Morning News Briefs: Wednesday, December 19th, 2018

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Cooper Vetoing Bill With Congressional Race Redo

North Carolina's governor says he's vetoing legislation directing new elections if fraud is found in a disputed U.S. House race because the hastily approved bill also adds new cover for lobbyists and people who violate campaign finance laws.

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper said Tuesday he'll sign the legislation if state lawmakers remove the section. Cooper objects to details like requiring that state elections officials refer apparent campaign finance crimes to a separate commission for a confidential review on whether prosecutors are notified.

The bill also would require new primary elections besides a new general election if mishandled ballots or other problems cast doubt on the true result in the 9th Congressional District race and force a redo.

State Senate Takes First Step In Override Of Voter ID Veto

North Carolina's legislature has taken the first step to override the governor's veto of legislation implementing a recently approved constitutional amendment on voter ID.

The state Senate voted Tuesday to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of the bill filling in details to carry out the constitutional amendment approved by voters requiring photo ID to cast ballots in person.

The state House is likely to complete the veto override on Wednesday afternoon when it reconvenes. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans.

Democratic legislators acknowledge voter ID rules are necessary because of the referendum approved in November, but say details are being rushed and will prevent some minorities and poor people from voting.

Attorney: Man At Center Of Ballot Controversy Broke No Laws

The attorney for a man at the center of a controversy in a disputed North Carolina congressional race said he hasn't broken any campaign laws and ongoing investigations will prove it.

Attorney Cynthia Adams Singletary said in a statement Tuesday that any speculation regarding McCrae Dowless and the 9th District election is premature and unwarranted. Singletary said Dowless was "a highly respected member of our community who is routinely sought after for his campaign expertise."

Republican candidate Mark Harris said in an interview last week that it was his decision to hire Dowless, who is the focus in an investigation into how absentee ballots were handled.

Financial Software Company To Add 1,200 Jobs In Charlotte

A Charlotte financial technology startup plans to add more than 1,200 jobs in its hometown over five years.

North Carolina officials on Tuesday approved tax breaks for AvidXchange that with other state and local incentives could total almost $25 million. The software company sells software that helps midsize companies receive, approve, and pay their bills more efficiently.

AvidXchange now has more than 900 workers in Charlotte. The company plans to add white-collar headquarters jobs paying more than $68,000 a year.

Russian Businessman To Stay In Jail Pending Laundering Trial

A Russian businessman who lived a lavish life in North Carolina will remain in jail while he's prosecuted on charges including money laundering and murder-for-hire.

An online court docket shows a federal magistrate judge ordered Leonid Teyf to stay in custody pending trial. The judge's order Tuesday noted strong evidence against Teyf.

Prosecutors say in court documents that the 57-year-old Teyf stashed millions in U.S. bank accounts after helping to orchestrate a $150 million kickback scheme involving suppliers to the Russian military. They also accuse him of plotting to kill a man he suspected of an affair with his wife.