Rep. Danny McComas
Wilmington Republican
Eighth Term

What two things would you cut in the state budget? "I would hold any percentage increases at zero instead of automatic increases." He also would suspend capital expenditures. "Hold off on those for one year at least."

Are there any taxes you would be in favor of increasing? "Not at this time, absolutely not. It's the wrong time. People are hurting."

— Dan Kane 

Bill Daughtridge received $2,000 from other politicians' campaign funds.

According to his 2007 campaign finance reports, the Republican candidate for state treasurer received donations from two campaigns.

State Rep. Danny McComas, a Wilmington Republican, and former Rep. John Sauls, a Sanford Republican, each gave $1,000.

State Rep. Thomas Wright faces a maximum of 11 years under sentencing guidelines.

If convicted, he would be forced to resign. The state constitution bars convicted felons from holding elected office. (Char-O)

Several of his colleagues said the Wilmington Democrat should resign.

State Sen. Julia Boseman, a Democrat, said he is a "disgrace to North Carolina, and Rep. Carolyn Justice, a Republican, called for him to step down. Rep. Danny McComas, a Republican, was the only New Hanover County representative who did not call for his immediate resignation.

Two Wilmington City Council members also were not willing to call for his resignation.

Wright is expected to make a first court appearance in the next few days. (WS-N)

New Hanover County politicians also don't worry about airport parking.

The Wilmington International Airport provides free passes to its employee parking lot for the five county commissioners, state Sen. Julia Boseman and state Reps. Danny McComas, Thomas Wright, Carolyn Justice and Bonner Stiller.

Airport Director Jon Rosborough said he would give the passes to federal officials as well, but so far none have asked.

"They're not down here very often," he said.

The passes save the politicians the cost of parking at the airport, which will soon rise to $14 a day in its short-term lot and $8 a day in its long-term lot. Employees pay $10 a month for parking.

Rosborough said he did not know how often they are used or when the program started. He said the airport authority does not report them as in-kind contributions.

As noted earlier, the Piedmont Triad International Airport has some reserved spots for federal politicians. The Raleigh-Durham International Airport, meantime, said it has no designated spaces.

Reps. Danny McComas and Carolyn Justice said Rep. Thomas Wright should resign.

The two Republicans from New Hanover County said they would no longer work with Wright on legislation, according to the Wilmington Star-News.

From McComas: 

"I find it very unfortunate for him and his family," said McComas, whose district includes eastern Wilmington and the beach towns. "However, the fact is that the allegations made against Rep. Wright are of such gravity that the only right thing to do is take the high road and step aside."

From Justice: 

"I think we now have to think of the greater good," said Justice, who lives in Hampstead and represents northeastern New Hanover County. The county "is truly facing serious issues and it is difficult to deal with those when you don’t have a cohesive delegation." 

As usual, the complete list is after the jump.

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