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Hoo-boy. Former North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley, who is the subject of a federal investigation because of unreported gifts he received such as airplane trips, free SUV usage, cut-rate coastal property and a high-paying job for his wife, is the subject of hearings this week in Raleigh before the State Board of Elections. David Bass, an AmSpec contributor and reporter for the John Locke Foundation's Carolina Journal, is live-blogging at the sessions.

It began this morning with a bang. Easley (former) crony McQueen Campbell, who was involved in nearly every aspect of the governor's shananigans, testified that Easley asked him to take care of repairs to his home and that the governor promised to pay him from campaign funds.

“I fully anticipated to get reimbursed for it," Campbell said. "When he asked me to help him, it was conveyed to me that I would be paid back.”

Campbell said that he called up Easley to talk with him about getting reimbursed for the repairs, and Easley indicated that it would be paid for by the campaign.

“So the Easley campaign and its contributors actually paid for the repairs to Gov. Easley’s home?” (SBOE Chairman Larry) Leake asked.

"That's correct," Campbell responded.

Campbell is clearly trying to avoid becoming a bus pancake. Looks like it will be an ugly week and it's hard to imagine the feds not coming up with something to charge him with.

topics:
Public Corruption