NC lawmakers schedule caucus meetings

    RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - North Carolina state lawmakers taking office in January will choose their leaders this month for the next two years.
    The House and Senate Republicans hold caucus meetings this Sunday in Greensboro. Their Democratic counterparts plan to meet Dec. 17 in Raleigh.
    For the Democrats, House Speaker Joe Hackney of Orange County and Senate leader Marc Basnight of Dare County are expected to be re-nominated to their current positions. Basnight has been Senate leader since 1993. Hackney is completing his first term as speaker.
    For the Republicans, Senate Minority Leader Phil Berger of Rockingham County is facing a challenge from Sens. Bob Rucho of Mecklenburg County and Pete Brunstetter of Forsyth County.
    In the House, Minority Leader Paul Stam is seeking a second term and said Tuesday he knows of no opposition.