The New York Times has a generally balanced story about Roy Cooper and NC's voting laws. I would take issue with the Times claim that NC is about equally balanced between Dem and Republican with the GOP enjoying a majority due to gerrymandering. The fact is, the GOP came to power in Democrat designed districts. To turn a spot light on the issue of party balance, the NC State Board of Elections says there are 2.8 million registered Democrats, 2.0 million registered Republicans and 1.7 million registered independents. The parties are far from equal in NC. The fact of the matter is, those 1.7 million independents broke toward the GOP in the last few years in state races. They had been breaking toward the GOP in national races for longer. Sometimes, I wish the Times would do just a little research.

Supremes considering a hearing on part of the lacrosse fiasco.

The Supreme Court has not denied cert on all the lacrosse cases, according to the Herald-Sun. Ryan McFadyen, Breck Archer and Matt Wilson, since graduated, filed suit against Duke and Durham alleging they were illegally forced to submit to DNA testing. This is one of the stronger claims filed. Apparently, there are four justices willing to hear their appeal from the 4th Circuit. For readers not familiar with the ins and outs of the lacrosse fiasco, McFadyen, Archer and Wilson were forced by a process called a non-testimonial order to give DNA samples. Under NC law, the non-testimonial order is not contemplated as a mass discovery tool. There is supposed to be probable cause for each peron required to obtain a NTO (non-testimonial order). The Superior Court, granted the NTO for 46 people who were at the lacrosse party on the night of March 13-14, 2006 with no probable cause. Indeed, disbarred DA Mike Nifong admitted the DNA samples would clear the innocent. That's not probable cause. None the less, the Superior Court granted the order. In fact, it did clear the innocent. Unfortunately, Nifong ignored the evidence and proceeded against three innocent men.

Heart warming news from the DPD

In a bid of heart warming news, Durham Police Officer Gabe Mutter helps deliver a baby alongside I-85!

Harr responds to NC.

Harr has filed his response to the State of North Carolina's 12(b)(6) motion. You can read it here. Not a well reasoned response. Sid, as usual blames everyone but himself for this mess. I was particularly amused by his assertion that he could not use the federal court law library, implying it's the only one in town. The Supreme Court's library is open for him to use. Of course if he did that, he wouldn't have the excuse. Worse, he claims that somehow he should be able to have a research assistant. More laughs.

Harr v. Duke, et. al 12(b)(6) memos

Here is Duke's 12(b)(6) memo for all to read. Here is Judge Schroeder's 12(b)(6) memo for all to read. Here is North Carolina's 12(b)(6) memo for all to read.

School Superintendent's credit card cancelled.

Well, Eric Becoats school issued credit card has been revoked by the board after a closed meeting. Under the NC open door law, that is acceptable as long as they took the action in an open meeting, which is what they did. Drip-drip-drip. A little background, Becoats was previously reprimanded for using a school activity bus to take some friends to the mall. Not sure why a guy making almost $200,000/year wants to take his friends for a ride in an old school bus. Drip-drip. Just a tad more background, Becoats is looking for a new job. He withdrew from the job search in Prince George's County, Maryland. Make no mistake though, he's looking. Drip. Stay tuned!

Opening salvo

Well, this is my first blog and first post. So a little about me. I live in Durham, I work in RTP. This blog is intended to be my view on the world, mostly Durham, but perhaps I will branch out. Walt-in-Durham