WUNC Politics

Rufus Edmisten knows something about impeachment hearings. In the summer of 1973, while working as a staffer to U.S. Senator Sam Ervin, it was Edmisten who hand-delivered a subpoena to the White House. He called it a footnote in American history. Following his role in the Watergate hearings, Edmisten served as North Carolina Attorney General, and later Secretary of State. Edmisten was also defeated during a bruising 1984 gubernatorial campaign. Edmisten discusses these topics, as well as his

North Carolina's General Assembly approved a replacement congressional map. Newly elected Republican Congressman Dan Bishop tweeted out the name of the person he believes is the whistleblower at the center of the ongoing impeachment inquiry. And state lawmakers adjourned an extra-long legislative session without resolving a budget impasse. Rob Schofield of NC Policy Watch — on the left —and Mitch Kokai of the John Locke Foundation — on the right — weigh in on the week's political news.

Republican Dan Forest wants to be promoted to governor of North Carolina. Forest, in his second-term as lieutenant governor, says Democratic incumbent Roy Cooper is too liberal. On this edition of the WUNC Politics Podcast, Forest gives his take on Medicaid expansion, why he believes a significant expansion of charter schools would benefit public education, and why he's happy to have a primary opponent for 2020.

The most powerful politician in North Carolina was accused of misusing campaign funds this week. But Phil Berger's staff says this is much ado about nothing, and that the Republican from Rockingham County has twice received approval. Mitch Kokai, of the John Locke Foundation, and Rob Schofield, of NC Policy Watch, review whether or not what Berger did should be illegal. And they also provide thoughts on the latest layer of drama within the UNC System.

Lawmakers in the North Carolina General Assembly have begun redrawing congressional districts again. Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Walker is in his third term representing what is currently known as the 6th District. The boundaries have already shifted several times since he first took office. Walker talks about the frustrations of constant redistricting, why he joined a protest against the impeachment inquiry process, and why he's pushing to let college athletes get paid.