RALEIGH, N.C. — One question put Governor Mike Easley on the hot seat Wednesday at the state Capitol.

The governor was asked whether he traveled to Southport over the Labor Day weekend, a time when he asked citizens to conserve gas.

Easley appeared uncomfortable answering the question, and that's when Crime Control and Public Safety secretary Bryan Beatty stepped in.

"That sort of goes into security issues. I don't think that's something the governor should answer," Beatty said.

Easley did say he liked to spend time at his home in Southport.

A spokesperson added that the governor has received death threats and security dictates Easley's travel.

The day before his Labor Day weekend trip, Easley had scheduled an announcement about jobs in nearby Wilmington.