He’s called himself a moderate “Eisenhower Republican,” and when the New York Times featured him in a January front page article on GOP soul-searching, he emphasized problem solving and cooperation, not ideology. It’s the McCrory that moderates embraced last November.

So what’s our new governor done, less than two months in?

Read the rest
here

In this political season, don't miss this conference on significant political campaigns in North Carolina history September 14-15 at UNC's Wilson Library.

Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton has launched his bid to replace Gov. Bev Perdue, who earlier today said she will not run for re-election.

He announced his intentions in this prepared statement to the media:

“I believe that our future economy and better jobs depend on our historic commitment to education. After all, education is in North Carolina’s DNA – it's what sets us apart and it's what will determine our future. However, you can’t make progress if you are pointed in the wrong direction. Pat McCrory and the Republican leadership are facing the wrong way by cutting teachers, reducing scholarships and abandoning economic development. They are doing lasting damage to our state. I’ve dedicated my career to improving education at all levels and making North Carolina a great place to do business.

“Today, I'm announcing that I am running for Governor. Lucille and I love this state and we understand tough political races. I am the only candidate who has run and won statewide and I look forward to waging an aggressive campaign. Elections are about choices. As a state we must decide the direction in which we will turn. With this campaign, I choose to look ahead to a brighter future.  I choose progress.  I choose a future where public education is the foundation of our economy.”

Republican legislators have introduced a bill that would forbid the use of foreign law in North Carolina courts. The bill is aimed keeping Islamic law out of North Carolina courts. It may set legal scholars on a futile search to find examples where Shari'a law was ever used in a courtroom here.

But The N&O has previously written about an attempt by a wealthy, politically powerful company to use Islamic law in federal court.

The instigator? None other than by Erik Prince, stalwart Republican, conservative Christian, major GOP donor and former Navy SEAL. Read our story here.

Prince owned the military firm formerly known as Blackwater. Prince and Blackwater's aviation company were sued by the widows of three men killed in a plane crash in Afghanistan. The widows said the plane lacked basic safety equipment like radar and GPS, and the pilots had failed to take the basic step of planning a flight route.

Blackwater's argument for using the Islamic law in Afghanistan: "Afghan law is largely religion-based and evidences a strong concern for ensuring moral responsibility, and deterring violations of obligations within its borders."

More importantly, Shari'a law does not hold a company responsible for the actions of employees performed within the course of their work. Had Islamic law been applied, the lawsuit would have been dismissed.

A federal judge denied Blackwater's request to use Islamic law. Blackwater settled with the widows out of court.

Analysts with UBS Investment Research downgraded Martin Marietta Materials in a new report on fears that Republicans in Washington will scale back the nation's road building efforts as they seek to reduce spending.

UBS changed its rating from a buy to neutral on the Raleigh company, which produces rock, gravel and other materials used to build roads, subdivisions and commercial buildings.

"We see upside more limited as we think the expectation that 2011 begins a slow construction recovery is now generally priced in, and investors may not be prepared for continued political battles over road spending and other headwinds," the report states. "... we continue to like MLM shares for the longer term leverage to U.S. construction recovery."

The report cited House Republicans release of a draft of revisions to the House rules that would remove the requirement that highway trust fund dollars be used specifically for road building and maintenance.

Much of Martin Marietta's business is tied to residential, commercial and government construction projects, which makes it a barometer of the broader economy.

Australia's Hungry Beast previews our President's entourage with a very cool and informative video graphic.

Wendell commissioners say they want more detail in the budget process.

Wendell race figures to be the marquee event this fall in eastern Wake County.