Do Politics Better Podcast

The NC Speaker Who Never Was: Former Rep. Leo Daughtry's Story

Former Rep. Leo Daughtry joins Skye and Brian to reflect on his storied political career, including the dramatic battle for Speaker of the North Carolina House heading into the 2003–2004 biennium.

For weeks, the Johnston County Republican was widely viewed as the next Speaker after his party narrowly won the NC House in 2002 by a single seat.   But, a last-minute revolt within the Republican caucus stripped away the votes he needed and denied him the gavel on the opening day of session.

The political fallout fractured House Republicans for years and remains one of the most talked-about leadership fights in modern North Carolina political history.

Plus, the podcast breaks down the celebrated announcement of a budget deal, movement on an ABC reform bill in the House, a new John Locke Foundation poll, TOTW, and more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Rep. Stephen Ross Shares the Family Struggle That Shaped His Life

Rep. Stephen Ross is wrapping up an incredible political career that began in Burlington, where he served on the City Council, led as Mayor, and eventually was persuaded to run for the NC House.

The Alamance County Republican shares how he worked alongside a fellow mayor from another county (and another political party) to deliver results not just for their hometowns, but for North Carolina politics as a whole.

But the most powerful moment comes when Rep. Ross reflects on his late mother. After his father died of a stroke while Rep. Ross was still in high school, she found herself rebuilding a family from the ground up after the family business was lost. Her determination didn’t just keep the family afloat, it inspired achievement, resilience, and purpose for Rep. Ross and his siblings.

It’s a moving conversation ahead of Mother’s Day weekend.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down the week in #ncpol, including a property tax bill on the move, two members of Congress land in hot water, Rep. Budd battles breast cancer, and North Carolina loses a former lawmaker.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Sen. Phil Berger on Short Session, Budget, and the NC Senate as an Institution

Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger sits down for a candid conversation about the legislative short session and the question everyone in #ncpol is asking: Will the House and Senate actually come together on a new budget?

Sen. Berger also reflects on his unsuccessful run for the NC House in 1994, his successful bid for NC Senate six years later, and talks about spending a decade in the minority.

We also dig into the pivotal 2010 shift to a Republican majority, Berger’s perspective on that transition, and his respect for the way his Democratic predecessor, Sen. Marc Basnight, navigated a change in power.

Skye and Brian also run through a packed week in #ncpol: another round of party hopping in the House, budget talks, a brewing dispute over access to water, the passing of a former senator, and a deleted #TOTW salvaged. Along the way, there’s also a detour into “slippery when wet” signage at the General Assembly.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Speaker Hall: Short Session, Budget Battles, & Breaking the Impasse

Speaker Destin Hall previews the short session now underway and breaks down the path forward on the state budget after last year’s budget stalemate. 

The Speaker walks listeners through his priorities, what’s changed since last year, and whether there’s a realistic path to breaking the impasse. He also reflects on his first year holding the gavel:  what he’s learned, his leadership style, and he talks about "the Schedule".

Plus, Skye and Brian run through a packed week: first-day-of-session vibes, the latest on Medicaid rebasing, where budget negotiations stand, and Governor Josh Stein rolling out his proposed budget.  We also hit the formation of a new investigative committee, the swearing-in of three new legislators, a few early session predictions, how AI is creeping into policymaking conversations, and plenty more from around Jones Street.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

From Senate to Governor: How Gov Stein’s Career Prepared Him to Lead

Governor Josh Stein talks about how his time in the NC Senate (2009-2016) shaped the way he leads today. Having served under both Democratic and Republican leadership, Gov. Stein reflects on the lessons he learned working across the aisle, building relationships, and navigating the realities of divided government.  It's experience he now leans on as he works with the General Assembly.

