From the Department of About Damn Time, we have House Speaker Jim Black copping to “mistakes in judgment” in his recent conduct.

Hmmm, have to wonder if this sudden turn — recall that the federal grand jury investigation of Black had just been the result of “a few media stories” according to Black’s office — is prodded by the anti-Black protest planned for the Biltmore Estates tomorrow. The N.C. Democratic Party is holding a fundraiser there with Black and the Jim Black Must Go! effort will be there in full-effect:

Jim Black Must Go! — and all those who support him.

The Democratic Party will hold a fundraiser on December 15th at the Lioncrest, Biltmore Estates, featuring Speaker Jim Black as a special guest.

Demonstrators will convene on the streets immediately outside the Biltmore Estate during the fundraiser to bring attention to the culture of corruption at the seat of power in Raleigh and link supporters of Jim Black to his dirty coat-tails.

The rally starting time is 5:30 pm on Thursday night, 12/15/05, at Biltmore Village.

Nah, couldn’t be a connection between that and Jim Black’s first ever press conference on his various scandals. Couldn’t be.