The Associated Press reports that House Speaker Jim Black this morning backed previous testimony that former lottery commissioner Kevin Geddings was a last-minute replacement choice for the board, and that his decision to appoint Geddings was not made with his political aide, Meredith Norris, and former Scientific Games official Alan Middleton at a dinner the night before. At least, he says he doesn’t remember discussing the lottery at the dinner:
“I don’t remember any discussion about the lottery commission,” Black said in front of a courtroom filled with spectators. “I don’t remember any discussion about appointing Kevin Geddings.”
Black, D-Mecklenburg, said he was tired after a long day and had two vodka tonics during the dinner. He said he made the choice to appoint Geddings to the panel the next day, believing Geddings’ experience as chief of staff for former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hodges made him a solid choice for the commission.
“He seemed like a really good fit,” Black said.
Waiters and waitresses around Raleigh (and at restaurants near the exit off I-85 in Salisbury) have been known to marvel at Black’s amazing recall of mixed drinks he has consumed during meals months — even years — after his visits to their establishments. But they also say his memory of what he talks about is not so sharp, as evidenced at the Geddings trial.
Black was also asked about his relationship with Norris, who has worked for him in nearly every possible capacity, both political and legislative.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Stewart Bruce on Wednesday asked Black whether he had a “close, personal relationship” with Norris.
“What do you mean by a close, personal relationship?” Black shot back, adding later he believed he had a good relationship with all his employees.
Earlier Wednesday, Bruce said prosecutors believe that Black’s relationship with Norris “impacted governmental decisions.” But during Bruce’s questioning, Black again stated that neither Norris nor Middleton influenced his appointment of Geddings.
