A letter sent in August, 1997, to North Carolina governor Jim Hunt by James A. Cartrette, a businessman who claims he and his son, Allen, were promised political appointments in exchange for Cartrette's $24,450 contribution to Hunt's reelection campaign. Governor Hunt and his chief fundraiser, Jim Bennett, have denied making such a promise.

Dear Governor Hunt,

I recently learned of your decision about the DOT [Department of Transportation] and Wildlife [Resources Commission] appointments. We have never had anything like this happen before.

Attached is a copy of the letter I mailed to Jim Bennett. It explains what happened and the promise you and Jim made. Jim told us several times that Allen would get the wildlife appointment and I would get the DOT appointment.

When I read in the Wilmington paper that Michael Mills had been appointed to the DOT, I lost all confidence in the system.

We gave money and would have given more if you had asked. We gave you the money and have supported you all through your career. You misrepresented the truth to us. We are very disappointed and feel that our money should be returned.

Sincerely,
J. A. Cartrette

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