Conservatives United

Bill Graham started a political advocacy group in 2005 called N.C. Conservatives United.

Between December of that year and February of 2007, the Salisbury attorney gave the group $2.3 million to run ads, pay political consultants, and put on a rally to support a cap on the state's gas tax.

The only other donors were Larry T. Cloninger Jr., president of Cloninger Ford-Toyota in Salisbury, who gave a total of $100,000; William Frank Lee of Smithfield, who gave $6,000; Herchel Rogers Sr. of Good Neighbors New Hanover County, which gave $193; and Catherine M. Earle of Fayetteville, who gave $15.

On the expense side, the vast majority of the money went to Fetzer Stephens, a political consulting firm in Raleigh that is also managing Graham's campaign for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. Of the $2.3 million the firm received, at least $1.6 million was for the purchase of ads.

The group also spent $31,561 on a gax-tax rally before the legislature in May of 2006.

The group's initial filing listed three officers: Graham, director and president; Tom Fetzer, director and secretary/treasurer; and Dana L. Reason, director. It also stated its mission:

"The purpose of North Carolina Conservatives United, Inc., is to inform the public of the need for a strong national defense and a well-equipped and well-trained military as well as the importance of completing the multinational effort to liberate Iraq. The organization also exists to promote fiscal responsibility in state and federal government and to advocate the benefits of low taxation."