The John Locke Foundation attracted attention this week for its role in the emergence of a strong state-level conservative movement across the country. Chairman John Hood cited JLF among the most important state-level, free-market public policy think tanks in an article for National Review Online. The article also focused on political developments involving former N.C. Gov. Jim Martin, the subject of Hood’s latest book. The Dunn Daily Record promoted next week’s book release event at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh.
The Raleigh News and Observer‘s main political column mentioned former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour’s recent speech for a JLF audience about his new book detailing his state’s response to and recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Much of the JLF staff traveled to Grand Rapids, Mich., for the State Policy Network’s annual meeting.
Vice President for Marketing and Communications Donna Martinez and Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson dissect the week’s top political developments for Curtis Media Group’s “People In Politics” radio program. Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray continues regular politics and public policy radio updates on WWNC and WTSB. The N&O‘s “Insider” news service spotlighted one of Gray’s tweets during the General Assembly’s hectic final days. (After John Locke Foundation Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray tweeted word that fire marshal rules wouldn’t permit standing attendees in the packed room, lobbyist Bruce Thompson replied that it “Makes it tough for everyone to do their job when meetings are in rooms this small.”) The Kernersville News published Gray’s column about the importance of continuing major public policy discussions beyond this year’s legislative session.
The Gates County Index picked up Carolina Journal Executive Editor Don Carrington‘s story on the potential of a new eastern North Carolina wind farm to disrupt a nearby military radar operation. The Caldwell Journal published Henderson’s editorial on a new state budget provision that should improve government transparency. A Richmond County Daily Journal profile of nationally recognized conservative commentator Mary Katharine Ham mentioned her father Jon Ham‘s work as JLF vice president and Carolina Journal publisher. NCPoliticalNews.com and N.C. Senate Republicans’ daily press email cited Jon Ham’s column about journalists crossing an ethical line separating their jobs from political activism.
Asheville’s Mountain Xpress cited CJ Associate Editor Dan Way‘s article on renewable energy subsidies. The N.C. Spin website promoted Associate Editor Barry Smith‘s report on legislation setting North Carolina’s next presidential primary election for March 15, 2016. The Senate GOP cited Smith’s article on conservatives seeking the end of capital punishment in North Carolina, Carrington’s report on state government’s continuing fight with Alcoa over hydroelectric dams on the Yadkin River, and contributor Harry Painter‘s story about a new measure of community college “earnings gains.” NCPoliticalNews.com picked up Carrington’s Alcoa article.
