• The debate over voting rights — a recurring theme in the “Moral Monday” protests — is far from over, as Congressional Black Caucus Chairman G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina’s 1st District says a host of measures are expected to be attempted in the new Congress.
• Butterfield also found himself in the news as Democrats figure out how to bring younger House members into leadership roles while placating the CBC and other blocs of the party that are dominated by veteran representatives. Butterfield said the Black Caucus would “vigorously” oppose any attempt to impose term limits on leadership posts.
• Though Gov. Pat McCrory has praised the Obama administration’s decision to open large sections of the Atlantic coast for offshore oil and gas exploration, many other Republicans say the trade-off (requiring coal-fired energy plants to shut down) may not be worth it.
• Rep. Walter Jones, R-3rd District, said the recent report issued by Senate Democrats on enhanced interrogation tactics by CIA operatives spelled out “crimes worth of prosecution” that could target intelligence field agents.
• The recent moves made by Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-2nd, to block a bill outlawing abortions after the 20th week of pregnancy, has led Chatham County Republican Party Chairman Jim Duncan to consider challenging Ellmers in the 2016 election cycle.
