From the Winston-Salem Journal (5/7/10): The N.C. secretary of state's office is trying to fine lobbyist Don Beason $111,000, but the public would know nothing about the action had Beason, himself, not revealed it in a court filing.
Under current state law, lobbyists are protected from most public exposure of allegations made against them, any evidence collected and then the fines levied.
The legislature should immediately change the law and open records of allegations and their disposition to public view.
McClatchy Newspapers recently reported that Beason appealed the fine in court. That’s how its existence became public. He is accused of lobbying on behalf of clients who funneled their money through a different company. (Beason, once considered the most powerful lobbyist in Raleigh, is best known for once lending $500,000 to now-imprisoned former House Speaker Jim Black.)