NC lawmakers take up McCrory picks while appealing lawsuit

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — North Carolina legislative leaders say they’re going to consider several of Gov. Pat McCrory’s choices to government positions while appealing a court ruling involving appointment powers.

Senate Rules Chairman Tom Apodaca and House counterpart David Lewis said Wednesday they’ll proceed with confirmations starting with McCrory’s nominee to serve as State Bureau of Investigation director. McCrory nominees for state controller and banking commissioner also need legislative approval.

All three candidates are currently in their posts.

Lawmakers said Feb. 16 they would delay confirmations in reaction to a three-judge panel’s ruling favoring McCrory. The judges said lawmakers wrongly crossed into executive branch powers by making their own appointments to three state commissions, including one overseeing cleanup of leaking coal-ash pits.

The General Assembly appealed the decision last week.

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