Outside group runs attack ad in NC court race

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A third-party political group has launched a television ad in the race for North Carolina Supreme Court race that attacks candidate Sam Ervin IV in part by linking him to former Gov. Mike Easley.

Ervin’s campaign said the group Justice for All NC began airing the ad Friday. Justice for All is among several independent expenditure groups raising money to support incumbent Paul Newby.

The ad attempts to link Ervin to Easley, who was convicted of a campaign finance-related felony in 2010 after he left office. It also points out Ervin raised power rates while on the state Utilities Commission.

Ervin said the ad is “exceedingly misleading” and an act of desperation by “super PAC” groups supporting Newby.

TV station records show the ad is currently running in the Triad.

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