By Catherine M. Welch
Wilmington, NC – A House Committee hearing centered on the finances of Representative Thomas Wright begins Wednesday afternoon in Raleigh.
Wright, a democrat, was indicted early last month on six counts of fraud and obstruction of justice. The House committee was formed to look into the indictments and determine if there is evidence of illegal activity.
Wright entered a not guilty plea to the charges last week. That's when his attorney told reporters that Wright would seek re-election.
The State Board of Elections has shut down Wright's re-election campaign until he files overdue campaign finance reports.
Board of Elections director Gary Bartlett says this leaves Wright with the ability to file for re-election, but prohibits him from either raising money or spending it.
The filing period opens February 11th and closes on the 29th. Meanwhile semi-annual campaign finance reports for '07 are due near the end of this month.
Bartlett says he's not expecting a report from Wright, but says he'll be shocked if he gets one.
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