Easley’s ex in-law may lose her job

BY J. ANDREW CURLISS, Staff Writer

RALEIGH – The former sister-in-law of former Gov. Mike Easley could soon be out of her state job.

Judy Easley, who was married to the former governor’s brother and has remained close to the Easley family, said in an interview that she has been notified by letter that her position could be cut by the end of the month.

“According to the letter, it’s in response to the budget crisis,” she said.

Asked whether her position was targeted because of her ties to the former governor, who is the subject of state and federal investigations, Judy Easley said she hoped not.

Basnight suggests a favorite to lead DOT

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Senate leader Marc Basnight said Thursday that he has told Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue that Lanny Wilson, a member of the state transportation board, would be a good pick for transportation secretary.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1303703.html

N.C. taxman might watch odometers

Mark Johnson, Staff Writer Comment on this story

Imagine your car’s odometer as a taxicab meter.

A special transportation committee on Wednesday approved a package of money-raising proposals, including a tax on North Carolina car owners based on the number of miles their vehicle travels each year.

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1302282.html

State Democrats’ leader says his job is done

Jerry Meek, who for the past four years has presided over a resurgent state Democratic Party, said he plans to step down as party chairman at the end of his term in January.

“It’s unlikely I could do anything in six years that I didn’t do in four,” Meek said.

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1302235.html

Auditor slams Mary Easley’s travel costs

By Benjamin Niolet, Staff Writer

RALEIGH – State Auditor Les Merritt said this morning that trips to France, Russia and Estonia by First Lady Mary Easley and others included “unreasonable and excessive expenses,” including a taxpayer-funded $332 lunchtime caviar cocktail.
… http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1274796.html

To vote a straight ticket, mark ballot twice

Ryan Teague Beckwith and Jane Stancill, Staff Writers
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Candidates hoping for some national coattails will have to work a little harder in North Carolina.
Under a state law dating back decades, voters who wish to cast a straight-ticket ballot must still vote for president separately…. http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1261456.html

Breaking News & Weekly Update

October 13th, 2008 by Pat McCrory

Dear Supporters,

Yesterday I was honored to receive the endorsements of both the Winston-Salem Journal and the Greensboro News and Record! You can read the full endorsements below in the news section. These big endorsements come on the heels of the Charlotte Observer endorsement last week. Clearly, we have the momentum going into the final three weeks of the campaign. … http://blog.patmccrory.com/2008/breaking-news-weekly-update/

State reviewing ACORN voter forms

Lynn Bonner, Staff Writer Comment on this story

The State Board of Elections is investigating suspicious voter registration forms submitted by an organization whose problems have drawn national attention. … http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1254170.html

McCrory, Perdue outline ethics reforms

Wednesday, September 17

(updated 9:12 am)

By Mark Binker
Staff Writer

RALEIGH – North Carolina’s state government needs to be more transparent in dealing with contracting, campaign fundraising and lobbying, the two leading candidates for governor said Tuesday…

http://www.news-record.com/content/2008/09/17/article/mccrory_perdue_outline_ethics_reforms