Perdue Could Get Politcal Boost If She Vetoes Budget

Gov. Perdue has made clear she doesn't like the budget approved by lawmakers. She hasn't decided whether to veto the budget, although the statement she issued Saturday sounds like she's inclined to do so. "I will not be the first governor to abandon our schools, our community colleges and our university system. I am prepared to veto this budget if my review indeed shows what I fear - that North Carolina will move backwards under this budget plan." However, it appears that Republicans have the votes to override a veto because they also have the support of five Democrats on the $19.7 billion budget. Still, it might be worth it for Perdue to veto the budget anyway, the News & Observer reports. That's because her poll numbers have risen each time she's vetoed a bill this year. "Her numbers are going up because her base is returning to her," GOP strategist Carter Wrenn told the N&O. "And that's apparently because she's vetoing all these Republican bills."