Election Hangover Notes

By Becki Gray

First Republican governor, state House and Senate and Lt Governor since…. probably ever.  Elections have consequences and this one will bring North Carolina simpler, fairer more transparent tax system, more choices for parents and students in education, more accurate testing and increased accountability for teachers and administrators, energy exploration and expansion, and a badly needed updated and improved transportation system.  And Voter Id.

Justice Paul Newby remains on the bench, continuing his thoughtful, conservative, even-handed and well-respected deliberations. Expect him and the Court to consider whether the 2010 redistricting maps are in fact fair and legal.  Medical malpractice, tort and workers’ comp reform, school choice, pre-school requirements and of course, health care will all be before the Court during his new term.

North Carolina’s Congressional delegation has not become more Republican (7/6 to 9/4) but has become younger and more dynamic.  Richard Hudson, Mark Meadows, Robert Pittenger and George Holding join Renee Elmers and Patrick McHenry guided by experienced Virginia Foxx, Walter Jones and Howard Coble.  Look for more influence and national coverage from the NC delegation. With a majority in the US House, these guys have an opportunity to shine – will one (or more) be the next Paul Ryan?

The North Carolina General Assembly becomes even more Republican. The House holds a super majority of 77 seats, not that they need it. Expect a strong and opinionated freshman/sophomore class. The fireworks will be within the raucus-caucus. Sen. Phil Berger will oversee a super-majority of 32 Republicans in the Senate.  Lt. Governor Dan Forest will oversee the Senate proceedings, rounding out the Rs hat trick in the NCGA.

Counties approved most of the local sales tax increases and bond referendums.  Wilmington said no to a new baseball stadium 70/30. The results of county commission races will determine if we still have a 50/50 split between R and D control or if it will tip one way or the other.

For those who wanted four more years at the federal level, they got it.  Same guy in the White House, Democrats in control of the Senate and Republicans hold the majority in the House, again.  Only difference, Barack Obama will have no re-election constraints.  Members of his party who thought he was too timid during his first term will encourage even more of what we saw during his first term.  That is scary to many of us.

All in all, a good night for Republicans in North Carolina.  Not so much at the federal level.  You take what you can get, make the most of it and start planning for the next election.

Becki Gray is with the John Locke Foundation and an NC SPIN panelist