North Carolina: McCrory gets no respect. Noting “a basic disrespect” of Gov. Pat McCrory (R) by the GOP-controlled legislature, abc11.com reported that a prominent lawmaker, state Sen. Tom Apodoca (R), told the Asheville Citizen Times that “the governor doesn’t play much of a role in anything.” The legislature has overridden all of McCrory’s vetoes since he took office in January, 2013, potentially weakening his 2016 reelection bid. McCrory, however, has recently met with the GOP caucuses in the House and Senate ……. Tennessee: Haslam expedites handgun permits for military. As a further security step since the murder of five service members in Chattanooga, Gov. Bill Haslam (R) announced Wednesday that he is making it easier and faster for members of the military to obtain permits to carry a handgun. Haslam had already deployed members of the Tennessee National Guard to protect storefront military recruiting offices ……. Texas: Abbott says justice will be done in Sandra Bland case. “Our hearts and prayers remain with the Bland family for their tragic loss,” Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said in a statement, adding that “The Texas Rangers, working in coordination with the FBI, will conduct a full and thorough investigation… and work toward the ultimate goal of ensuring justice in this case.” …….
