Investigation into former governor of N.C. yields results

Executive Privilege, a series by The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.), detailed questionable dealings by former North Carolina governor, Mike Easley. "Starting in 2003, Easley took at least 25 flights on private jets, some in apparent violation of campaign laws and ethics rules, documents and interviews show. Some flights were free. The value of others exceeded campaign contribution limits." Easley appointed one of his biggest supporters to an influential position that benefited both men. Since the series ran, there has been an expanded federal probe of the former governor, and resignations have come from the chancellor, provost and chairman of the Board of Trustees at N.C. State University, as well as a member of the state Board of Transportation.