(RALEIGH) -- Between vetoes, veto overrides, a redistricting battle and a proposed Constitution amendment banning gay marriage, 2011 has been a trial of endurance for the North Carolina legislature. Ran Coble, Executive Director with the NC Center for Public Policy Research, says for Republicans, it was one for the books.

"This is the first time since 1870 that Republicans have gained control of both House and Senate. In the mid-1990s, the Republicans had control of the House, but not the Senate. So this was really a historic year," he said.

Ran Coble is this week's guest on Carolina Newsmakers, which can be heard on many NCNN stations.