Governorship Mike Easley



easley speaking @ second inauguration, 2005


easley ran second term governor in 2004. defeated rickey kipfer, opponent in democratic primary, , faced republican former state senator patrick ballantine , libertarian barbara howe in november 2004. though state voted republicans george w. bush president , richard burr united states senator, easley won second term governor , democrats reestablished control on both chambers of state legislature (the house had been split equally between 2 major parties since 2003).


he supported controversial statewide lottery, approved on august 31, 2005, after lieutenant governor bev perdue cast tie-breaking vote in senate. has stated proceeds lottery used much-needed educational programs.


easley presided on 27 executions, including 1,000th after death penalty reintroduced in united states in 1976. he, however, granted commutation 2 death row inmates. north carolina governor has sole right commute death sentences imposed state court.


governor easley declined run against elizabeth dole senate seat in 2008. considered possible candidate u.s. senate run against senator richard burr in 2010, had denied interest in race. raleigh news & observer speculated in october 2006 easley going act presidential contender in order position himself vice presidential nomination or cabinet post.


in 2008 in case drew international attention, north carolina state trooper filmed hanging , kicking police dog training. after trooper s superiors recommended minor punishment, easley s office recommended trooper fired. case ongoing, state s canine units suspended.


as governor, easley member of national governors association, southern governors association, , democratic governors association. however, known being reclusive while in office.


he succeeded governor lieutenant governor, beverly perdue, defeated charlotte mayor pat mccrory in close race. after leaving office, easley went work part-time promoting college high schools , similar programs bill , melinda gates foundation.








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