North Carolina Gov’s Pick for Workers’ Comp Panel Rejected, Again

Republican legislators have rejected another candidate from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

The House voted 34-59 on Thursday against confirming Judge Robby Hassell of Greensboro.

Cooper nominated Hassell for a commission seat designated for a representative of employers’ interests.

Rep. Nelson Dollar of Cary says Hassell’s background doesn’t conform to that requirement.

The governor previously picked another person for that slot, but lawmakers also rejected that nominee in June because business interests argued his rulings as a commission deputy too often favored employees.

The position remains vacant on the six-member commission, which determines workers’ compensation awards for injured workers.

The legislature on Thursday did finalize the confirmation of Wake County District Judge Craig Croom to become a special Superior Court judge.