This is the place to discuss the hearing by the state Board of Elections.
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J. Andrew Curliss covered state and local politics and government for The News & Observer for more than a decade before joining the investigative team in December 2008.
Contact him at acurliss@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4840.
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A two-part series, and dozens of other reports, that showed how Gov. Mike Easley benefited while in office, including receiving a discounted waterfront parcel at the coast and getting involved in creating a job for his wife at N.C. State University.
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Comments
Excuse me
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 22:56 — zebra370How embarrassing I didnt mean to do it THREE times
I KNEW THEY COULD DO IT
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 22:51 — zebra370The N&Os investigative team is running almost 24/7. I saw a new posting come in at 6 am recently. This has been in the making for months. And we are getting the details we want.With much more to come, Easley's call for a prosecutor and his complete contradiction of or refusal to remember his past friends' testimony is utter desperation. Even the dumbest of us can smell a rat. I do hope that Easley will get his due as have several arrogant politicians in the recent past (thanks N&O) Stay with it guys. By the way what happened to Mary? I thought she was going to refuse to step down from her cushy job. Wonder what made her change her mind?
I KNEW THEY COULD DO IT
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 22:51 — zebra370The N&Os investigative team is running almost 24/7. I saw a new posting come in at 6 am recently. This has been in the making for months. And we are getting the details we want.With much more to come, Easley's call for a prosecutor and his complete contradiction of or refusal to remember his past friends' testimony is utter desperation. Even the dumbest of us can smell a rat. I do hope that Easley will get his due as have several arrogant politicians in the recent past (thanks N&O) Stay with it guys. By the way what happened to Mary? I thought she was going to refuse to step down from her cushy job. Wonder what made her change her mind?
I KNEW THEY COULD DO IT
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 22:51 — zebra370The N&Os investigative team is running almost 24/7. I saw a new posting come in at 6 am recently. This has been in the making for months. And we are getting the details we want.With much more to come, Easley's call for a prosecutor and his complete contradiction of or refusal to remember his past friends' testimony is utter desperation. Even the dumbest of us can smell a rat. I do hope that Easley will get his due as have several arrogant politicians in the recent past (thanks N&O) Stay with it guys. By the way what happened to Mary? I thought she was going to refuse to step down from her cushy job. Wonder what made her change her mind?
tip of iceberg? hats off to WAKE DA
Sun, 11/01/2009 - 09:03 — belheavenlooks like the tip of the iceberg (bd of elections hearings). the federal grand jury is likely to come up with much more in the end. Wake DA did the wise thing. Easley & attorney wanted to misuse the friendship but the DA showed his professionalism by stepping aside. anyway, most of those in the know realized that what's out so far is not going away and Easley hurt himself by testifying and taking pot shots at McQueen. the federal grand jury has to be looking at much more than what we've seen in the BD of elections, wouldn't waste resources on a duplicate matter only. the NC state salary? since she had to raise money to help her own salary, didn't that amount to potentially extorting money from donors to pay 'the governor's wife' a salary at nc state with possible promises of favors for them from the governor's office? look for much more news on this whole thing yet to come out.
the faces of Easley
Fri, 10/30/2009 - 11:17 — annerussellAnyone studying N&O photo images of the "faces of Easley" can easily (pardon the pun) see the typical expressions of a liar--pursed lips, "talking out of both sides of his mouth" twist, closed and hooded eyes, etc.. The words may lie, but the body language tells the truth.
Sleazley and his democrit buddies
Thu, 10/29/2009 - 09:10 — PlatowasrightI am really going to be upset if we the taxpayers have to pay to build a new prison to house all these crooks. I have an idea, maybe we can rent the democrat party headquarters on Hillsborough St and house these crooks in their own building.
HORRENDOUS COVERAGE
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 17:34 — uncbbqRather than treating us to a bullet-point list of lingering controversy when reporting Easely's defense, it would be great to see an actual article reporting what Easely discussed. This is the kind of worthless reporting that the 'new media' age offers - abbreviated and slanted. I haven't seen anything new on these pages and it would be helpful to read what is said, rather than how the paper feels about it. Give me a break and let me think for myself.
BOE Member Robert Cordle is a political hack
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 13:02 — Joseph_de_MaistreRobert Cordle (whose law partner represented Jim Black) invariably asks "questions" like a lawyer trying to clean up damage done in previous questioning and put the best spin on the testimony. He is a nakedly partisan Democrat trying to aid the coverup. Disgraceful.
CHARLES WINFREE AND BILL PEASLEE
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 11:23 — mrcleanThese 2 are dumber than a box of rocks.The NCGOP can do better than these 2.Embarrassing
High School Speedster McQueen Campbell
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 09:46 — Joseph_de_MaistreChatty Mike Easley has made many fascinating comments that illuminate how life and business and politics proceeds among a certain class and style of people.
