Command shifts at N.C. FREE

John Davis is no longer listed as the executive director of N.C. FREE.

After leading the business-backed research group for 23 years, Davis is working on contract as a political consultant for the group, its Web site says.

The change in leadership follows several months of turbulence at N.C. FREE, including the departure of some of its biggest dues-paying members.

N.C. FREE lists Ron Ottavio as its interim executive director. Ottavio worked for Wachovia for 33 years before retiring. He spent his last six years managing the company's lobbying efforts in 16 states, and he was a registered lobbyist in Raleigh.

Ottavio also serves on the board of N.C. FREE's sister group in Virginia.

N.C. FREE has long been known for its analysis and handicapping of North Carolina elections, particularly elections for the state legislature. Some members of the business community use the information to help decide where to contribute money.

Hot collars at Justice

State Department of Justice employees had an uncomfortable day without air conditioning, phones or Internet access after a ruptured pipe flooded the sub-basement of the Old Education Building in downtown Raleigh late Wednesday.

The power was restored before the workday began, but the air conditioning didn't come back on until early afternoon, said Jill Lucas, a spokeswoman for the Department of Administration, which manages state buildings.

Noelle Talley, a spokeswoman for the Justice Department, said phone and Internet service was still a problem at the end of the workday.

She went home after several hours to check e-mail messages.

"I have a laptop I take back and forth to work," Talley said. "It's convenient at a time like this."

McCain pal with Obama

Lenny Julius of Emerald Isle was among the 10 voters who met with Sen. Barack Obama backstage Thursday night before Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention.

Julius is a 67-year-old Vietnam War veteran who served with John McCain in the Navy and supported McCain in 2000.

But Julius said that McCain has become too strongly tied with the policies of President Bush, so Julius is supporting Obama.