Notes according to Dave Horne’s Testimony
Horne appeared at first, to distance himself from the campaign and only generally accepted a relationship with the campaigns fundraising strategy. Later in the questioning when asked who constructed the fundraising plan, Horne stated that it was very difficult to answer – “there were so many.” He was then encouraged to do the best he could. He stated that Michael Hayden ran the fundraising operation. Asked again “who contributed to the plan?” Horne said that he participated, but doesn’t remember the names of everyone.
Horne understood that the Democratic Party funds were spent at the Party’s discretion.
Horne was not aware that the Governor had leased a vehicle from Robert Bleeker. He did not know what the vehicles were used for.
Horne was asked if he had involvement in the day to day activities of the campaign. He stated that he talked with the campaigns manager frequently.
Horne recalled Easley expressing confidence in McQueen Campbell. He recalls the Governor saying that Campbell was one of the most “honest guys” the Governor knew.
Horne’s role in 2004 was very much the same as in 2000 (dealing with the personality issues which continued into 2004- “marriage counselor” to Easley).
Horne stopped being campaign treasurer in the 1st quarter of 2006. Horne is a registered lobbyist and in 2006 the law changed so that a registered lobbyist could not serve as a campaign official, but Horne continued his relationship with the campaign committee. Ms. McGhee (Horne’s assistant) continued to pay the campaign bills.
Horne does not recall discussions about donors receiving confirmation that their contributions would be “funneled to the Easley Campaign and that the Easley Campaign would receive credit for the solicitation of the contributions. Horne did acknowledge that he knew Easley had agreed to raise money for the coordinated campaign.
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