Struggle between North Carolina governor, GOP back in court

RALEIGH (AP) The extended power struggle between North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-dominated legislature is back in court.

Cooper’s lawyers are asking a three-judge panel July 26 to throw out laws that restructure the state elections board. Cooper said the laws prevent him from ensuring election rules are carried out effectively.

Two previous board iterations the General Assembly approved already have been ruled unconstitutional. Republican legislative leaders say the board’s current configuration gives Cooper sufficient control over it.

GOP lawmakers and Cooper have been embroiled in litigation and political disputes since Cooper was elected governor in the closely-divided state in 2016.

Legislative races this fall threaten the GOP’s veto-proof majorities, but the board issue could become moot if in November voters approve a constitutional amendment giving board appointments to the legislature.