New Info re Mike Easley
Submitted by KatyMunger on Fri, 07/17/2009 - 10:04am
Dear Blue NCers,
Our research uncovered some troubling new information regarding travel contributions to the Mike Easley Committee and the NC Democratic Party. You will likely find mention of it in the N&O and other papers today or over the weekend. Because I know the details will concern many of you, I am posting the email notice we sent out to our advocates this morning about the matter -- it includes a link that will allow you to download a letter Democracy North Carolina sent to the state Board of Elections detailing the new information:
Dear Democracy Advocate,
As you know, ethical conduct by government officials and campaign finance reform are two of our biggest areas of concern here at Democracy North Carolina. We know that many of you share these priorities. We are grateful to you for your support and feel fortunate to count so many of our state's most dedicated political activists among the ranks of our Advocates.
Unfortunately, problems with the current system continue to surface. Part of our role as a nonpartisan organization is to document those problems, as well as promote reform. We have learned from experience that failing to take action contributes to a culture of corruption that is all too easily passed down to future generations -- and future leaders. Because of that, we have vowed to tell the truth even when it's hard.
In line with that, you may be interested in the attached letter to the State Board of Elections regarding troubling practices by the Mike Easley Committee, including its use of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Please click here to download a .pdf of the letter.
Thanks again for your support.
Sincerely,
Katy Munger
Communications Director
Democracy North Carolina
I have never cared too much
I have never cared too much for Democracy NC.
It seems that all of the investigative reporting done by that group is directly towards Democratic officals, which unfortunately ties directly to Dems potentially losing vote in Future elections based on the framing of Dem candidates.
With all of the Republican money shifting that goes on in Campaigns, you would think that NC Democracy would look into that a little bit.
Honestly, I have no idea why Democratic donors give to your group.
'Tis a bitter pill,
but it's one that must be swallowed. If we cannot blunt the impact of money in politics, the will of the people will always take a backseat to wealthy special interests.
I didn't enjoy reading this report, especially the parts about the NCDP facilitating questionable donations. But ignoring it won't make it go away, and it needs to go away.
I'm a long-standing supporter of Democracy NC
and I agree completely with Steve's comment. Shooting the messenger when it comes to corruption by Democrats in Raleigh seems unproductive. These folks do good work.
And, of course, you're right about the need to stay on top of Republican sleaze. Now that Tom "Not Gay" Fetzer is calling the shots, you can be certain the NCGOP will be doing everything short of money laundering to fund local campaigns.
Art Pope mastered the game of acceptable electioneering two cycles ago. Fetzer will be dusting off Pope's playbook in trying to pick off seats in the Legislature in 2010. If Democrats don't get their shit together in terms of responsible and ethical behavior, they'll have every reason to be worried about maintaining control.
Do good. Be nice. Have fun.
Democracy NC
So UNCW2000, we should let the Democrats get away with breaking the law and letting a few in power make the entire party look bad? Someone was going to find out this stuff and report it. Maybe you would prefer Art Pope to making the headlines exposing Democratic corruption?
If UNCW2000 has anything for us to investigate, we would be happy to look into it. We are a non partisan group that has been active into investigations of both party's through the years and have brought complaints against politicians and other groups of all political stripes.
Our current push for voter owned elections and finance reform is being actively fought against by the GOP and the various Pope groups. The Locke Foundation is one of our loudest critics.
Again, we would be happy to talk to anyone who may have information on law breaking by ANY politician.
Gray Newman
Board Vice Chair - Democracy NC