John Drescher, executive editor of the News & Observer of Raleigh, here pays tribute to the investigative journalism of Pat Stith, a reporter for the N&O who retired in October.
The column describes an investigation by Stith regarding $4,000 in unreported campaign contributions to former Gov. Bob Scott, who passed away recently. From the column:
A previous N&O report said the Internal Revenue Service was investigating corporate contributions to Scott’s campaign. Among other things, Stith wanted to ask Scott what happened to the $4,000.
But Scott’s aides said he wouldn’t talk with Stith. So Stith wrote Scott a note reminding him of his campaign pledge to be “open, honest and frank at all times.”
Stith received a handwritten reply from the governor. “I am aware that you are having pressure brought on you by your editor to dig into this,” Scott said. “But you can tell him to go to hell as far as the subject of my personal affairs is concerned.” It was signed, “Cordially, Bob.”
