McCrory questions timing of probe

(NewsObserver.com) - The State Board of Elections is investigating Pat McCrory's 2008 bid for governor more than 18 months after the state Democratic Party filed two complaints alleging violations of campaign finance laws.

Gary Bartlett, executive director of the elections board, cautioned that the inquiry so far is not implicating McCrory's campaign in any wrongdoing, saying "nothing thus far (has) given us any pause."

McCrory's campaign sent a letter to state elections officials Friday questioning the timing of the investigation, given that the original complaints were filed in April 2010 and no action was taken until Nov. 29 this year.

"It's a sad and desperate attempt to muddy the political waters and a waste of taxpayers' money," said campaign spokesman Brian Nick, who called the complaints "frivolous and without merit."