Was this their own money or was it somebody else giving this money as part of an organized effort? I find some of the stories which we've heard not to be believable.
There is a significant likelihood that there were illegalities on the part of certain individuals or parties.
I don't believe that intent is a requirement to find a criminal violation of this law. I believe that it is the act that creates the violation.
It appears to me that there is some possibility that someone is supplying money to be given to the Black campaign. If my theory is right, we're going to have to have somebody willing to tell us the truth.
Our ability to further our inquiry with regard to Michael Edwards and with regard to Mr. Decker is basically at an end. We believe that we have pursued that inquiry as far as we can go.
Twenty-three thousand dollars of non-reported contributions is a great sum. It is difficult for me to accept that a mistake of that magnitude is an innocent mistake.
I unfortunately believe and I use the word unfortunately because Speaker Black's career is long and illustrious that this matter needs to be referred to the district attorney for the district attorney to look at that issue and make those decisions.
I've been a lawyer for 31 years. I've examined a lot of witnesses. Seldom have I found one less believable.
Do you understand it may be difficult to believe.
They may have given less than truthful testimony to this board.
It's rare that (an inquiry) involves such a high profile person.
The Black campaign has been subjected to a scrutiny unlike any other campaign in the history of North Carolina. And yes, we have found it faulty in some respects.