Partisan power struggle overshadows North Carolina governor

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Six weeks into North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper's term, the Democrat and Republican-controlled legislature are locked in a partisan power struggle, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over state government.

Cooper won the latest battle Wednesday as a three-judge panel temporarily blocked a new law that required Senate confirmation for the governor's Cabinet members, using a process similar to what the U.S. Senate does for the president's Cabinet choices.

House Speaker Tim Moore and Senate leader Phil Berger said in a joint statement, "if these three men want to make laws, they should hang up their robes and run for a legislative seat."

Republican lawmakers say the state Constitution gives the senators "advice and consent" powers over gubernatorial appointments.

"The nearly identical federal process that is taking place in Washington, D.C., even as we speak shows the public is paying attention and we ought to do everything we can to give the people confidence that our state leaders will be accountable to them," said Meredith, a Republican.