Easley: DOT criticisms ‘hypocritical’

RALEIGH (AP) — Gov. Mike Easley says it’s hypocritical for public officials to campaign for candidates while criticizing state Transportation Department board members for doing the same.

Easley said Tuesday that he tells state officials that they are allowed to campaign and raise money for a candidate as long as the officials use good character and judgment and play by the rules.

State Treasurer Richard Moore said last month that DOT board members should be banned from donating to candidates. The Democratic gubernatorial candidate said there has been too much
political influence over the road-building agency.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory echoed Moore’s remarks Monday.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)