WINSTON-SALEM—Dan Besse, Winston-Salem City Council Member and Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor, praised the efforts of Congressional Democrats to override the Bush veto of children's health insurance, and called for a campaign to expand children's health care. Read More »

A wealthy business lobby demanded that we do things their way. Instead, we stood up for the public's interest. This week, I have a story of democracy at work, and my latest Road Report: -- Standing Up to the Big-Money Lobbyists. -- Road Report: Salisbury, Gastonia, Charlotte, Watauga, Wilkes, Lee, Alamance, Greensboro. Read More »

The billboard industry has a reputation. They're everywhere, pushing endlessly for their right to block out the scenery and stay "in your face" at all times on the road. Under the Bush Administration, Federal Highway Administration rulemakers are in their pockets. They contribute heavily to legislative campaigns, and slide sweetheart deals for their signs through state legislatures. When a local government seeks to restrict them in any way, they threaten to sue—and very often do. Read More »

My road report this week starts at the state Democratic Women's convention in Salisbury on September 22. A big banquet hall full of strong women Democratic leaders assembled there to recognize their achievements for the past year and plan their big push for change in 2008. I was delighted to take part. Read More »

There's no better time than the week of Independence Day to recognize progress toward energy independence for our nation. When we take the right steps to control climate change, we promote both goals. Read More »

I'm very pleased to report on another positive change we've just made in Winston-Salem. On June 18, our City Council (on my motion) approved adding sexual orientation to the list of factors in our city personnel policies on which discrimination in prohibited. It has actually been the practice of our city government for some time not to discriminate on this basis. However, placing that prohibition in our written personnel policies underscores our commitment to fair treatment and equal opportunity, and should act to reassure all potentially affected individuals.

I haven't had much chance to slow down on the campaign trail since my last Campaign Journal report. Beginning Saturday, June 23, I made tracks for the coast, speaking and meeting with Carteret County Democrats at Newport Middle School. (Hey Buck, that is some great barbeque chicken you do!) Then it was back to Durham on June 24 for a meet-and-greet at the home of my friends Joan and Doug. (Thanks for a great turnout of thinking people. I enjoyed addressing challenging questions on mental health care, education, and environmental stewardship.) Read More »

Last Friday night, the Bush Administration announced new restrictions on federal funding, designed to make it harder for states to expand health care coverage for uninsured children. Read More »

I've signed up as one of the sponsors of the second annual Sanford-Hunt dinner, being held this Saturday (August 25) in Greensboro, following the meeting of the Democratic State Executive Committee. Named in honor of two of the North Carolina Democratic Party's modern heroes, this event is one of our state party's most important fundraising events. It's also a good chance for Democrats to meet and get "fired up" for the coming 2008 campaigns. Tickets are only $30, but they sold out last year, and will again this time. If you can join us, go to the state Democratic website, www.ncdp.org, for full details and to reserve your place.

Since my last Campaign Journal report, I've been back on the road from east to west. Read More »