Easley under oath as campaign hearings begin

Even given the sorry state of corruption that has engulfed North Carolina politics for too many years, an extraordinary set of hearings is unfolding in Raleigh this week.

The N.C. State Board of Elections has begun listening to witnesses testify about the use of campaign funds, free airplane rides, car loans, sweetheart land deals and other eyebrow-raisers enjoyed by former Gov. Mike Easley, a native of Nash County. The state board may choose not to take any action at all, based on what its members hear, but it promises to give the matter a thorough vetting, including testimony from the former governor himself.

As embarrassing as the circumstances are for the state, we’re glad to see the proceedings begin. State elections board hearings have been instrumental in uncovering the shenanigans of other political leaders, including former N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Meg Scott Phipps and former N.C. House Speaker Jim Black.

The investigation into Easley’s record thus far has been led largely by state newspapers. It’s past time for the former governor to face tough questions under oath and, if impropriety is determined, to pay the consequences for his actions.

We can only hope that the scale and revelations of the hearings will serve as a warning to other political leaders. North Carolina has suffered greatly as a result of poor judgment and corrupt practices from some of its highest leaders.

If the Easley case doesn’t act as a deterrent to those considering shady deals, what in the world will?