The general counsel of Governor Roy Cooper warns Senate lawmakers to drop any plans to hold Cabinet confirmation hearings before a March 7th court date. In a letter to Senator Bill Rabon, William McKinney says confirmation hearings are not allowed before the Governor officially presents his nominees to the President of the Senate. By law, that deadline is not until May 15th. Governor Cooper is challenging the constitutionality of a law passed late last year, setting up the confirmation process. A three-judge panel rejected a temporary injunction sought by Cooper's attorneys.
Meanwhile Wednesday, Cooper's pick for Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs - former Democratic lawmaker Larry Hall - did not attend a scheduled confirmation hearing for the second time. Republican Senators are demanding he show up for a hearing Thursday, otherwise they will vote against him.