Republicans in the North Carolina legislature made huge gains last November so that they have a veto-proof majority in the Senate and are one seat away from a veto-proof majority in the House.
Yesterday they put their power to the test by sending a bill to Governor Roy Cooper’s desk that repeals the pistol permit requirement, which says a person must get a permit from the local sheriff’s office before they can buy a handgun.
Republicans in the House passed the bill 70-44, meaning this included all Republicans present for the vote and three Democrats. There were four Republicans who were not present and did not vote.
Republicans in the House have 71 seats, but needed 72 seats last November to have a supermajority.
Assuming these four Republicans not present would vote for this legislation and the three Democrats stick with them, then Republicans will be able to easily override a veto from Cooper, who blocked this same legislation back in 2021.
Cooper will likely veto the bill and I’m betting his office is on the phone pressuring these three Democrats to not participate in overriding his veto.
We’ll let you know what happens.