RALEIGH (AP) -- State lawmakers are trying to make sure Laura Bush or Bill Clinton don't interrupt your dinner.
A measure filed by Senator Tony Rand and backed by state Attorney General Roy Cooper would ban automated phone calls from politicians or political parties to anyone on the state's "Do Not Call" registry.
Right now, such political calls are exempt.
During the 2006 campaign, citizens received recorded calls on behalf of local candidates from the first lady and the former president.
Republican consultant Marc Rotterman says it's a free-speech issue. He says campaigns have to have the ability to communicate.
The Senate bill also would remove the do-not-call exemption for automated calls from tax-exempt charitable and civic groups.
