RALEIGH -- An aide to then-Gov. Mike Easley declined to testify Thursday before the State Board of Elections, which sought more information from him in its monthslong investigation into Easley's campaign committee.
Ruffin Poole exercised his Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate himself at a hearing before the board.
Poole had been subpoenaed to testify during the election board's investigation, and evidence during an October board hearing showed Poole was involved in fundraising for the governor.
Poole's decision adds intrigue to the probe into Easley's campaign, which the board penalized $100,000 in October for failing to disclose dozens of private airplane flights for a former Easley political ally, McQueen Campbell.
