RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Democrats launched a new radio ad Monday targeting more than a dozen Republican incumbents and their positions on tax breaks for the nation’s oil companies, but had to tweak the language in a spot aimed at one GOP congressman from North Carolina.

And even then, the ad doesn’t reflect Rep. Robin Hayes’ recent votes on the issue.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said the ad targeted 13 Republicans, including Hayes and fellow North Carolina Rep. Patrick McHenry. The 30-second spot includes a fake President Bush asking the lawmaker in a phone message to vote for oil company tax breaks, saying “what’s good for Big Oil is good for America.”

“Wanted to thank you for continuing to support the Big Oil Energy Agenda,” the faux Bush says in most versions of the ad,
including the one airing in McHenry’s district. “(I) appreciate you voting to keep giving billions in tax breaks to the big oil
companies.” (more…)

RALEIGH, N.C. — A coalition of conservative groups rallied at the Legislative Building Wednesday to tell lawmakers they’re disappointed with their work.

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - House budget writers rolled out portions of their spending plan for next year Thursday, recommending more money for dropout prevention programs but failing to meet expectations of Gov. Mike Easley on preschool funding and teacher pay.

Public school teachers would receive on average 3 percent raises as part of the tentative plan released by Democratic leaders, much less than the nearly 7 percent sought by Easley in his budget two weeks ago.

The House budget also offers $50 million in tax credits, including an increase in a tax break just approved last year for the working poor, Majority Leader Hugh Holliman said. (more…)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - House Democrats say they’ll expand health care access and help families keep their homes out of foreclosure. And they’ll do without raising taxes this year.

The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday rolled out its agenda for the rest of this year’s legislative session.

The majority party in the chamber highlighted eight priority areas, from helping people hurt by the slowing economy to improving education. Efforts at gang prevention and providing money to help build some toll roads also were mentioned.

But House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman says there isn’t much support in the caucus for generating new revenues. Gov. Mike Easley’s budget included more than $160 million in new money through higher cigarette and alcohol taxes.