Emails show Easley was involved in Mary's Hiring

 This is some really good investigative reporting by the News & Observer on this subject.  I know it's long but if you're interested in this, it shines some light on this topic.

New documents show that the Mary Easley job at N.C. State University was orchestrated at the highest levels of state government, and included the direct involvement of then-Gov. Mike Easley.

E-mail messages show the creation of the job for Mary Easley was orchestrated in April and May of 2005 by the governor and that her job formation also included his wife, Mary; the chancellor at N.C. State, James Oblinger; a key trustee, McQueen Campbell; a senior adviser to Easley who now heads the Golden Leaf Foundation, Dan Gerlach; and an NCSU lobbyist at the time, Andy Willis.

Until now, officials have all denied any involvement in the hiring other than by former Provost Larry Nielsen, who the records show was also involved in creating the position that gave Mary Easley an $80,000, three-year contract to oversee a speakers series and help teach a class.setupCycleSlideSho

The emails indicate that Gerlach, a key aide to the governor, was involved in making the first contacts on behalf of the Easleys and it was done in quiet — "people up the food chain don't know," he wrote.

Campbell and Gerlach then exchange e-mail messages about possibilities.

Campbell forwards the exchange to Willis.

Gerlach writes to Campbell on April 27, 2005: "Did you get what you needed?" under a subject heading of possible classes for Mary Easley to teach.

Campbell replies: "I did. Thanks for your help and I will keep you posted!"

That same day, Oblinger then writes to McQueen Campbell, saying it is obvious that she would be wanted on campus. "My question to her is money related in that they (in poly sci) are very much into the pay-by-the-course mode vs. contract. Any sense as to the importance of a contract to the first lady?"

Campbell, who was close to Gov. Easley, writes to Oblinger: "I think that is more what he had in mind to try and get her at least where she is now. I can speak more in person later."

The next day, Oblinger writes to Campbell: "I must speak with Provost as this is an academic matter -- appointment, contract, etc. Am thinking contract mediated by me but discussion of subject matter by the dean with her, ok? Will need to speak with you about a couple of other things related to this."

A day after that, on April 29 2005, Oblinger wrote to Campbell: "MCQ: We're ready to move on this; next step is in the Mansion, I think. Then, I would propose that I make contact and then turn this over to the Provost and the two deans who are interested. They, then can decide upon what courses the First Lady would consider teaching and what, if any, other duties/activities would be involved. Let me know once there is a strategy on that end. Thanks."

Campbell writes back: "Just chatted with the Gov and he plans to talk to her this afternoon and will call me back after he has had this conversation. I will be in touch when he calls."

The next day, Campbell wrote to Oblinger: "The Gov called me back today and Mary is interested and would like to meet with you as soon as possible... I could introduce her to you then I would leave you two to your business."

Oblinger replied to Campbell that he was booked up with other events, suggesting, "perhaps she'd meet with Provost Nielsen (?)"

On May 19, 2005, Nielsen wrote to Campbell that he had met with Mary Easley and two deans and agreed on a work plan for her.

Campbell replied to Nielsen: "Great! The meeting obviously went well and I chatted with the Gov late last week and he says she's very excited about it..."

The messages were produced as part of an ongoing federal investigation, and provided to The News & Observer today by a lawyer for N.C. State.

Easley was hired on May 26 by Nielsen.

J. Andrew Curliss - Staff Writer