PDNC Calls for Investigation of Easley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF NORTH CAROLINA
www.progressivedemocratsnc.org
Contact Heide Kober, President, (919-304-2674)

PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF NC CALL FOR INVESTIGATION OF EASLEY
Calling for accountability from our elected representation and strong campaign finance reform

Political corruption currently is once again big news in NC, reminiscent of other recent scandals in the Democratic camp (remember Balance, Phipps, and Black). Former Governor Mike Easley, already under investigation by the FBI for privileged travel while in office, is now alleged to have been directly involved with getting his wife a high-paying job at NC State while he was still governor. The cronyism swirling around these stories speaks of special dealing and arrogance that is totally incompatible with good governance.

NC Democrats must not again sit by idly and let Republicans feign the moral and ethical high ground. It is time to call our own party home to its core values. We are chagrined by the deafening silence coming from the NC Democratic Party and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly concerning these allegations, and feel that it is essential for the party to speak up. Accordingly, the membership of the Progressive Democrats of NC calls on the NC Democratic Party and all NC Democratic legislators:

• To support an independent commission to investigate Mike Easley and probe beyond what the Raleigh News and Observer has already turned up;
• To support strong campaign finance reform that includes timely and transparent campaign finance reporting, vigorous enforcement with sufficient staffing, and public financing of executive and legislative elections;
• To unequivocally condemn the corruption of any politician found guilty at the end of a thorough investigative and juridical process.

Essential components of the investigation should:
• Examine all legislative and executive travel related to donors;
• Determine how key donors to Gov. Easley may have tried to influence other public officials in ways that violate the law.
• Scrutinize donor records as they relate to appointments to state and university boards and state commissions.

If NC Democratic leaders fail to grasp this nettle, the party risks being further discredited just when it ought to be using its recent victories to be pushing hard for long overdue reforms. Silence will be seen as equivalent to defense of Easley's alleged behavior. Inaction will further alienate the party's base as well as disaffect swing, independent and new voters. Failure to stand resolutely against political corruption and cronyism regardless of party, will, in no uncertain terms, invite defeat--to the very serious detriment of all the noble principles which are the foundation of the Democratic Party and the important work ahead that seeks to make North Carolina a worthy leader in the emerging New South.

The Progressive Democrats of North Carolina are committed to the development and implementation of progressive ideals based on human and civil rights, peace, justice and environmental sustainability in North Carolina, the nation, and the world.