Prospects for Basnight’s seat begin to emerge
 Wood |
 Tine |
 Judge |
 Tillett |
On the heels of state Sen. Marc Basnight’s announcement that he will resign his seat effective Jan. 25, speculation now centers on who will replace the legendary Democrat.
A number of names are being floated both locally and in nearby counties.
One common theme in speaking with interested parties revolves around the fact that Basnight’s resignation so soon was not expected.
Williams
Typically, politicians would spend a year or more planning before running for office.
In the current scenario, candidates must quickly familiarize themselves with a seldom-used mechanism — an executive committee made up of two delegates from each of the district’s eight counties designed to fill unexpected vacancies.
These 16 delegates will control hundreds of votes on behalf of their county Democratic committees. At this time, there is uncertainty as to whether Tyrell County will send delegates, so the total number may only be 14 when the committee convenes.
The Democrats are planning to name a successor in time for him or her to be sworn in with the rest of legislators this month. With such an abbreviated timetable, candidates must determine their own interest, weigh the strengths of possible competitors and build the required delegate support — all in less than 30 days.
Former state Rep. Arthur Williams, who served Beaufort and Pitt counties from 2003 through 2010, was quoted by WITN as saying he would be interested in the appointment for the 1st District seat. Williams was defeated by Republican William Cook in the 2010 election, a victim of the GOP tidal wave that swept both chambers. Many insiders consider Williams the front-runner.
Dare County resident Paul Tine, a local insurance executive and outgoing Chamber of Commerce president, has told the Voice he is “giving strong consideration” relative to seeking the appointment.
Dare County Commissioner Virginia Tillett has thrown her hat into the ring as well. Tillett told the Voice “her experience as an educator and Dare County commissioner allows a unique perspective” to bring to the position. She said she felt confident she could contribute to important issues such as education and bringing jobs to the 1st District.
Another name being floated is that of Warren Judge, chairman of the Dare County Board of Commissioners. Judge said he is “keeping all of his options open. District 1 needs the best man or woman who is willing to work night and day to carry on the great representation we have had in this district for over 20 years.”
Matt Wood of Pasquotank County informed the Voice he is “interested in the seat.” Wood has been out of town and when he returns to Pasquotank, he plans to “have some conversations and spend time understanding the process involved.”
Wood is a Pasquotank businessman who formerly owned a propane distribution business and a small chain of convenience stores. He currently co-owns a farming operation. Wood was a three-term Pasquotank commissioner and a two-term school board member. Wood’s father once held the District 1 seat.
Two other prominent names mentioned are state Rep. Tim Spear of the 2nd District, which includes Dare County, and state Rep. Bill Owens from the 1st District, encompassing Camden, Pasquotank, Currituck and Tyrrell counties. Inside sources have told the Voice neither candidate is interested in assuming the vacant seat, but we have not been able to confirm that information directly with the two representatives as of this writing.
It should be noted the situation remains fluid and prospective candidates could drop out, new hopefuls may emerge and a “dark horse” selection is always possible.
Senate District 1 includes Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Tyrrell and Washington counties.
Related story: Basnight will leave state Senate on Jan. 25 »
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Beverly says:
Sounds to me that we need to have another election!
Lisa says:
The voters were betrayed, pure and simple. MB gave his word that he’d serve his term. If Hood Richardson had run against any of these potential candidates, we’d have a conservative Republican Senator. But this is how things are done in politics. It’s all about getting elected and being a member of the party in control. Everything else is incidental.
The only consolation is that if a liberal or ineffective person is appointed, he can’t really do much harm. He will be powerless due to being an unelected member of the minority party.
Ibxer says:
Hood Richardson probably won’t be reelected as a county commissioner next time around. He has let his constituents down by ignoring the public’s overwhelming wish to lease Beaufort County Hospital to University Health Systems. Even the head of the Beaufort County Republican Party is finally speaking out against Richardson.
charlie says:
Ahhhh Politics
Nothing else sets the blood boiling and brains being disengaged.
Was Hood hoodwinked?
Or did Marc leave his last mark?
ekim says:
This was a set up the voters have been duped we need to raise holy cain.Like Lisa said he gave us his word,now i know you really cann’t TRUST ANY OF THEM!!! THE SENATOR LIED!
Mico says:
No Lisa and Ekim, he didn’t lie. Had other elections gone differently(like not electing a nurse with no experience–what?!?)then he would still have been majority speaker and not required to orate to the same degree and so able to carry out his term. He had no way to know the outcome before the election.
Maggie says:
Also, none of us can possibly know the extent or severity of Mr. Basnight’s illness and what impact it has had upon his decision. A little compassion, please.
ekim says:
IF that was the case Mico he shoudnt have run QUIT KISSING HIS PINKY RING! he did this so HOOD RICHARDSON wouldn’t get his seat ,ia’m so glad i didnt vote him!THE VOTERS WERE SET UP FOR SHAME SENATOR!Maggie 98.1 played his farewell speech,he didnt sound that bad off to me,he spoke well enough to get re’elected! lets get real!
