Jennifer Samuels

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GOP Leaders Seek Unity in Speaker Fight

By Jennifer Samuels | January 21

State Republican leaders are scrambling to unify party members after N.C. House Minority Leader Leo Daughtry, R-Johnston, announced Sunday that he does not have enough votes to win election as House speaker. Daughtry, who was selected Nov. 17 by the Republican caucus as its speaker nominee for the 2003-05 session, must gain the full support of Republicans to win the election. "(I am doing) all I can do to convince people to vote for me," he said. About 53 Republicans have pledged their support, Daughtry said. He is making phone calls to those still on the fence.

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'04 Candidates Score Student Help

By Jennifer Samuels | January 16

Though the presidential primaries are more than a year away, students across the state already are gearing up in support of their favorite candidates. About 25 students braved the cold on Wednesday night to learn more about a new campus group designed to show support for Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., who announced Jan. 2 that he would seek the Democratic presidential nomination.

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Legislative District Battle Resumes With Democrat Appeal

By Jennifer Samuels | January 13

Officials revived the battle over state legislative districts Thursday when attorneys from the N.C. Office of the Attorney General refined an appeal opposing districts imposed by a judge. The districts used in the Sept. 10 primaries and Nov. 5 general election were imposed by N.C. Superior Court Judge Knox Jenkins, who was given authority by the N.C. Supreme Court in June to redraw maps if the legislature failed to draft satisfactory districts.

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BOG Could Halt All Tuition Increases

By Jennifer Samuels | January 7

The UNC-system Board of Governors will consider Friday a freeze on all tuition increases for the 2003-04 academic year, an action prompted by concerns about the impact of a faltering economy on students and their families. The freeze, which was approved by the BOG Budget and Finance Committee on Dec. 5, would affect both systemwide and campus-initiated increases.

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Recount Gives GOP Control of N.C. House

By Jennifer Samuels | November 11

Republicans likely will enter the 2003 legislative session with a razor-thin majority in the N.C. House, already fueling debate within the legislature as to who will lead the chamber as House speaker. But many lawmakers say the key to leading a split House is through coalitions that incorporate the goals of both parties. As of Friday, Republicans held a 61-59 lead over Democrats. Four counties still are recounting ballots and have yet to declare official winners, which could shift the balance of power. Democrats have had a 62-58 lead over Republicans the last two years.

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ASG Cuts Administrative VP Post

By Jennifer Samuels | November 11

A subgroup of the UNC-system Association of Student Governments voted unanimously Saturday to eliminate the position of vice president of administration for the 2002-03 school year. The Council of Student Body Presidents, which also acts as the ASG board of directors, came to the conclusion that the position is unnecessary, said council Chairman Ryan Eller, a student at Appalachian State University. "The council has voted to withdraw that search for this year," he said. "We don't need it. The funding can be used in a different way."

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Dole Leads Bowles in Poll; Race Stays Close

By Jennifer Samuels | November 4

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Dole still maintains a comfortable lead over Democrat Erskine Bowles, according to the Carolina Poll released Friday by the UNC School of Journalism and Mass Communication. According to the poll, 47 percent of those questioned support Dole while 40 percent plan to vote for Bowles. Thirteen percent were undecided.

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Sexuality Factors Into Admissions Game

By Jennifer Samuels | October 31

For students whose high school years are characterized by an emotional experience with sexuality, their struggle might seem like an ideal way to express uniqueness in 500 words or less. But many experts say that despite increasing support across the country for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community, a prospective student's sexuality does not play a major role in the application process.

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Wellstone Praised for Dedication To Ideals

By Jennifer Samuels | October 28

For those who knew Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., the trait that will be missed most is the UNC alumnus's refusal to forgo his liberal beliefs in favor of a political agenda. "He didn't necessarily win a lot of votes, but he had a voice that had to be listened to," said UNC political science Professor Thad Beyle, who worked with Wellstone during his time at the University. The senator was killed Friday morning when his plane crashed in northern Minnesota. Also killed in the accident were Wellstone's wife, Sheila, daughter, Marcia, and five others on board.

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Dan Blue Endorses Bowles

By Jennifer Samuels | October 9

Almost a month of speculation over whether former Democratic Senate candidate Dan Blue would endorse a nominee in the state's U.S. Senate race ended Tuesday with a declaration of support for fellow Democrat Erskine Bowles.Blue lost the nomination in the Sept. 10 primary. Bowles came away with 43 percent of the vote, while Blue received 29 percent.