Tag: Art Pope

Pope-Civitas fundraiser email contains giant omission

January 2, 2013 at 9:35 amCategory:Uncategorized

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These are interesting and confusing times in North Carolina politics. And with the hostile takeover of state government by chain store magnate Art Pope virtually complete, it looks like the lines will only get blurrier and more confusing. Check out this rather remarkable excerpt from a fundraiser sent out by the Pope-Civitas Institute on New Year’s Eve: 

Dear Friend, 

Big changes are happening here in the “Old North State”.

We have a new governor, and a more conservative legislature.

But that’s not the only news, two former Civitas staff members are now in responsible positions in state government. And we plan on holding them accountable! Read More…

Meet the new boss

December 20, 2012 at 12:19 pmCategory:Uncategorized

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Art popeWhen the rumor surfaced yesterday that arch-right-wing money bags and politcal attack ad king Art Pope would be Pat McCrory’s new budget director, there was a lot of denial amongst the folks we talk with over here at Policy Watch. Folks simply couldn’t believe that the new Guv would take such an outrageous and politically risky step.

This would be like a President Romney appointing the Koch brothers as his directors of the EPA and IRS.

But, here we are, 24 hours later, getting our arms around the idea that the man actually did it! Today’s edition of the Fitzsimon File will explore this momentous decision in more detail so be on the lookout, but here is a preliminary take:

In one fell swoop, before he’s even taken office, Pat McCrory has done at least three very ill-advised things: Read More…

New video details growing movement to repeal Citizens United

December 18, 2012 at 9:35 amCategory:Uncategorized

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The good folks at North Carolina Voters for Clean Elections have a great new video out on the corrosive influence of big money in North Carolina politics and the  growing movement to fight back. It’s worth your time to watch it and spread the word.

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A brief tutorial on “secret” deals and good government

December 12, 2012 at 9:20 amCategory:Uncategorized

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A columnist for Raleigh’s News & Observer attempts to take some government watchdog groups to task today for not attacking Governor Perdue and the other members of the North Carolina Council of State for their recent approval of the decision to lease the site of the former Dorothea Dix Hospital to the City of Raleigh. According to Rick Martinez:

“The Dix deal has all the elements good-government types decry – last-minute agreements crafted with no public input, million-dollar contributions from the monied elite and elected officials mocking the spirit of transparency by voting behind closed doors. All that’s missing is the smoke-filled back room….there would be howls of protest had Gov-Elect Pat McCrory used the same process to seal a deal with the Republican-led Wake County Board of Commissioners to develop Dix into a property that returns real money to the state. Then imagine a $3 million pledge from Art Pope (who helps fund a think tank for which my wife freelances) to defray development costs.”

Good lord – where to begin with this poor, confused fellow? Let’s try the following: Read More…

The right’s astounding hypocrisy on unemployment

December 11, 2012 at 8:44 amCategory:Uncategorized

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Sometimes, you really do have to wonder how the folks over in the Pope Empire manage to look themselves in the mirror every morning. Perhaps it has something to do with some kind of split personal syndrome in which they alternate realities and public personae depending on the day of the week (and whether they’re trying to influence an election or a policy proposal). Lately, it’s been going something like this:

Monday: “The Obama administration’s economic policies have been a disaster. Unemployment rates continue to skyrocket and they’re actually higher than reported. Things are so bad that millions of people have given up looking for work.”

Tuesday: “The problem in our economy is all the lazy workers who aren’t trying hard enough to find a job.” Read More…