Arrington and others criticized Easley for basing his proposed budget and prized educational initiatives on a lottery, although a game may not get through the legislature. Andrew Taylor, an N.C. State political analyst, said with the persistent money problems, Easley may be setting the public up for a fall. Taylor suggested that the governor borrow a page from President Bush and lower expectations about what government can deliver in the next few years, instead of touting new programs. Despite potential rough spots ahead, Easley said he enjoys being governor. He looked relaxed and at ease sitting in his Capitol office last week.
Personal effects adorn the room.
A painting of him with his son, now 16, hangs on the outside wall. On a corner table is an empty egg carton from his deceased father's Nash County farm. Easley had been reluctant to move into the Executive Mansion, but he said the house and its staff have grown on him and his family. Easley occasionally plays basketball out back with some of the inmates who work at the mansion. His wife sometimes plays piano as an inmate named Pokey sings along, he said.