Panel begins disciplinary process
Wednesday, December 19th, 2007
By Chris Fitzsimon
Wright could be first expelled since 1880
DAVID INGRAM
dingram@charlotteobserver.com
RALEIGH –
A legislative panel started proceedings Tuesday for the expulsion of state Rep. Thomas Wright, a Wilmington Democrat accused of taking $350,000 from corporations and his campaign fund.
The six members of the House select committee met for an hour and approved the rules they expect to follow over the next couple of months during what should be a historic proceeding. The General Assembly has not expelled a member since 1880.
Wright, 52, was indicted last week on six felony charges — five counts of obtaining property by false pretenses and one count of obstruction of justice. He has said repeatedly he will not resign, despite calls from Gov. Mike Easley, House Speaker Joe Hackney and others to do so.
The committee voted 6-0 to adopt rules that allow it, by majority vote, to refer Wright’s case to the full House for “appropriate action,” including censure or expulsion. It is scheduled to meet again Jan. 3 to hear preliminary evidence and consider whether to have a full hearing. more…
Last 5 posts in Daily News
- Perdue: Economy will block free tuition in '09 - January 8th, 2009
- More for Moore? - January 8th, 2009
- Donors slip past laws on ethics - January 8th, 2009
- Corruption-caliber government - January 8th, 2009
- '09 N.C. inaugural ball has more glitz - January 8th, 2009
Email This Post
Print This Post
