Thomas Wright, under investigation for failing to report more than $220,000 on campaign disclosure forms, missed more votes this year than any other rank-and-file member of the state House, a newspaper reported Monday. Wright was absent for all or part of 17 days, accounting for nearly a fifth of the legislative session, according to the Star-News of Wilmington. Wright was paid the standard $104 per diem for days he was absent.
Wright, D-New Hanover, is under investigation for allegedly failing to report the money on campaign disclosure forms between 2000 and 2006. He also is accused of using thousands of dollars in campaign funds to pay for personal expenses. Wright has not been charged with any crimes.
The eight-term lawmaker has said he will not resign from the House despite calls to do so by several leading Democrats, including Gov. Mike Easley and House Speaker Joe Hackney. Legislators must attend sessions unless they have permission to be absent.
But they rarely give reasons for missing sessions and the House clerk's office often grants leaves without question. Of the 120 members of the House, 17 have missed more than 10 percent of all votes this year. Wright has been present for 78.
8 percent of the votes - a smaller percentage than any House member except for the speaker, who traditionally only votes when required. Wright declined to comment on his attendance when contacted by the Star-News. He did not immediately return a message left Monday at his office by The Associated Press.
Last month, the State Board of Elections asked Wake County prosecutors to consider bringing criminal charges against Wright after reviewing evidence that showed he may have used nearly $250,000 in campaign funds for personal expenses and failed to properly report nearly that amount in contributions. Evidence also suggested that Wright may have asked a state health official to fabricate a letter so a nonprofit he chaired could secure a bank loan. Thomas Wright, under investigation for failing to report more than $220,000 on campaign disclosure forms, missed more votes this year than any other rank-and-file member of the state House, a newspaper reported Monday.
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