NC Democrats want clarity on Legislature visiting

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – Democratic leaders of the North Carolina Legislature want the House and Senate Republican chiefs to ensure people can meet with elected officials outside the chamber doors.

House Minority Leader Joe Hackney and Senate Minority Leader Martin Nesbitt wrote Monday to House Speaker Thom Tillis and Sen. Phil Berger asking them to review what they consider an incorrect interpretation of building rules.

Authorities in February turned away protesters to Tillis’ office after someone cited a rule preventing visitors from the floor where the offices of Tillis and Berger are located. The House and Senate lawmakers meet steps away.

The protesters were permitted near the top offices when they returned in April.

Nesbitt and Hackney want it made clear the rule won’t prevent the constitutional right of citizens to “instruct their representatives.”

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)