Ethics committee rejects Wright’s claim of racial bias

RALEIGH — The House ethics committee investigating Rep. Thomas Wright has rejected his claim that their investigation is racially biased.

Monday Wright’s attorney Douglas Harris argued a similar case involving a white state lawmaker was thrown out.

But Tuesday Ethics Committee Chairman Rep. Rick Glazier said the two cases were completely different, and called the claim frivolous.

The ethics committee is looking into allegations the Wilmington democrat misused more than $300,000 in campaign donations and loans.

If the House ethics committee finds Wright guilty he could be the first lawmaker since 1880 to be expelled from the general assembly.