Speaker Requests Special Session

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Speaker Requests Special Session

Special Report - March 11, 2008
The Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Joe Hackney, has asked Governor Mike Easley to call for a special session of the North Carolina General Assembly to “consider a resolution regarding the recommendations of the Select Committee to Investigate Alleged Misconduct and Other Matters Included in Indictments against Rep. Thomas Wright.” During the special session, requested by the Speaker to take place on Thursday, March 20, the House may consider action to expel Rep. Wright from the State House.

Just last week, the House Select Committee voted unanimously to recommend that Wright, a Wilmington Democrat who is currently serving in his eighth term, be removed from the House. The action stems from investigations into Wright’s handling of nearly $350,00 in campaign and charitable contributions and a $150,000 bank loan that Wright allegedly obtained under false pretenses for a nonprofit organization he heads. The Committee unanimously agreed to six different charges against Wright. If the House chooses to expel Wright, it would represent the first such action since the House ejected a member in the 1800’s.

Wright is scheduled to begin a criminal trial on March 31 in Wake County.