NC watchdog group seeks hearing on Easley campaign

RALEIGH -- A watchdog group has asked the North Carolina Board of Elections to hold a hearing about the campaign activities of former Gov. Mike Easley. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Friday that Democracy North Carolina wants an open hearing of what it calls questions about how the campaign handled contributions. The head of the Durham group sent a letter to the chairman of the elections board this week. Easley spokesman Ace Smith says hearings aren't needed. Smith says The News & Observer is fueling the issue with inaccurate stories or stories that contain innuendo. The newspaper said elections board Chairman Larry Leake of Mars Hill couldn't be reached Thursday. Elections officials are investigating Easley's campaign but haven't given a status report. The board meets next week. (Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)