RALEIGH, N.C. — Former House co-Speaker Richard Morgan and embattled state Rep. Thomas Wright filed as candidates Friday on the final day for people to enter political races across North Carolina.

Morgan filed as a Republican candidate for superintendent of public instruction.

The former Moore County lawmaker is known for a historic shared House speakership with Democrat Jim Black in 2003, when the two parties were locked in a stalemate for control of the chamber. He drew the ire of conservative Republicans, who said he betrayed the party, and he lost his House seat in a 2006 primary.

Wright, who faces an ethics hearing next week and a criminal trial later, filed for re-election to his House seat in Wilmington.

Wright has been indicted on five charges of obtaining property by false pretense and one count of obstruction of justice in connection with his handling of more than $350,000 in campaign donations, loans and charitable money.

The filing period for those wanting to run for office ended at noon Friday at the State Board of Elections and county election offices across North Carolina.

This year's ballot includes races from president and governor down to the seats in the legislature and on county commissions.

On Thursday, Chapel Hill corporate financial adviser Jim Neal became the fourth Democratic candidate to seek the party's nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole.