GOP lawmakers respond to Easley

There’s no surprise that legislative Republicans are taking issue with the Democratic governor’s State of the State address.

But this morning’s GOP press conference focused less on what the governor said and more on what he omitted.

Here’s what the governor had to say about ethics reforms:

• Easley on ethics reforms

Republican lawmakers dislike the fact that Easley did not mention Jim Black:

• Rep. Bill McGee
• Rep. John Blust

Republicans are emphasizing legal changes that could prevent a recurrence of Jim Black’s illegal activity:

• Blust
• Sen. Phil Berger

Republicans are filing bills to deal with the situation:

• Berger

Scandal isn’t the only issue drawing the Republicans’ attention. They’re also concerned the governor did not address other hot topics in his address:

• Berger on education issues
• Berger on death penalty