Sinsheimer: It's about time

Joe Sinsheimer released this statement on the hearing on state Rep. Thomas Wright today:

"After two and half years of investigations of its top leadership, the House today finally took public responsibility for the corruption in its own ranks. Jim Black and Thomas Wright were able to operate in the shadows because so many members allowed them to do so. While I am pleased that the House has moved towards punishing Rep. Wright, I am saddened that it took a citizen complaint and more than a year of public criticism to force the House leadership to act."

"Good government in North Carolina must be color blind. This case was never about race as Mr. Wright's attorneys have so deceitfully alleged. This case -- like the Jim Black case before it -- was about political arrogance and the belief by some on Jones Street that political figures are above the law. I am pleased that my advocacy work has exposed two of North Carolina's most corrupt figures."

"One of the bright spots of this week's hearing is that we have seen a new star emerge in the General Assembly. Rep. Rick Glazier -- who was the only member of the existing House leadership to speak out against Jim Black's corrupt practices -- has stepped forward and proven himself to be the ethical leader that the House and our state so desperately need. We should all applaud Rep. Glazier's handling of this difficult task."