J. Andrew Curliss, Lynn Bonner and Matthew Eisley, Staff Writer

Gov. Mike Easley is spending about $100,000 of leftover campaign money on television advertisements, now airing across the state, touting his prescription drug assistance plan for low-income senior citizens.

Easley has also distributed a radio ad to stations and asked them to air it as a free public service.

No state money is involved in the ads, which come as Easley is taking a higher profile in state party politics by attending events and stumping for candidates in ways he has shunned in recent years. The governor, a Democrat who cannot seek re-election because of term limits, is the focus of talk about his future in politics. (more…)