News-Record.com

"The legislator approached with some obvious hesitancy. 'Why do you, and others in the media, constantly beat up on us? Why are you so negative all the time?'"

That's Tom Campbell's opening to his latest column for NC Spin. He answers bluntly:

"The public servant mentality has given way to one of entitlement. Gerrymandered legislative districts have virtually assured re-election for most all lawmakers, eliminating the need for legislators to have to visit country stores, meeting and actually listening to those whom they profess to serve. Accountability has gone by the wayside. Perhaps the most dangerous trend over the past two decades has been the emergence of legislative leadership, the House Speaker and Senate President Pro Tem, as the principal fundraisers for lawmakers. Lobbyists, seeking access and legislation, have gladly genuflected to these long-entrenched leaders, pouring massive sums into their election coffers. Sums which the leaders can then dole out to cronies. The chosen beneficiaries easily outspend any who would challenge them at the polls. Not only is the election bought, but so is the one elected."

And more.

The bottom line: By and large, North Carolina voters are being cheated, politically, by their representatives in Raleigh.