A three-judge panel in North Carolina has issued a temporary restraining order blocking a law that strips the state's new governor of some powers.The law was signed by outgoing Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and requires state Senate approval for Cabinet nominees of the new Democratic administration, something that was not required for McCrory's own nominees.The Republican-controlled state Legislature passed the measure after McCrory lost November's election to Democrat Roy Cooper. Democrats called it a "power grab."Republicans still hold large majorities in both chambers of the Legislature.On Wednesday, the court issued a temporary restraining order until a hearing on Friday, effectively blocking Senate confirmation hearings until the end of the week.Republican leaders called the ruling a blatant overstep, adding that what they called the judges' decision to legislate from the bench will have profound consequences. In a statement, the governor said the court is absolutely correct and should not be intimidated by threats from legislative leaders.Prior to the ruling, North Carolina's North State Journal reported on the arguments presented for and against the provision, writing:
