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Some dot connecting necessary?

Black groups reject governor
News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC)
October 27, 2004
Author: Amy Gardner; Staff Writer
Estimated printed pages: 3

LUMBERTON -- Two black political organizations have declared their dissatisfaction with Gov. Mike Easley, accusing him of taking them for granted.
In its election-year report card on candidates, the N.C. Black Leadership Caucus gave Easley an F for failing to attend its annual banquet and for his positions on issues such as the death penalty and school funding.

And the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People declined to endorse a gubernatorial candidate -- an overt rejection of Easley from a group that typically backs Democrats.

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http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/467088.html

Easley: Scandal damages state
News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC)
August 3, 2006
Author: Rob Christensen

Jonathan B. Cox; Staff Writers
Estimated printed pages: 2

Gov. Mike Easley said Wednesday that the fundraising scandal swirling around House Speaker Jim Black, a key Democratic ally, has become "a blight on the state."
But Easley sidestepped questions about whether Black should step down, saying that all the facts in the case were not known and that the legal process should be given time to work.

The questions arose a day after former Republican state Rep. Michael Decker pleaded guilty to corruption charges of accepting $50,000 in exchange for switching his party registration to help keep Black speaker in 2003.

The plea agreement did not say who gave Decker the money. But attention has focused on Black, who met privately with Decker to try to secure his vote.

Although Black has acknowledged raising campaign funds for Decker -- as he does for many political allies -- he has strongly denied any quid pro quo.

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http://www.newsobserver.com/1179/story/441629.html

Geddings' ties weren't unknown
News & Observer, The (Raleigh, NC)
May 20, 2006
Author: J. Andrew Curliss

Dan Kane; Staff Writers
Estimated printed pages: 3

The indictment of former lottery commissioner Kevin L. Geddings of Charlotte describes contacts he made in recent years with top Democrats in the state -- including Gov. Mike Easley, Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, and a key aide to House Speaker Jim Black -- while working for a lottery vendor.

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http://www.news-record.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061101/NEWSREC0101/61101010

Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Decker identifies Black as 'co-conspirator'

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press Writer

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RALEIGH (AP) — 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.

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http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/353703/club_owners_money_is_ok_black_aide_says_spokeswoman_says/index.html

CLUB OWNERS' MONEY IS OK, BLACK AIDE SAYS -
SPOKESWOMAN SAYS CONTRIBUTORS OPERATE LEGAL BUSINESSES
Charlotte Observer, The (NC)
January 11, 2006
Author: MARK JOHNSON

A spokeswoman for House Speaker Jim Black defended his acceptance of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from owners of topless bars, including a donation disclosed Tuesday.

Black received $3,000 from David Fairchild, of Texas, on Nov. 2, 2004, Election Day. Fairchild is a former officer in the Association of Club Executives, a national trade group for topless bar owners, and he operates The Men's Club in Charlotte.
The same day Black, a Matthews Democrat, received $3,000 each from Jerry Golding and his wife, Jeri, of Virginia. Jerry Golding owns Dockside Dolls, a topless bar near Burlington closed last year by court order after allegations that included sex acts by employees.

Black said he would return the Goldings' contributions after the Observer asked about the money last month. Robinson said that refund was based on Golding's past conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

David "Slim" Baucom, the Charlotte-based owner of clubs such as Leather and Lace and The Gold Club, said he helped round up the contributions. He previously had given money to Black.

Black is not the only elected official to receive topless bar money. Gov. Mike Easley, Attorney General Roy Cooper, Sen. Malcolm Graham of Charlotte and Sen. Vernon Malone of Raleigh - all Democrats - received money, some of which was returned.

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http://www.ncgop.org/home/JimBlack.asp