One particularly intriguing remark to me was about how he first came to know "up-and-comer" McQueen Campbell when Easley was a prosecutor and young Campbell was getting speeding tickets. In my world, teenagers who repeatedly get speeding tickets do not -- through that introduction -- develop cordial, personal relationships with prosecutors.
Of course, McQueen's daddy was an Easley chum. I'd love to see some investigation into those speeding tickets -- how many? how fast? what disposition?
Political Bribery
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 22:21 — ILTBFAfter watching much of this circus for the first two days, it is sickening to see the organized corruption and sleaze among these bandits. They swear with their hand on the Holy Bible and then repeatedly lie with there "I don't recall..." It just doesn't pass the smell test that an individual would give someone $50,000 without a reason or remember the details. This is really nothing but legalized bribery practiced by dishonorable thieves masquerading as lawyers and polticians. Give me the money and I'll give your business breaks, appoint you to this state commission or Board of Trustees, etc. Governor Perdue and NC lawmakers - Please start governing for all of citizens of North Carolina and not just the rich and greedy crooks! As a start, all campaign contributions to individuals and political parties should be capped at a $1,000 maximum.
POLITICAL BRIBERY?
Wed, 10/28/2009 - 10:14 — mrcleanThere should be no limits on the amount of money an individual can donate to politicians.It is a violation of the first amendment.And would avoid this type of mess.
RUGS
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 21:09 — mrcleanWhat kind of animal gave up its life for those 2 hair pieces?I have never seen 2 worse than Allen's and Leake's.
Spelling
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 19:12 — terrylacySeveral N&O writers and editors need to check their dictionary and thesaurus - when a person advises another person on matters, such as legal matters, he or she is a counsel, not a council. I am surprised that these two words were spelled right.
Spelling
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 19:11 — terrylacySeveral N&O writers and editors need to check their dictionary and thesaurus - when a person advises another person on matters, such as legal matters, he is a counsel, not a council. I am surprised that these two words were spelled right.
Gary Allen's Testimony
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 18:16 — mrcleanEasley?Who is Easley?.I didn't donate money for permits at my development projects on the coast.I was asked and because I am a good American I donated a few hundred thousand.I can't remember donating unless you show me the checks.Now I have moved to Florida.If any disgruntled buyers of lots that were churned to increase the appraisals sues and wins they can't take my house.
donations to non-profits.
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 19:04 — DonYeltonsee if he made donations to the Clean Water Trust Fund that ended up paying for easments and special favors to the developer. This is another way to get payback to the developer so he can pass along a big discount to the governor.
Follow the money do not forget the non-profits, wildlife resources, Clean Water Slush Fund, and others.
NOTHING WILL HAPPEN
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 18:15 — PercyKutionNothing will happen with all this, and anybody that thinks it will is a FOOL. ALL the people on the elections board owe their positions to Sleazely and the Democratic Party. Now when Sleazely, and no telling how many more, are indicted in Federal Court......that will be another story altogether. I DO think Sleazely is going to jail sooner or later.
Larry Leake's Hairpiece...
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 17:20 — BitterEXdemocrat (not verified)I'd like to compliment that handsome wig that Mr. Leake sports...it makes him look
2 months younger...NOW RECUSE YOURSELF, LARRY!
I Graduated from First grade With A Journalism Degree
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 16:53 — chicago"here's what when down". What? This looks like the type of sentence written by a two bit weekly describing what happened when either the police arrived or the criminals went into action at "the scene." I can hear and read this crap anywhere I want; people that can't spell or describe every matter in life in reference to that which just occurred on CSI. The writer, editor and proof reader need some remedial education.
I can't recall
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 15:23 — hogfarmerSince each individual that is called to testify is sworn in before they testify, what is the difference in "I can't recall", and lying? The way I was raised, if you weren't willing to tell the truth, you were lying. "I can't recall" simply means you are not willing to tell the truth, or the facts associated with the question you were asked. Simply stated, you don't want to incriminate yourself, or possibly others. There appears to be a serious case of dementia in a lot of high ranking individuals. Must have something to do with being associated with the N.C. Democratic Party, or the Easley Campaign.
Look how far the self-deluded can go
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 15:13 — johnfredThis whole affair is gut wrenchingly disgusting. I may have to become an independent because I certainly could not be a NC Repulsivcan. I am appalled at the behavior of these apparently successful middle aged white men who seem to have believed that the rules just did not apply.
