(RALEIGH) -- The Republican-led legislature has butted heads with Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue on a variety of issues. Pundits on both sides are have thrown in their two cents worth on the recent battles between the governor and GOP lawmakers.

Dallas Woodhouse of the conservative Americans For Prosperity, said Gov. Perdue's veto of the State Health Plan bill has created an even greater friction. "This has really angered the Republicans because they feel like Perdue just cowed up to the teacher's union when they were trying to govern and I think it has greatly soured relations," said Woodhouse.

The governor also vetoed a bill that would extend unemployment benefits for around 37,000 North Carolinians. Gov. Perdue did not like the fact that GOP lawmakers attached a budget provision to the bill.

Jeff Shaw of the more liberal leaning NC Justice Center said extending unemployment benefits is necessary for many North Carolinians. "Folks that were solidly in the middle class are finding themselves in danger of losing their homes through no fault of their own and I think most people in North Carolina, polls aside, most of the people I talk to believe that if you lose your job through no fault of your own that's a proper role of government to help you out," said Shaw.

Woodhouse added that Republicans were voted into office to make substantial change.  He said that means they are going to use whatever leverage they can to force the governor to make tough choices.

Woodhouse and Shaw appeared with Don Curtis on this past weekend's edition of People In Politics, heard on a number of North Carolina News Network stations.