The State Ethics Commission is asking a Superior Court judge to prevent State Auditor Les Merritt from investigating a claim of preferential treatment for Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, the Democratic nominee for governor.

The suit claims that Merritt's office has a conflict of interest because its investigations chief, Frank Perry, left the ethics commission a year ago. The suit also claims that Merritt, a Republican seeking re-election, "denigrated" the commission in an hour-long interview with a radio station.

It is a rare case in which one state agency is suing another, reports Dan Kane.

"The commission welcomes an independent and impartial investigation by an appropriate entity that is free from actual and/or perceived conflicts of interest," the suit said.

More after the jump.

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The state legislature's new program evaluation division has a director — John Turcotte, who has run similar programs in Florida and Mississippi.

Lawmakers created the new division this year to "promote efficiency and effectiveness in state government," according to the sponsoring legislation, reports Dan Kane.

Legislative Services Director George Hall said Turcotte will be paid $135,000 a year and oversee a staff of nine.