Will the Iron Cabinet outlast Easley?
At least three members of Gov. Mike Easley's administration may be interested in continuing in their posts, according to reliable sources in Raleigh:
Bryan Beatty: The former director of the State Bureau of Investigation has headed the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety since 2001. But will continuing problems with the State Highway Patrol dog him?
Bill Ross: The environmental attorney has been head of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources since 2001 and claims the Clean Smokestacks Bill and the purchase of Chimney Rock State Park among his accomplishments.
Dempsey Benton: The newest member of Easley's Cabinet may have the best shot at staying. Brought in to clean up problems with the mental health system, the former Raleigh city manager was even cited as a keeper by Republican candidate Fred Smith.
Already, Easley's Cabinet is well-known for its longevity, with many of the original appointees from 2001 still serving.
Keeping some on board could be politically difficult for Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue, who promised to run a more hands-on administration.
