NORTH CAROLINA REPUBLICAN PARTY 1506 Hillsborough St. Raleigh, North Carolina 27605 Tele. (919) 828-6423 · Fax (919) 899-3815 · www.NCGOP.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: FOR MORE INFORMATION: Tuesday, July 18, 2006 Bill Peaslee, (919) 828-6423

Black Implicated in Conspiracy

"We were robbed," said Republican State Chairman.

Renews the call on Black to resign

(RALEIGH) –The next chapter of the Jim Black corruption saga came out today when former State Representative Michael Decker plead guilty to conspiracy in charges of corruption, implicating Black  in a money for loyalty scheme wherein Decker would receive $50,000 and a state government job for his son in exchange for his support of Black.  Despite Black’s continued claims of innocence this revelation clearly indicates Black and some of his lieutenants are under investigation.

“While the Democrats have remained silent enjoying the fruits of Jim Black’s corruption I, as well as 24 newspapers and countless of North Carolina citizens, have called upon House Speaker Jim Black to resign,” said Ferrell Blount, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party.  “The fact that the Democrats continue to support this scoundrel sickens me.”

Yesterday Jim Black gave House Democrats the credit for allowing him to stay in office saying, “The Democrats really stepped up and supported me.  They knew I was under siege when the session began.” (“Optimistic Black Weathers Legislative Session, The News & Observer 7/31/06) 

Although Black has shown his blatant disregard for campaign finance laws, his abuse of power, and his corrupt means of maintaining this power, The Democrat Party continues to support him. 

“Michael Decker’s guilty plea has brought another aspect of Jim Black’s unethical actions to light,” said Ferrell Blount.  “The Democrats hypocritical behavior of supporting ethics reforms in the General Assembly while supporting Jim Black’s corruption must end.  They are responsible for Black continuing to be Speaker.  It appears the only way to get rid of Jim Black is elect more Republicans to the House.”

The Michael Decker’s controversial story began in 2002 when the Republican Party obtained a one-vote majority in the NC House.  Jim Black, realizing his political power was rapidly dwindling convinced Decker, a Republican, to switch parties. Decker’s defection led to a 60-60 parity in the House which paved the way for Black’s “power sharing” arrangement with former Co-Speaker Richard Morgan.

“We were robbed,” said Ferrell Blount.  “In 2002 the majority of the citizens of North Carolina voted for a Republican House of Representatives and the Democrats stole it.  Black and Decker will go down in history as the Bonnie and Clyde of North Carolina politics.”

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