Sunday’s debate about the state budget on NBC 17’s “At Issue” exposed the poor public policy behind Gov. Easley’s proposal to close the budget gap, in large part, by raising $740 million from taxes on everything from cable TV to candy. Easley’s policy adviser, Dan Gerlach, was outgunned by panelists, including Donna Martinez and Chad Adams, who were armed with JLF’s recent Spotlight report on the budget. The 14-minute segment was lively. The video has been posted on the web sites of Americans for Prosperity NC and the NC Republican Senate Caucus. Adams reports he has received numerous calls asking if there will be a follow-up segment focusing on alternative ideas for the budget.