Politics

Sen. R.C. Soles introduced three new bills in the past week. Thursday, the Brunswick County Democratic Party asked the senator to withdraw all of them. Full story...

State Sen. R.C. Soles submitted a new bill Tuesday that would create a second superior court district in Brunswick County. Right now it has only one. Full story...

Bills with local interest include state control of video gaming machines, enhancing the state's film incentives, changes to New Hanover County's ABC board and a subsidy for a non-profit. Full story...

"Soles has a history of abusing his office and abusing his power," says Joe Sinsheimer, a consultant for the Democratic Party. "And it's incumbent upon Senator Basnight to take a stand and publicly rebuke Senator Soles for this kind of self-serving and embarrassing legislation." Full story...

Charlotte Observer editorial: "Senator's maneuvers reflect rot in politics. Soles should resign now and N.C. Senate should kill his bills." Full story...

Citing numerous complaints from Topsail Beach residents stemming from a controversy about beach renourishment, Rep. Carolyn Justice filed a bill to let voters recall public officials in the town. Full story...

An e-mail from Gore to Brunswick County Democratic Party chair also raises questions about Sen. Soles's bill to split 13th judicial district. Full story...

The letter is on City of Southport letterhead, and has a memo attached advising the governor to shred it after reading. Full story...

The Tea Party political movement is in the Port City this weekend. Organizers say the conservative group is hosting a summit so that people can get their political voices heard in our state. Full story...

Sen. R.C. Soles may be leaving the legislature, but he's not going quietly. The longest serving member in the history of the legislature filed a bill today that would split the 13th judicial district. Full story...

Breazeale teamed up with Crow in hopes of getting some questions answered. The two former Republican candidates say Pantano has secrets the public needs to know for the sake of the Republican Party. In a news conference this morning, the two asked Pantano to release information about his personal life, including military records, tax returns and information about his career and family. Full story...

A possible candidate for state senate is dropping out. Wilmington City Council woman Kristi Tomey said today she will no longer try to get her name on the ballot as an unaffiliated candidate. Full story...

Elaine Marshall's campaign today rejected WWAY's invitation to take part in a June 2 debate. Cal Cunningham's campaign accepted the invitation the same day it was offered last week. Full story...

Wilmington businessman Rusty Carter was convicted last week of making illegal campaign contributions, but his legal troubles may not be over yet. We learned this afternoon he may face even more charges from a federal investigation. Full story...