Pleading the Fifth

State Rep. Thomas Wright cited the Fifth Amendment today and said he will not testify in hearings into his campaign finances, Andy Curliss reports.

His lawyer, Christopher Brook, made the announcement to the State Board of Elections as the first day of hearings were underway. Brooks said Wright, a New Hanover County Democrat, was invoking his state and federal rights not to incriminate himself.

Brook’s announcement came after a former campaign official, Karen Davis, testified that checks bearing her signature and written to Wright did not appear to be signed by her.

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Three checks were written in the amounts of $750, $1,000 and $1,050. Davis has since divorced and the checks were signed with a different last name.

Two of the three checks were signed in 2002.

Asked if she doubted the checks included her signature, she responded “yes.” Davis said she also doubted her signature on several other checks written to other entities by the campaign, including one to the House Democratic Caucus.

Her testimony was given during hearings that began today on allegations of financial wrongdoing in Wright’s campaign. Elections officials are expected to hear from more witnesses today.

Elections officials are also scheduled to hear about discrepancies in the campaign of state Rep. Mary McAllister, a Cumberland County Democrat.