RALEIGH -- The General Assembly is back in town and some are watching how the leader of the state house will balance his duties on Jones Street with his larger political plans.

William Peace University political science professor David McLennan says the State House Speaker is walking a fine line and is hoping the "short session" will live up to its name.

"Thom Tillis, being the Senate candidate for the Republican party, literally does not want this to go into August."

McLennan says Democrats have raised concerns that Tillis will be raising money from those who may have issues before the General Assembly.