…is to give him a state airplane. The News and Observer reports (10-23-06) “eyebrows were raised” last weekend at the Democrats Vance-Aycock dinner when State Treasurer Richard Moore, who has a campaign chest bulging with money, showed up in a state plane.

Moore’s spokeswoman said his “official duties” that day included a “literary meeting,” a tour of an “office park” and a “children’s clinic” – which just happened to be in the same town on the same day as the Democrats’ fundraising dinner.

After the dinner, Moore climbed back onto the state plane and flew to an NAACP meeting in Goldsboro – which of course, had nothing to do with his campaign for governor.

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Speaking of campaigns, is Governor Easley thinking about running against Elizabeth Dole? Under the Dome reports Easley, not known for his love of political events, is stepping up his public appearances, prompting “tongue-wagging about his political plans in 2008.”

The last time a sitting Governor took on an incumbent Senator was Jim Hunt verses Jesse Helms in 1984.

Of course, it’s possible the governor may be thinking about just skipping the Senate race and going on and running for President, instead. Dome also reported don’t be “shocked if Easley makes a trip to Iowa and New Hampshire early next year.”