North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue says she's considering new ethics rules where gubernatorial appointees would be fired if they are indicted or refuse to cooperate with an investigation.

Perdue's comments came Tuesday in a letter responding to a letter last week from a Democratic consultant and critic of former Gov. Mike Easley.

Joe Sinsheimer had called on Perdue to remove former Easley aide Ruffin Poole from the Golden LEAF Foundation board. Poole attempted to block a subpoena from the State Board of Elections to testify at a hearing on Easley's campaign finances.

Perdue didn't mention Poole but said her staff is exploring the policy idea involving her appointees to boards and commissions. The governor said people serving in government need to be held to high standards.