Michael Francis Easley (born March 23, 1950) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 72nd governor of North Carolina from 2001 to 2009.

[7][6] Easley attended Belmont Abbey College for two years before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a degree with honors in political science in 1972.

He defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Dennis A. Wicker in the Democratic primary, and then successfully challenged Republican Richard Vinroot, former mayor of Charlotte, in the general election.

[13] The "Learn and Earn" program received the Innovations in American Government Award from Harvard Kennedy School.

"[15] Easley also initiated a program to enable North Carolina students to attain a debt-free undergraduate education by receiving EARN Grants of up to $8,000 over two years.

[17] His tenure faced budget shortfalls, tough economic times, and natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods.

In June 2003, he vetoed a bill that stripped the State Board of Education of its authority to set teacher standards.

In August 2007 he vetoed HB 1761, a controversial financial incentives bill which would have awarded up to 40 million dollars to companies within the state.

He defeated Rickey Kipfer, his only opponent in the Democratic primary, and faced Republican former state senator Patrick Ballantine and Libertarian Barbara Howe in November 2004.

He also supported a controversial statewide lottery, which was ultimately approved on August 31, 2005, after Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate.

[citation needed] Easley presided over 27 executions, including the 1,000th after the death penalty was reintroduced in the United States in 1976.

[23] In 2008 in a case that drew international attention, a North Carolina state trooper was filmed hanging and kicking a police dog he was training.

After leaving office, Easley went to work part-time promoting early college high schools and similar programs for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

After Senator Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination, Easley endorsed him against Republican nominee John McCain.

According to Raleigh's News & Observer, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ordered the North Carolina Highway Patrol to produce all records involving private air travel for Easley and his family.

[1] On January 4, 2013, the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Wake County granted Easley a Certificate of relief from disabilities.

[39] He also joined in the filing of amicus briefs to oppose gerrymandered congressional and legislative districts in North Carolina.

He was behind the wheel of Jimmie Johnson's #48 Lowe's Chevrolet Monte Carlo, when it hit a retaining wall going 120 mph.

[41][42] He is also a fan of the cartoon King of the Hill, and while governor, instructed his pollster to separate the state's voters into those who watch the show and those who don't.

[44] Easley is also an avid amateur woodworker, and appeared on an episode of The Woodwright's Shop where he made a walnut table.