One of the first witnesses testifying in the state Board of Elections campaign finance hearing says he helped raise money for the campagn fund of Rep. Michael Decker, based on a request from N.C. House Speaker Jim Black.

Mark Poovey of the Womble Carlyle law firm says the request was passed along to him through Sandy Sands, the firm’s lobbyist in early 2003.

Poovey convinced at least one colleague to contribute funds to Decker.

Decker’s party switch from Republican to Democrat in January 2003 helped create a 60-60 split in the state House that helped Black maintain a share of the speaker’s job that year.