Wright, McAllister campaign finances at issue at board hearing

RALEIGH (AP) — A public hearing today will consider complaints about the campaign finances of a once-close ally of former House Speaker Jim Black.

The State Board of Elections is to look into what it calls "potential violations" by the campaign of Representative Thomas Wright, a Democrat from New Hanover County.

The investigation was initiated by a former Democratic consultant. Joe Sinsheimer alleges Wright and his campaign broke elections law by delaying the disclosure of $41,000 in campaign donations.

The board also looked into more than $119,000 that political committees reported giving to Wright's campaign since 1992, money the campaign didn't identify receiving.

The hearing could result in fines or referral to a local prosecutor to consider possible criminal charges.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)