Delegate Thompson Gets A Reprieve

In a letter to the House speaker, MIA Delegate Ron Thompson, D-Raleigh, blames a mystery "medical condition" for his continued absence but says he plans to return to the Legislature by Feb. 5.

The response to the ultimatum issued by the speaker last week prompted the House Rules Committee today to postpone any further action on Thompson until then.

Elected to a 7th two-year term in November, Thompson remains ineligible to collect his $15,000-a-year salary until he takes his oath of office.

UPDATE: A longer version of the story is here.