House takes its time when it comes to budget

The state Senate spends less time debating the budget than the House does.

How much less? Try about 15 hours over the past six years.

Since 2003, state senators spent about nine hours debating budgets on the floor, while the House spent a little over 24 hours, based on time stamps on budget motions recorded by legislative staffers.

Typically, the House spends between two and six hours on floor debate each year, while the Senate finishes in an hour or less.

The biggest gap was 2007, when the House spent enough time to watch the first three "Star Wars" movies back-to-back, while the Senate debated long enough for about one and a half episodes of "Friends."

One reason for the difference is sheer numbers. The House has 120 members, while the Senate has 50. That means not only more legislators to hear from, but also more factions to split off and debate side issues on the budget.

Another reason is that Senate leaders often cut off debate early.

OUR METHODOLOGY: Times are based on the first time listed for a motion on second reading and the second reading. Third readings were included if more amendments were offered, but not conference reports.

Laura Bush in Flat Rock

First lady Laura Bush is scheduled to come to North Carolina today to visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, the home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer.

The National Park Foundation plans to present a $50,000 grant to the historic site to expand the park's junior ranger and youth education programs. Bush will be joined on the tour by U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a Republican from Salisbury.

Family funding

Kay Hagan seems to be getting some family support.

The Democratic Senate nominee has received more than $48,000 from donors with the last name of Hagan or Ruthven, her maiden name, according to her most recent campaign finance report.

Her immediate family members are among the major donors.

Her husband, Chip, a Greensboro attorney, gave $4,600, as did her daughter, Carrie, and her son, Tilden. Her other daughter, Jeanette, a graduate student at UC-Santa Barbara, gave $2,300.

Her father, Joe. P. Ruthven of Lakeland, Fla., has given, as have J.G., Jerry, Judy B., Karen L., Kim and Lisa Ruthven of Lakeland, and Zach Ruthven of San Diego.

She also received $1,500 from Rhea Chiles, her aunt and the widow of former Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles.

Her in-laws haven't been stingy either, with her husband's father, Charles Hagan Jr. of Greensboro, giving $4,600. She has also received donations from John C. Hagan and David B. Hagan of Greensboro; Henry G. Hagan of Lutherville, Md.; and Anne B. Hagan of Winchester, Mass.

Treasurer race measure

How is fundraising going in the treasurer's race?

Campaign finance reports from both Republican nominee Bill Daughtridge and Democrat Janet Cowell are in from the second quarter.

Here's a breakdown:

FUNDRAISING: Since the beginning of their campaigns, Daughtridge has raised $244,348, while Cowell has raised $663,403, more than 2 1/2 times as much. Advantage: Cowell.

CASH ON HAND: At the end of the second quarter, Daughtridge had $74,152 on hand, while Cowell had $197,133, again more than 2 1/2 times as much. Cowell again has the advantage.

SPENDING: Daughtridge spent $44,788 in the second quarter, while Cowell spent $71,890. She is spending more on campaign staffers and had an $18,000 TV ad buy in the primary.

Unlike the races for governor and U.S. senator, this one will not be fought primarily on television. Neither has enough cash for a serious TV campaign.

That means a lot of trench warfare: Mail, campaign appearances and a strong campaign machine.

Libertarian gets invite

Mike Munger will be at a gubernatorial debate after all.

The Libertarian nominee has been invited by WSOC-TV and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters to participate in a live televised debate in October.

Despite helping gather thousands of signatures to get the Libertarian Party recognized and garnering between 2 percent and 5 percent in polls, Munger has not been invited to the four other debates agreed to by Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory.

Munger is a Duke University professor best known for his comical critiques of the other candidates and their positions. The debate is scheduled for Oct. 15.