Special Session on Wright Set

Raleigh, N.C. — Gov. Mike Easley on Tuesday called a special legislative session next week to discipline embattled state Rep. Thomas Wright.

A special legislative committee last week found Wright, D-New Hanover, guilty of six counts of ethical misconduct and recommended that he be removed from office.

Wright is accused of mishandling about $340,000 in campaign contributions, loans and charitable donations. The legislative panel found him guilty of the following violations:

not reporting $180,000 in campaign contributions

using his position to influence a state official to write a letter to help him obtain a $150,000 loan for a real estate deal in Wilmington

diverting almost $19,000 in contributions and loans into his personal accounts when they were supposed to go to a nonprofit organization he directs

Wright, who has denied any wrongdoing, also faces criminal fraud and obstruction charges stemming from the same allegations.

The special session will convene at 10 a.m. March 20.

The General Assembly hasn't expelled a sitting lawmaker since 1880.

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Latest Comments

he's a race-baiting crook

alx
March 12, 2008 11:37 a.m.

I would hope that Special Session is open to the public, but I doubt it.

lilwil
March 12, 2008 10:47 a.m.

Please e-mail your legislator on this matter...

OLD PIRATE 2
March 12, 2008 9:10 a.m.

It is an election year, close on the heels of sending old robber Jim Black to jail. They will expell this guy unless he has enough on other robber barons down on Jones Street to stop them from doing this. It would be nice to see a bunch of them go down. In any event I would love to see every incumbent down there, regardless of party, given the heave ho in Novemeber.

whatelseisnew
March 12, 2008 8:10 a.m.

First, Easley has to approve the session. If he doesn't approve the session then he should be the first to be sent packing. That will show the people of NC what he is all about. If they have the session we will see if the House has the "b_lls" to do their job and expell him. This should be a wake up call to everyone in NC if he is not expelled next week. These representatives think they are above the law, now let's see if they really can do something when it must be done and can be done legally.