From Under the Dome:

Former Democratic Gov. Mike Easley has spent $222,000 in campaign funds on lawyers this year, according to a new report filed today.

The report shows that spending on three law firms ramped up as investigations started into issues surrounding Easley and his campaign this spring, reports Andy Curliss. Elections officials have said that the former governor, who left office in January, can spend his campaign funds on legal issues that arise out of the governor’s position as an office holder, which covers a broad area.