What is a politician to do when the other politicians wonât play with him?
Rep. Thomas Wright is an eight-term Democrat in the North Carolina House legislature. This past May 15th, the State Board of Elections looked into Wrightâs finances, and were disturbed by what they found: like evidence suggesting that Wright had used over $200,000 of campaign funds for personal use, fraudulently obtained a mortgage, solicited money from a charity with a fake federal tax number, failed to report hundreds of thousands in campaign contributions and forged his campaign treasurerâs signature on checks. The Election Board was so worried that it sent reports to both the House leadership and the local District Attorney.
Now Wright is stuck between two probes: one from state prosecutors and one from the Joint Legislative Ethics Committee. But Wright, as he has been quick to remind his detractors, is innocent until proven guilty, and has remained steadfast in his commitment to serve his constituents, despite the fact that the governor, lieutenant governor and Speaker of the House have all called for his resignation (all three are fellow Democrats). Wright says of his situation, âI was elected by the people of my district and I’m here to serve them…. I’m voting and doing what I’m supposed to do.â
Which is true, to an extent. Last week it came to light that Wright has been absent 17 times this congress, meaning he has missed nearly one fifth of the sessions. Six of those days have come since the Election Board investigation. In addition, Wright has missed more votes than any other representative (excluding the Speaker, who traditionally abstains from voting). Of course, that hasnât stopped Wright from collecting his paycheck; Wright has still been paid his $104 daily remuneration from the House.
Now to be fair, it is getting harder and harder for Wright to be in government. After all, his own party is trying to keep him at a distance. This year, he is the only Democrat not invited to join the conference committee for budget negotiations with the Senate. Still, while the investigations march on, Thomas Wright is working hard âor at least, working- for his constituents.
