Richard Morgan, hipster

When he's not running for state senate or filing ethics complaints against state officials, former House Speaker Richard Morgan is apparently hitting the nightlife circuit.

Triangle.com, which is owned by The News & Observer, offers a regular feature of nightlife photos. The images, which are produced by lazyday.com feature young partiers showing off clubwear.

Well, right there in a June 3 gallery is Morgan, with his arm around two young women, one wearing what can be accurately described as a revealing outfit. And yes, it's actually Richard Morgan.

As he explains, the club, Still Life, is located in the same building that houses his insurance brokerage and consulting office. The club's owners invited him to a preview event. Morgan was two hours late, he told Dome.

He was introduced to the two women and someone called for a picture.

"They wanted to have a picture and I guess the pictures are in the public domain," he said. "My life is an open book anyway."

The photos, first posted on Triangle.com and then re-posted on a Civitas blog, set off a minor flutter among political types Tuesday. 

Morgan, who lost his Republican state Senate primary, says there's nothing to worry about. His wife was the first to see them.

Dome asked Morgan if he plans to be a regular on the club circuit. Any more openings on his calendar? 

"I don't have any on the schedule," he said.