The federal criminal sentencing of Ruffin Poole, a top aide to former Gov. Mike Easley, generated media opportunities this week for staffers at Carolina Journal, which first publicized dubious dealings that led to investigations of Poole and Easley. Executive Editor Don Carrington discussed the Poole case during an appearance with Chad Adams on WLTT Radio’s morning program. Managing Editor Rick Henderson discussed the case with the WPTF Radio evening news program and with Curtis Media Group’s “People And Politics” program. In addition to Poole’s legal woes, ongoing legislative action continues to lead to radio interviews for the John Locke Foundation. President John Hood discussed conservatives’ and progressives’ conflicting visions for the future of North Carolina during an appearance on the WZTK morning program. Joseph Coletti, Director of Health and Fiscal Policy Studies, discussed state tax and budget issues with Warren Sprouse on WLTT. Coletti also urged lawmakers to pursue Medicaid reform during an appearance with Bill LuMaye on WPTF. Mitch Kokai, Director of Communications, recapped the week’s legislative action on WAAV/WFNC’s morning show. Becki Gray, Vice President for Outreach, offered both a legislative preview and a summary of the week’s top stories during a pair of appearances on WTSB. Last week’s impact report omitted Gray’s latest television appearance; she returned to N.C. Spin as a guest panelist. Gray also hit the road this week for two presentations to Republican women’s clubs. The Greenville Daily Reflector noted her appearance in Pitt County, while the Clayton News-Star and Smithfield Herald promoted her speech in Johnston County. Meanwhile, the Hendersonville Times-News mentioned Kokai’s upcoming speech to GOP women in Henderson County. Speaking of western North Carolina, Michael Sanera, Director of Research and Local Government Studies, and Troy Kickler, Director of the N.C. History Project, headed to Franklin and Murphy for the latest Citizens’ Constitutional Workshops. The Smoky Mountain News promoted the Franklin workshop. Daren Bakst, Director of Legal and Regulatory Studies, discussed annexation and eminent domain issues during a speech to the Wilmington East Rotary Club. Terry Stoops, Director of Education Studies, discussed entrepreneurship and innovation during a presentation this morning to the senior class at East Wake Academy.