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.