Succession in the NCGA

House Majority Leader John Bell is wideley anticipated by respondents to be the next North Carolina Speaker of the House when Tim Moore steps down from the position in 2024. Bell far outpaced other named hopefuls, representatives Destin Hall and Jason Slain, neither of whom surpassed the tally for generic unnamed Republican.

Respondents also appear to be bearish on the possiblity that Democrats would retake the House next year. The speakership will go to the party in charge, and two-thirds voted as if that person will be a Republican.

There's overwhelming support for Gov. Roy Cooper's call for a state of emergency for state schools. Forty-three percent said they strongly agree with Cooper's position, the highest percentage of any single response. Including those who somewhat agree, that gives Cooper more than 60 percent support, compared to 35 percent who say they strongly or somewhat disagree.

Cooper, a Democrat, cited various reasons when he made the declarion in May, but among is concers were GOP efforts to expand private-school vouchers.

So who won our poll of best places to get a cocktail? Clearly, it was downtown WInston-Salem. Fair Witness, Joyners, Eastern Standard, the Trophy Room, Single Brothers and The Porch were among the downtown locations people cited as thier favorite places to imbibe. Bars and taverns far outshone restaurants, although their were some legacy places that made the list. An example is Ryan's Restaurant, where bartender Norris will mix you a fine drink.

And it wasn't only Winston-Salem's downtawn haunts that made the list. Greenboro was well represented, including nods for Undercurrents. And Sophies in Lexington also got a nod.

My other takeaway from this poll is I have lots more places I need to visit. Cheers y'all.