Why Nifong did it

Buried in a News and Observer story about Nifong and the case is this little kernel of information of what could have been motivating him to try to be sure to get reelected.

Four more years would make a big difference for Nifong's retirement. If he served five years as a district attorney, his 29 years as a regular state employee would apply to the more lucrative retirement plan for a district attorney; overnight, in April 2010, his annual pension would increase by at least $15,000 a year.

Aha! It wasn't just the prestige and power of being District Attorney. There was a monetary incentive to hitching a ride with a case with racial overtones that could endear him to Durham's black community.

Nifong was never elected in the first place. He was an interim appointment by Governor Mike Easley who overlooked more qualified and experienced candidates and reached down to tap Nifong, a guy who hadn't tried a felony since 1999. I don't think there has been enough pressure to find out what Easley what was up to nominating this guy.