A table by former Gov. Mike Easley sold for $3,400.

The two-term Democrat, who left office earlier this year, had made the simple walnut table on a special episode of "The Woodwright's Shop" in 2007.

He recently contacted UNC-TV, which is in the middle of a monthlong pledge drive, and told them he would donate the table.

The public TV station took bids during an episode of "The Antiques Roadshow" last night. It also offered tickets to an upcoming "Roadshow" visit to Raleigh.

Spokesman Steve Volstad said they do not know the actual value of the table, which was built and stained in about an hour by Easley and "Woodwright's Shop" host Roy Underhill.

But he said the station was pleased with the results of last night's drive.

"They both did really well," he said. "I don't know if it was realistic to think the table would go for $50,000, but we were happy with what it did get." 

* Gov. Mike Easley makes a walnut table on an episode of "The Woodwright's Shop" on UNC-TV with host Roy Underhill; no air date set yet. (Char-O)

* Service Employees International Union decides not to endorse anyone, a huge blow for John Edwards, but says local chapters may do so. (NYT)

* Organizers say the Sparta Teapot Museum cut back on plans after criticism of a $400,000 state grant and lobbying for federal money as "pork." (Char-O)

* Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, whose sole vote in seven years created the state lottery, says she's not troubled how it turned out. "I've never regretted it at all." (Capital Beat)