Liz says:
I crossed party lines to vote for Mr. Basnight, not another Democrat. I guess this is what he planned. He should not have run in the first place, but he did ask to be reelected. As a voter, I feel entirely betrayed by him.
The Taypayer says:
Like him or not, Hood Richardson nearly beat Basnight in the last election. I believe Richardson can and will beat anyone the dems put in Basnights seat, in the next election.
Lisa says:
Mico, Renee Ellmers was elected to US Congress, not the NC General Assembly. Her election was irrelevant with respect to Marc Basnight. And Basnight was President Pro Tem of the Senate, not majority speaker.
Basnight saying that he could carry out his duties if he were President Pro Tem but not as a lowly back bencher is an insult to his constituents. He was elected to serve District 1, regardless of his position in the Senate. This was a betrayal of the voters’ trust. Telling them one thing and then not living up to that promise is a breach of trust. People voted for him based on his word, his honor. He should have manned up and kept his word.
charlie says:
Perhaps Mr. Basnight’s intentions followed this line?
Do what is best for his constituents. Richardson is not the man for the job. If a Democratic majority is retained, he could still run the senate with his disability. If Republicans take control and he loses his position of power, his speech disability would become a liability. However, now a like minded individual can replace him and be more effective than himself for his constituents.
Suffice to say, he’s been through much personally these last few years and needs no comment.
At the end of the day he is a very good and astute politician. If the roles were reversed what would Mr Richardson have done? I dare say he would have taken the same course.
Mico says:
Thank you for the corrections, Lisa. I wasn’t sure of the details and should have checked. Still question the wisdom of sending this … nurse… as a representative in any legislature, but you’re right-irrelevant.
I am with Maggie in asking for a little compassion. How was he to know that Republicans would take over for the first time in what, over 100 years? I respect that he is giving up a powerful position because he doesn’t feel he’d be able to do the best by us. I’m disappointed but I see no reason to bear such personal animosity. Ever. And Ekim..please stop yelling all the time. It works against your point. Even when speaking as a doctor.
Johnson says:
Liz, Lisa and ekim….I couldn’t agree with you more. Once MB did not get his way, he took his ball and went home.
I don’t for a minute believe he was surprised by the election results. MB along with everyone else in the country knew what the republicans were going to do in that election. I would just rather that the appointed candidate be someone from outside of this county. I want someone who is not influenced by MB or the political mafia of this county.
Oh Joy says:
Palin did the same thing but I don’t hear many of these tea-pardiots squealing about her little fling with reelection. Hood is not good for our area and the chickens came home to roost on that one.
ekim says:
Lets just sit back an watch what happens next shall we, Mico GET REAL!
Jeff says:
Send Duke Geraghty! He could straighten out most of the politicos in Raleigh and never know he was a powerless non elected minority member. He has spent more time in Raleigh fighting for the benefit of Eastern NC citizens like you and me without any recognition, power or money. Isn’t it time we had a man of the people instead of another . . . native blood old boy (girl)? That being said, Basnight has brought home more to this region than anyone ever will, and I for one am extremely thankful. He can do what he wants, and we WILL miss him. But if you want a powerful successor… lobby to send an honest person in touch with the people and their real issues, without political experience and influence…just for the common good of it.
Lisa P says:
How does one “toss their hat into the ring?” My husband has said he’d like to take on that job!
Russ Lay says:
Lisa–we are researching the location of the ring as we speak and whether there is a special hat required for the tossing….
Nags Header says:
Russ,lol.:D
Derek says:
If Walter Davis was still alive this would have all been settled in advance…
Darebrit says:
Those of us who know Marc Basnight are proud of his service and commitment to the people of the first district without favour. Marc has worked tirelessly for the people of North Carolina for some 26 years. He does not ask a person’s party affilliation or previous state of residence. He has been specificaly open to association with all the citizens of NC regardless of political affiliation.
As a public figure he has often been challenged by dissafected or dissatisfied persons who delight in villifying a native born Carolinian just because he IS.
Marc’s illness has progressed through several stages, mostly affecting his speech. The physical part of the illness has been less noticeable.
Marc Basnight throughout his carreer, has been recognised as a powerful orator and debater. As President pro Tempore of the NC Senate, His talents are more recognised as an Administrator, a position he held for over 15 years to the satisfaction of both sides of the House.
Marc’s reasons for retiring specifically recognise that, as Back Bench Senator, in order to be effective, he would need all his skill as an extemporaneous speaker and debater to effectively serve his constituents. We shall have to wait and see if his replacement as President pro Tempore will be as effective as he. His replacement as State Senator follows both tradition and protocol and is practiced regularly in the case of elected representatives.
Apparently those who oppose Marc Basnight would prefer to have the same kind of governments that they left to reside in North Carolina. I for one am happy to see any native born North Carolinian serve this community, just so long as they, like Marc, promise to serve ALL the people.
Captain John says:
It’s starting to look like Arthur Williams of Beaufort County is emerging as the odd-on favorite. Democrats inside the party think he has the best overall chance to hold on to the seat in 2012. I’ve met the man on several occasions and have been impressed by his experience and connections.