For me, the key to understanding is to just look at Gary Allen. How could someone who can afford to donate $50,000 wear that cheap, surfer dude bleached blond wig and think he looks good? It is laughable and sad that he does not know anyone with the guts to tell him how absurd he looks. They are all delusional and they need this hard slap up the side of the head to face reality. Shame on them all.
Have you ever seen such uncomfortable people
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 14:10 — rowdyoneThese guys have forgotten the adage "don't let them see you sweat" .
DAVID HORNE'S TESTIMONY
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 10:29 — mrcleanI am concerned for David Horne.His memory is so bad he may not be able to find his way home.
N&O / WRAL coverage
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 09:52 — Joseph_de_Maistrermills40, WRAL is providing TV coverage on one of their alternate (digital) channels. (I receive it on 50-3 and 92-6 on TW Cable. I have not looked for signals by other stations, but I'd be surprised if WRAL is the only broadcast source.)
Nonetheless, I share your appreciation that the N&O is providing video coverage, as well as their traditional role. Frankly, WRAL's principle anchor is a stuffed shirt in the true Ted Baxter tradition. It terrifies me that the pressure on print media could mean that such types may crowd out actual journalists in the future. (WRAL has a sprinkling of capable people...just not at the top.) TV news is all about community boosterism and car sales.
Scott Falmen is the Criminal Mastermind Behind Easley Scandal!
Tue, 10/27/2009 - 00:25 — David535535The SBOE should be investigating Scott Falmen because he was the criminal mastermind behind the Easley scandal.
Falmlen was Executve Director of the NC Democratic Party from 1999 to 2005.
He came up with the scheme to pay the Easley's personal expenses through donations to the Democratic Party.
All the money that went through the State Democratic Party in the Easley scandal was received into the Party by Falmlen and he wrote all the checks that took that donated money back out of the Party Treasury to be used for the Easley's personal expenses. This is Falmlen's scandal: He organized it and he executed it.
Why no discussion of SBOE ignoring conflict of interest?
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 22:52 — FernChairman Leake opened today’s SBOE hearing with the required inquiry about conflicts of interest. There was no discussion re conflicts, but almost immediately the SBOE adjourned into a closed session. Wonder if that was to discuss the complaint filed alleging Leake had a conflict of interest and should have already recused himself?
Someone should also ask Governor Perdue why she approves Leake’s past and present conduct. Leake’s now officially her problem.
He’s also a growing problem for the reporters who fail to report facts the public will find out. Where is there any discussion of why the complaint was filed or the multiple prior accusations concerning Leake or the fact Easley arrived at Leake’s home for a fundraiser that raised tens of thousands for Easley via private helicopter owned by Phillips & Jordan, Inc.?
Since I-40 is again closed by a rockslide, an investigative report concerning the Hunt/Easley/Perdue history with Larry Leake and Phillips-Jordan would be very timely.
State Board of Elections Identifies Easley's Critter
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 18:50 — chicagoSo Opie has been identified as Easley's gofer. Let's get on to Cannonsgate.
we need some judges who are
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 14:50 — tboard47we need some judges who are not in the brotherhood of lawyer snakes in this state
This whole mess is due to a bunch of sleaseball lawyers playing free and loose with
taxpayer funds
Easley Hearings
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 13:31 — rmills40The N.&O. does a great job with these investigative articles and now live streaming of the hearing before the Elections Board is a scoop I think. Checking my T.V. I do not see this hearing being shown anywhere on T.V. I am surprised that News 14 Time Warner is not televising the hearing. Anyone who has a beef with the N.&O. investigative reporting should ask themselves who else would be looking out for the citizens of the state? This has been the proper role of newspapers, but is hard to find today. To much fluff in today's newspapers is why the readership is overall down in the business. Keep up the good and may I say important work N.&O. staff.
Floundering Fools
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 12:29 — dlhertzbergThe reprobate posing as lawyers and judges best make sure they pick all good mens bones clean, because if there is an ounce of Grace in this world, their will be plenty of drudgery for and because of their incompetence. Prodding the former Governer is a crime.
You pilfering LLP fools will begging Him to white wash His fences when you figure out what is good is, if you ever figure out what good is.
You seem incapable of even
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 15:20 — sskykingYou seem incapable of even writing a coherant sentence, let alone reasoning on the subject at hand. There is clearly a stench here... Gov. Easley appears to be the one who committed crimes! These donors are basically admitting that they knowingly exceeded legal limits on contributions... and did so with the knowledge and urging of the Governor.
investigative journalism & the N&O
Mon, 10/26/2009 - 11:28 — annerussellInvestigative journalism is where it's at, N&O, and print journalism can do this much more cmprehensively, thoroughly, efficiently, and with better "legs" than any other media. So go for it, and you'll keep selling newspapers.