Democratic strategist Brad Crone has a message for Republican-appointed prosecutors in the Mike Easley scandal: put up or shut up.
As WRAL.com reports, Democrats say that U.S. Attorney George Holding should indict the former governor or drop the case:
“Bring the indictments. Let’s see what you got,” Democratic consultant Brad Crone said Friday. “If you don’t have anything, tell the people of North Carolina that we don’t have anything, and let the governor move on with his life.”
Holding, a Republican appointee, has remained in office solely to complete ongoing investigations against Easley and former presidential candidate John Edwards. U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan said she wanted to hold off having President Barack Obama name a new U.S. attorney to avoid politicizing the two probes.
Crone said, however, that the Easley investigation will play a role in state politics if it isn’t wrapped up soon.
“I just think it’s unfair, as we get ready to go into a political cycle, to continue to have this cloud out there,” he said.
If an indictment comes before November, it’s possible Democratic candidates could feel a mild sting in the elections. But as many political observers have pointed out, corruption in Raleigh doesn’t resonate demonstrably with voters outside the Triangle area. It’s doubtful how much an Easley indictment in late summer or fall would influence the election’s outcome.
That said, would it help Democrats? No way. That’s why Crone is worried.
