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Last week's 64-page federal indictment of Ruffin Poole contains a bracing note of irony:

"On November 8, 2005, the Governor gave a speech in which he proposed making the state's ethics regulations stricter ... ."

Poole, an attorney who served as then-Gov. Mike Easley's top aide, was using his powerful position for his own benefit, according to charges of extortion, bribery and other crimes listed in the indictment.

A lawyer for Easley said the former governor "has no knowledge of the conduct that makes up the criminal allegations" against Poole.

Poole, who began his career in government working for Easley in the Attorney General's Office, later became known as the governor's "go-to guy" or "the little governor." Easley himself told people, "If you need something, talk to Ruffin."

Did they ever. The indictment alleges that certain developers, who also gave political support to Easley, often turned to Poole for help getting state permits quickly. They returned the favors, letting him in on lucrative investments, giving him gifts, taking him on expensive trips.

"If there was any doubt before today that North Carolina state government was for sale, that question's been put to rest with this 51-count indictment," former political operative Joe Sinsheimer told WRAL News in Raleigh.

There wasn't much doubt, as Sinsheimer knew. He was one of the first to point to corruption by former N.C. House Speaker Jim Black, now in federal prison.

Questions now focus on Easley's involvement. He remains under investigation by George Holding, the federal prosecutor who led the Poole probe.

Given Easley's hands-off approach to governing, it's not impossible he had little knowledge of Poole's activities. He didn't seem to know about the state's dysfunctional mental-health system or its faulty probation and parole system.

Yet, he apparently received favors from some of the same benefactors who were so generous to Poole.

Of course, ignorance is a damning indictment of its own. Among many other charges, Poole is accused of denying the people of North Carolina, who paid his salary, the right to receive honest service. Easley, as Poole's close and direct supervisor, should have made sure his top aide was working every day for the public's benefit. Was the governor so oblivious to these alleged activities?

The indictment notes that, on April 14, 2008, the governor granted Poole a state service award and congratulated him for providing "a true example of the best of North Carolina." Another irony.

The charges against Poole have not been proved in court. No charges have been brought against Easley. But, no matter where this case leads, it will speak volumes about the former governor's character that he would hold up his "go-to guy" for political supporters seeking favors as "the best of North Carolina."

North Carolina deserved much better.