You mean like the Governor? Several of us have been saying this for years.
Hello, stranger!
Decker Identifies Black as 'Co-Conspirator' in Scheme
AP
(11/01/06 - RALEIGH) - Former state Rep. Michael Decker testified Wednesday that House Speaker Jim Black was a "co-conspirator" in Decker's scheme to receive $50,000 to switch party affiliations in a move that helped Black remain chamber leader in 2003.
Decker made the comment under oath during a federal court hearing to consider a potential conflict of interest in his case. Decker is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in August to one count of conspiracy.
The statement was the first in open court to identify Black by name for possible involvement in the conspiracy. Black has not been charged with any crimes.
"Was one of your co-conspirators Speaker Jim Black?" U.S. District Judge James Dever asked Decker.
"Yes, your honor," Decker responded.
Other details about the conspiracy weren't discussed during the half-hour hearing, and Decker's lawyer David Freedman declined after the hearing to discuss Black's role in the case.
"You'd have to ask the government that question," Freedman said.
Decker acknowledged in his plea that he solicited and took $50,000 in campaign contributions and cash to switch from the Republican Party to the Democrats in 2003. The switch gave Black, D-Mecklenburg, leverage to remain co-speaker during the 2003-04 session.
Black has denied promising Decker money to change parties. Black's office didn't immediately respond to Decker's comments.
Black's campaign gave Freedman's law firm $5,000 in June 2005 to represent Decker after the former lawmaker had been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury. Decker has been paying for attorney Freedman's law services himself since earlier this year, Freedman said.
Dever ruled at the close of the hearing that the payment from Black's campaign didn't result in a conflict of interest for Freedman.
http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=central&id=4716386
* Yes the Governor currently has his hands full at the state capitol. This was how the LOTTERY$$$ was rammed down the state's throat. A former DA chum of Nifong and NCCU law graduate. Gets lots of campaign donations from strip clubs.