Editor,

The assertion that state education money was diverted to a “drag strip in Richmond County,” is one of several incredible and absurd claims made in a letter from Ed McLean (“With Karen Ray, follow the money”), whose sour grapes upon being asked to step down at the North Carolina Motorsports Association has manifested itself in a sad attempt to sabotage the N.C. Senate campaign of one of his former colleagues at the NCMA, Karen Ray.

For the record, as the owner of the Rockingham Dragway, I never have received one dime from the state for myself or The Rock.

Mike Easley has never been any part of the North Carolina Motorsports Association or its work and it is unfortunate that Mr. McLean feels the need to spread venom by disseminating false information.

What a shame that someone from outside the district felt compelled to fabricate stories that question the integrity of a worthy candidate like Karen Ray. It’s also unfortunate that Mr. McLean bites the hand that fed him through his career. His letter shoes the actions of a vindictive former associate.

– Steve Earwood, of Rockingham