Who will play Walter Jones on the stage?

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones is a real character.

The Farmville Republican is one of five major characters in a play about the impeachment of President Bush written by Washington lawyer Bruce Fein and Hollywood screenwriter Richard Lasser.

The two said they met with Jones and Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler in September to talk about what role he might play in an actual impeachment trial. They also wanted to make the play, called "I," as realistic as possible.

"I wanted to get an idea of his cadence," Lasser said. "I wanted to get an idea of his comportment, of his belief system, and what kinds of questions he would pose to witnesses. A lot of the questions that we put in his mouth are ones he said he would like to ask if he had the opportunity."

Jones is listed fifth among the cast of characters in the draft of the play. His character, an assistant prosecutor in the trial, is described as a "softspoken, passive-aggressive Southerner."

In the play, the Jones character questions CIA Director Michael Hayden, former counterterrorist agent Michael Scheuer and former U.S. Justice Department legal counsel John Yoo.

Lasser said he would like to cast Peter Coyote, a character actor best known for his role as the prosecutor in "Jagged Edge" and a scientist in "E.T." But if TV and movie stars aren't available, he'd look for local talent in Washington.

The play is scheduled to premiere at George Washington University in January, shortly after the Congressional recess.

Vet to lead voter ed center

John Thompson is the new executive director of the N.C. Center for Voter Education.

The director of governmental relations for the American Cancer Society in North Carolina will replace longtime Voter Education Director Chris Heagarty, who is pursuing a law degree. The nonpartisan group advocates for public campaign finance and other measures.

At his current job, Thompson lobbied successfully for bills providing care for cancer victims and curbing tobacco use, including a ban on smoking in state buildings, a 30-cent increase in the cigarette tax and funds for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

"John brings a proven record of success and a keen understanding of how public policy is shaped in our state, while showing a passion for improving the lives of his fellow North Carolinians," said Jon Williams, chairman of a search committee that chose Thompson.

Previously, Thompson worked at the N.C. Manufactured Housing Institute and political consulting firm Campaign Connections. He is a graduate of N.C. State University and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War.

Giuliani coming to Raleigh

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani will be Raleigh next month as part of a series of fundraisers in North Carolina.

The GOP presidential candidate will attend a fundraiser Dec. 3 at the home of Raleigh business executive Dwayne Long. Earlier in the day, Giuliani will hold fundraisers in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Pinehurst, Rob Christensen reports.

"I'll be disappointed if we don't raise a couple of hundred thousand dollars," said Jim Culbertson, a Winston-Salem businessman who is Giuliani's state campaign chairman.

Giuliani will be in Charlotte on Wednesday night for a fundraiser.