Time for a "Contract with North Carolina"

With the widespread attention given to North Carolina House Speaker Jim Black's ethics scandals, it is time for the North Carolina GOP to offer voters an alternative in a straightforward manner.  The problems associated with the near-absolute control he has had over the legislative process in the House, and with the manner in which his power has been used, gives Republicans an opportunity. 

Republican candidates running for the state legislature need to run as a cohesive unit around a set of principles.  To do this, they need to get their own leadership house in order.

A statewide party spokesman is needed who is compelling enough to get voters' attention.  I would suggest that they need to borrow Newt Gingrich's technique and offer the voters a "Contract with North Carolina".  They need to make a number of promises, and then proceed to keep them if elected.

I would like to suggest the following for starters:

1. The adoption of  John Blust's suggestions for reform of the legislative process to reduce the power held by the Speaker and key committee chairs.

2. The elimination of the contribution individual counties must make to support Medicaid.

3. Discontinuation of the practice of diverting of gas tax revenues for purposes other than highway construction.

4. Ceasing the plans for toll roads in the state.

5. A pledge by each candidate to refrain from any type of tax increase or new tax.

6. Lifting the state-wide cap on charter schools.

7. Passing legislation to require informed consent and waiting periods for abortion.

8. Passage of an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage.

9. Passage of an amendment to the state constitution in response to the Kelo decision eviscerating the power of eminent domain in the state except for traditional limited public purposes such as road-building-- and specifically excluding economic development as a justification for eminent domain.

I have not focus-group tested these ideas, or sought statewide polling data on these topics.  Instead, I would maintain that most of these represent common sense ideas that virtually all Republicans and many Democrats in the state would support.  Republicans should highlight how the ruling Democratic establishment in Raleigh has prevented many of these ideas from taking hold.

There may be other items that also should be included.  Feel free to add to the list.

Comments

[Brenmda Bowers]

I have been watching this entry for comments since it certainly deserves readers and accolades. I refrained because I don't agree with all of your proposals, just most of them. However here is my applause: Wouldn't it be love-er-ly! Albeit, unlikely.

[Joe Guarino]

Thanks, Brenda. There is, unfortunately, a leadership deficit in the state Republican party, and this somehow needs to change.