Voters could create a powerless governor -- but might not realize it
At the beginning of this year’s legislative session, a reporter asked Republican leaders if they planned to take any more powers away from Gov. Roy Cooper.
“Does he still have any?” Senate leader Phil Berger asked with a laugh. “If you have any suggestions, let us know,” added House Speaker Tim Moore.
Someone must have sent in suggestions, because the governor is weaker now than when the session began in May. Several constitutional amendments on the ballot this November could shift even more power to the legislature.
Some of this session’s power grabs were minor. But Republicans waited until the final weeks of session to really stick it to Cooper. The legislature finally took action on Cooper’s appointments to key state boards and judicial seats, some of which were nominated more than a year ago.
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