Interim CEO Lanty Smith And Another Longtime Ally Pushed for Thompson Exit.

The article discusses circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Wachovia Corp. chief executive Ken Thompson. Thompson had long enjoyed the support of Wachovia board member Lanty L. Smith, who ultimately worked for Thompson's ouster. Another board member, Wallace D. Malone Jr., engaged in a year-long letter-writing campaign that assailed Thompson for destroying shareholder value.