I have to admit I didn't know much about Ballantine until I heard him on Jerry Agar (680 AM, Raleigh) a while back.
At least he's not Mike "Taxes" Easley.
I think you mean (yes, I'm going to try again): "Tax-Hike Mike" Easley.
(I don't think the 'easily' thing works well)
I'm comparing PB-time (heh heh) to Dick Vinroot, Walter Jones, et al.