Ex-Easley operative at federal courthouse in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - A political operative who guided former Gov. Mike Easley's two campaigns for North Carolina's top office testified before a federal grand jury that's hearing more about the Democratic governor. Jay Reiff arrived with attorney Michael Weisel shortly before 9 a.m. and left before noon. Weisel says his client answered all the questions from the jury fully and completely. He would not go into detail on what questions Reiff was asked. The State Board of Elections tried to subpoena Reiff for an investigative hearing last month, but Chairman Larry Leake said the state's subpoena couldn't compel him to testify because he was working outside of North Carolina at the time. Weisel says his client had several interviews with board staff and has made himself available to be called as a witness. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)