Gov. Mike Easley awarded his wife's parents the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in 2004.
The award was signed by the Democrat on Dec. 15, 2004, shortly after he had been elected to a second term and two weeks before Christmas.
It was given to Ann and James Pipines, mother of Mary Easley, née Pipines.
Attached documentation shows that his director of external affairs, Cari Boyce, also asked that the award be framed at a North Raleigh store.
In all, Easley gave out more than 4,000 awards during his two terms.
Re: Pipines' Pine
What a scumbag!