Fundraising By Former NC First Lady Is Questioned

Spokesmen for Blue Cross Blue Shield and Progress Energy, which both made donations, say their companies did nothing wrong.

"These are the kind of programs we've supported consistently at colleges and universities," said Lew Borman, spokesman for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Perhaps the most glaring potential conflict for Easley was her personal solicitation of $5,000 for the speakers bureau from Douglas Fox, the chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, who was appointed by her husband. The check, written by the Commerce Department, paid for a September 2007 visit from acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu for a talk about alcohol use among teens.

Mike Herring, the administrator of the commission, said his agency was told the money would help pay for UNC-TV video of the Moritsugu speech. He said officials determined it was a worthwhile investment that would complement efforts to prevent underage drinking, and that Mary Easley's involvement made no difference.

"If he were to come today — the surgeon general — I think we'd want to be a part of that," Herring said.

Fox, who resigned earlier this month in an unrelated flap, did not return a call seeking comment.