Republican prosecutor in North Carolina targets Democrats

BEAUFORT — The U.S. attorney leading the investigations of former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards and former Gov. Mike Easley and his wife is a Republican who didn’t expect to still have the job.

George Holding is the U.S. attorney for eastern North Carolina and was asked by the White House in January to stay on the job until a replacement could be named.

He hasn’t confirmed either investigation, but subpoenas indicate his office is investigating Easley’s travel and former first lady Mary Easley’s $170,000 a year job at North Carolina State University. Edwards has confirmed there is a federal review of his presidential campaign funds.

The investigations have made Democrats hesitant to remove him now. New Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan says Holding should get the chance to finish the investigations.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)