Closing: Easley

Former Gov. Mike Easley wants his case referred to the Wake County District Attorney.

Easley denies any wrong-doing, but wants a state prosecutor to review the case anyway.

"The fact of the matter is, no matter what happens, the public is going to question, 'Did Mike Easley slip one over on the board?'" Easley's attorney, Thomas Hicks said. "He's saying refer it."

The statement seemed to surprise Board Chairman Larry Leake to ask for a clarification. McQueen Campbell testified that Easley wanted him to falsify an invoice to pay for work on Easley's house. Easley said that never happened.

"Did I just hear you say that because there have been witnesses who have testified to what would have been criminal, that your client and you think this case should be referred to the DA for further evaluation and insight?"

Hicks said that he believes Campbell got caught in a lie when he told a reporter and later Easley that he was paid for his flights. Campbell told Easley he wanted to sue The Carolina Journal over a story about the flights. This week, he testified under oath that the allegations against him were true.

"Here we have a young man who has essentially become a sycophant to the former governor of this state who has been playing a shell game," Hicks said.