Carter Wrenn
Gary Pearce
Are reporters and reformers skirting the truth by suggesting – and even stating flatly – that the Easley campaign and the Democratic Party skirted the law? As I understand it, coordinated campaigns are not a loophole – or a way around the law. They are actually encouraged by the law. The law was…
Read MoreThere was one odd sidelight in former Governor Easley’s testimony. He was busy as governor and candidate, too busy to go to headquarters or keep up with flight invoices. But he was home vacuuming his chimney?
Read MoreThe old amateur boxer sure won yesterday’s round. Of course, the match isn’t over. And Governor Easley has more fights ahead. But he showed yesterday he can slip a punch – and land a few of his own. If I was a federal prosecutor, I’d think twice about going in the ring with…
Read MoreWatching the hearings, you see why Mike Easley was the candidate and the other guys weren’t. It looked like their lawyers had cowed the other witnesses into being so careful and precise they came off slippery and evasive, even if they weren’t. Easley, by contrast, is charming, confident and commanding. Too busy with…
Read MoreI’ve been quick to note lately that I supported Dennis Wicker in 2000. I remember the arrogance of some – not all – of Mike Easley’s people after they won. But I’ll say a word in their defense. The News & Observer said: “Easley camp pushed donation law’s limits.” News flash: So…
Read MoreWell, what went on in Raleigh yesterday in the State Board of Elections hearing was high political drama – the fireworks started right off when Easley buddy McQueen Campbell fessed up he’d paid for $11,000 in repairs on Easley’s house in Raleigh, then sent Easley’s campaign a fake bill for the $11,000 – which the…
Read MoreMike Easley was always described as quirky, but charming. Part of the charm was his reputation as a cheapskate. That was a good quality for a governor in a budget crisis. Now, not so good. Now he’s charged with flimflamming his campaign into paying $11,000 for home repairs. And maybe pocketing the insurance…
Read MoreI worked with Jesse Helms so over the years I grew accustomed to looking at polls where politicians had high ‘Unfavorable’ ratings. But I’ve never seen a politician in North Carolina with an ‘Unfavorable’ rating of 49.8% except once (in a poll for Helms) when for some long since forgotten reason we tested Fidel Castro’s…
Read MoreJane said it’s good the Board of Elections is digging into “pay for play” politics. Joe said it’s much ado about minor campaign reporting violations. Jane said we’re lucky to have The News & Observer. Joe said it’s a vendetta by John Drescher. Jane said the combination of big-time appointments, free…
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We’ve heard a lot about stolen votes – but here’s the best way to steal an…
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Senator Thom Tillis is a good politician. He may be good enough to preserve his image…
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No, Trump’s blitzkrieg hasn’t left Democrats hapless, hopeless and rudderless. Here’s one example of the immense…
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