Embattled N.C. speaker to step down

State House Speaker Jim Black, whose campaign finances and connections to the gambling industry are being investigated by a federal grand jury, said Tuesday that he will not seek another term as speaker.

"I've been speaker for four terms," the 71-year-old Democrat told The Associated Press. "This is, again, not about me. I don't have any need for me to be speaker forever."

Black, speaker for eight years, said he has no plans now to leave his legislative seat. He dismissed the suggestion that he decided against continuing as speaker because he is worried about a possible federal indictment.

Black's office has provided documents to grand jurors seeking information on more than two dozen entities or people, many connected with the lottery and video poker industries. Dozens of lobbyists, political allies and others with ties to Black or his campaign have confirmed that they were asked to testify before the grand jury.

In October, a federal jury convicted a former state lottery commissioner, appointed by Black, of fraud. Former Rep. Michael Decker pleaded guilty in August to federal charges of accepting $50,000 to join the Democratic Party in early 2003, a move that ultimately helped Black remain speaker.

In August, Black's former political director pleaded no contest in state court to violations of state lobbying laws. And the state elections board ruled in March that Black's campaign illegally accepted corporate contributions and checks with the payee line left blank. His campaign later forfeited at least $16,875.

The board has asked prosecutors to rule on whether Black should be charged with breaking state campaign finance laws.

Black has denied any criminal wrongdoing and said he is not the target of a federal investigation.

"I have no more reason to think today that I'll be indicted than I did a year ago," Black said Tuesday.

Black, 71, announced his decision after having dinner with about 25 House Democrats at a Raleigh restaurant. He said their focus in next year's legislative session should be about issues such as education and mental health, not who is leading the party.

Black added he plans to be involved in choosing his successor, a decision he doesn't expect until January.