He also offers a preview of his budget priorities, outlining where he wants to invest, what challenges lie ahead, and how he plans to find common ground with lawmakers. From economic growth to key funding decisions, Gov. Stein shares his approach to governing in a closely divided political environment.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down recommendations coming out of two interim committees, take a look at the latest fundraising numbers, and discuss emerging Democratic target districts. They also touch on the selection of a new legislator and what it means for the political landscape moving forward.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the American Heart Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

From the General Assembly to Congress: Brett Keeter Reflects & Signs Off

Brett Keeter began his political career managing a campaign for a 26-year-old up-and-comer named Patrick McHenry, who won a seat in the General Assembly in 2002, the biennium of co-Speakers.  Brett would serve as Rep. McHenry's legislative assistant.  

Two years later, the college friends mount a successful campaign for Congress, with Brett going on to lead Congressman McHenry's district offices.

In this conversation, Brett reflects on it all, including watching his boss evolve from a political bomb-thrower to a unifier, and from back-bencher to Speaker of the House for 23 days. 

Brett shares candid insights on the good times, the fun times, the challenging January 6 vote, and the moments that defined a career behind the scenes on Capitol Hill.

Plus, Skye and Brian break down a new issue poll, the selection of a new North Carolina senator, the latest developments in the Leandro case, a visit from Secretary Mullin, and the transition from basketball to baseball season.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

Thomas Mills on the Rise and Fall of NC Democrats in Rural Districts

Politics NC's Thomas Mills, a Democrat, knows about winning in rural areas because he was the consultant for many successful political campaigns, including former Senator and Lt. Governor Walter Dalton from Rutherford County.  

Thomas breaks down how Democrats once built durable voting blocs as moderates, what changed over time, and what it would take to rebuild that connection today.

Plus, Skye and Brian unpack the House’s messaging on the budget, take a look at new polling out of Catawba College, and talk Final Four, and more.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

The Concession Heard Across NC & Sam Hayes Talks State Board of Elections

NC State Board of Election Sam Hayes joins the podcast for an inside look at how elections work, including his role leading and he offers a candid assessment of how the primaries went, what lessons were learned, and what it takes to run secure, accurate, and efficient elections at scale.

We also look ahead to November, as Hayes discusses how his team is preparing for the high-stakes midterm elections and the continued effort to build voter confidence across the state.

Plus, Brian and Skye talk about the political earthquake and aftershock of Sen. Phil Berger conceding a primary, an optimistic economic report, a new Carolina Journal poll, and mounting basketball troubles at UNC and NC State.

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, Heal the System NC, and the NC Healthcare Association.

NC’s Funky Separation of Powers — And Under Which Branch is the Sheriff?

North Carolina’s government structure can be…complicated. And sometimes, that complexity shows up in ways that raise more questions than answers.

UNC Law School Professor Rick Su is a leading expert on local government and he breaks down a curious exchange between a state House member and Sheriff Garry McFadden that exposed a surprising level of confusion about a basic question: what branch of government do sheriffs actually belong to?

The conversation highlights a bigger issue about North Carolina’s uniquely structured executive branch, where power is fragmented, roles can blur, and even experienced officials can get tripped up.

If you’ve ever wondered who’s really in charge in North Carolina government, this episode is your crash course in the state’s “funky” separation of powers and why it matters more than you think.

Skye and Brian also break down the latest in Berger v. Page, a constitutional amendment on property taxes, Mark Robinson is back, Rep. Mike Clampitt dies, a Senate Pro Tem rumor is unsubstantiated, TOTW, and welcome to March Madness.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.

N&O's Danielle Battaglia Returns to Raleigh, Still on the Congressional Beat

Before the primary election, the News & Observer's Danielle Battaglia stopped by to talk about her move back from Washington DC to Raleigh while remaining on the congressional beat.  

What does this shift mean for political coverage in the state? How might reporting from Raleigh — rather than Washington — change the way stories about North Carolina’s members of Congress are told? And what does it say about how news organizations are approaching state and federal political coverage heading into the next election cycle?

Skye and Brian also update listeners on Berger v Page, Governor Stein's proposed spending plan, agreement on teachers, Trump endorses in CD1, and a webinar open to all.  Plus, #TOTW, protein bars, and basketball.  

The Do Politics Better podcast is sponsored by New Frame, the NC Travel Industry Association, the NC Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association, the NC Pork Council, the NC Realtors, and the NC Healthcare Association.