mccrory-021014

• A preview of the 2016 campaign for governor? Republican Gov. Pat McCrory (at right) has chided his likely challenger, Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper, for refusing to represent the state in its lawsuit against the Obama administration’s executive action on immigration. Cooper says he doesn’t want to join a “partisan” legal effort. McCrory is one of four governors serving as plaintiffs in the suit filed by 17 states on the costs to taxpayers the executive action will cause.

• Outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan slams President Obama for neglecting the economy during the recent campaign, suggesting that Democrats (including her) would have benefited.

• Another outgoing Democratic senator, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, was unable to “buy” her seat, Washington Examiner reporter (and regular John Locke Foundation Headliner) Byron York reports. Landrieu scattered tax-funded projects across the Pelican State throughout her final year in office, neutralizing opposition from key Republican local officials. The largess failed, however, as Landrieu lost to Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy, 56 percent to 44 percent.

• Rep. Walter Jones, R-3rd District, is lamenting the decision by congressional Republicans to pursue a lawsuit against Obama for his immigration action rather than making the case for impeachment. Jones says a lawsuit would go nowhere.