Separation of Powers Archives

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina trial judges will soon rule if legislative Republicans’ latest method to attempt to wrest control of the State Board of Elections from a Democratic governor is lawful. A three-judge panel listened to arguments Monday in a lawsuit filed by Gov. Josh Stein against GOP lawmakers. A law approved last year and taking effect soon would give board appointments to the state auditor. Republican Dave Boliek is now the auditor. The legislature has sought to erode or eliminate a governor’s authority to appoint the board for nearly a decade. At least four laws have been blocked and a constitutional amendment was defeated. Any ruling will assuredly be appealed.… Continue Reading

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — New North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein is suing again over more recent laws from state Republicans that erode gubernatorial powers. The Democratic governor filed a lawsuit against House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger late last week. One provision forces him to fill Supreme Court and Court of Appeals vacancies from lists offered by the political party with which a departing judge or justice was affiliated. The other would give one of three Utilities Commission appointments earmarked for the governor to the state treasurer. Stein and predecessor Gov. Roy Cooper already filed lawsuits against other power-shifting provisions approved in December.… Continue Reading

North Carolina judges weigh GOP law shifting election board control away from Democratic governor

New North Carolina governor sues over more laws meant to weaken him