January 27, 2012

Etheridge Eyeing Return to N.C. Politics

Yesterday’s earthquake in North Carolina Democratic politics opened a lot of doors for politicians aspiring to higher office. Enter stage right: former Rep. Bob Etheridge (D), who lost a close race to freshman Rep. Renee Ellmers (R) in 2010.

In a telephone interview with Roll Call this morning, Etheridge, who twice ran successfully for statewide office, said he is considering three options: a run for governor, another bid for the House of Representatives, or going to the private sector.

“For me, it’s about what is good for my state,” he said. “I care very deeply. Ever since I was a county commissioner, state legislator and state superintendent, and in Congress, my one, single, lodestar.. has been a focus on education.”

Given his passion about education, it sounded like he was most seriously considering running to succeed retiring Gov. Beverly Perdue (D).

More here:

http://atr.rollcall.com/etheridge-eying-a-return-to-n-c-politics/

January 26, 2012

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue won’t seek second term, sources say

North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue (D) is set to announce today that she will not seek reelection in 2012, according to two sources familiar with her plans.

Perdue, who turned 65 earlier this month, was set for a rematch of her 2008 race with former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory (R), but she has been plagued by low approval ratings and faced some tough odds this year.

Sources say she has labored over her decision about whether to seek a second term. One source said she plans to announce she will step aside in a statement this afternoon.

Perdue’s office did not immediately response to a request for comment.

More here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/north-carolina-gov-bev-perdue-wont-seek-second-term-sources-say/2012/01/26/gIQAbwekSQ_blog.html

January 20, 2012

Pro-Internet censorship lobbyist Chris Dodd once opposed suppression of speech

Sorry if anyone out there is offended, but I saw this tool on CNN yesterday spit-shining the shoes of the MPAA. I guess his mind changed after he took a lobbying job with the Hollywood elite.

This is the only video that I could find on YouTube of him talking with Brooke Burke of CNN.

January 19, 2012

Human rights group calls on state to probe alleged 'torture flights'

Smithfield, N.C. — A North Carolina human rights group is calling on state officials to investigate and stop alleged CIA missions originating in Johnston County that involve illegal torture.

North Carolina Stop Torture Now delivered a University of North Carolina School of Law report Wednesday to the governor, attorney general and others that claims the Central Intelligence Agency relies on Smithfield-based Aero Contractors Ltd. to provide planes and pilots to transport prisoners overseas from the Johnston County Airport for secret interrogation using torture techniques.

The 67-page report says the so-called "rendition flights" by the company and its employees violate laws against torture by aiding and abetting.


More here: http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10620411/


PDF: 'The North Carolina Connection to
Extraordinary Rendition and Torture' report: http://www.ncstoptorturenow.org/Rendition%20Report%20for%20Jan%2019%202012_Redactedv.1-12-12.pdf


NORTH CAROLINA STOP TORTURE NOW website: http://www.ncstoptorturenow.org/