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As far as the U.S. Department of Justice is concerned, North Carolina’s latest legislative districts are good to go until after the next census in 2010.

Federal attorneys advised state officials Tuesday that the new redistricting plan is cleared through the 2010 elections. They gave preliminary approval to the district maps two weeks ago. The final approval was issued Tuesday.

Depending on the outcome of litigation before state courts, the federal ruling clears the way for the state to proceed with plans to hold primary elections on July 20. Primaries were rescheduled because of delays in approval by federal regulators and a lawsuit by a group of Republicans against the plans in state courts. The primaries are usually held in May.

DEM WOMEN — The Democratic Women of Moore County will meet Saturday, April 3, at 10 a.m. in Van Dusen Hall on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Cynthia Reeves will present a program on education. Bobbie Burrell said the meeting is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

Reservations are not required. Anyone with questions can call Burrell at 692-9052.

BARRETT — Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Barrett campaigned in Moore County Wednesday, shaking hands and meeting people.

Barrett, a Davie County commissioner, is emphasizing the needs of local governments as they pertain to state financing. He said the state is placing too many financial burdens on counties and this trend should be reversed.

Other key planks in his platform are more job opportunities, improved roads, education, affordable health care and effective law enforcement.

Barrett is the son of Don and Betty Barrett of Laurinburg. An attorney, he lives in Advance and is a partner in a Winston-Salem law firm.

ECONOMY — House Co-Speakers Richard Morgan and Jim Black met Wednesday with members of the private sector and the state’s regional economic partnerships to determine initiatives to boost North Carolina’s economy.

“Growing the economy and creating jobs are the top priorities for the upcoming session,” Morgan said. “While we are looking for ideas we can act upon now, we must also create a visionary outlook for the future of our economy.”

Forum participants discussed several legislative measures to improve the state’s economic climate. A lower corporate tax rate, consistent funding of the One NC Fund, and greater financial support for the community college system were among some of the recommendations made by business groups.

“I believe these initiatives will go a long way in helping our state create jobs and foster a good business climate,” Morgan said.

LOCAL-STATE — The regional partnerships focused on increasing coordination between local and statewide organizations that facilitate economic development.

“The state’s seven regional partnerships play an important role in connecting new businesses with local agencies, and these partnerships must continue to work with all levels of government to assist business development,” Morgan said.

Moore County is a member of the Research Triangle Regional Partnership.

Morgan said he and Black have traveled across the state to hear what’s on the minds of North Carolina businesses.

“We hope these roundtable discussions will address the concerns of North Carolina businesses and push our state’s economy forward,” Morgan said.

Morgan, a Republican, represents a district encompassing most of Moore County in the state House of Representatives. Black, a Democrat, is from Mecklenburg County.