Federal authorities are looking into a former land deal by Gov. Mike Easley, according to the company that marketed the property.

Easley purchased a lot in the Cannonsgate development for $549,880 at the end of 2005, according to property records. It was assessed at a tax value of $1.2 million a year later, though it would sell for less today.

Separate reports in 2006 by the Charlotte Observer and the Carolina Journal, a publication of the John Locke Foundation in Raleigh, compared the Easley sale with others nearby and concluded that he got a good deal.

The project was developed and marketed by brothers Randy and William Allen, whom Easley appointed to the state Wildlife Resources Commission. Another Easley appointee, transportation board member Lanny Wilson, helped finance the project with a $12.5 million loan.

All three were major campaign contributors to Easley. (N&O) 

David Young raised $449,038 by the end of 2007.

The Democratic candidate for state treasurer raised $435,246 from large donors, including developer William Allen, Home Trust Bank CEO Edward Broadwell and retired oilman Walter Davis, according to a campaign finance report filed with the State Board of Elections today.

He also raised $384 from donors who gave less than $50, and $13,408 from political action committees, including the BB&T PAC, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and the Asheville Anesthesia Associates PAC.

At the same time, Young spent $20,483 on office expenses and consulting.

That left him with $420,058 in cash on hand.

Update: The contributions include $110,000 Young gave his campaign as a donation—not a loan—and $3,158 transferred from his county commissioner campaign.