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Wed.: And Soles makes five...
posted at 2009-12-30 20:21 | Last modified 2009-12-31 09:18
R.C. Soles today became the fifth NC Senate Democrat to announce he won't be back in 2011. Soles has served in the state Senate since 1968, making him (as he points out below) the longest continuously serving lawmaker in NC history.
Soles' political survival skills are legendary. He was just about the last D standing after the ColCor corruption probe in the early 1980s took out pretty much every other elected Democrat in Columbus and Brunswick Counties. He was indicted, but found not guilty.
But his current troubles may be even tougher to dodge. Earlier this month, a grand jury found probable cause to indict Soles for shooting a man he said was trying to break into his Tabor City home. Soles admitted to the shooting, but his lawyer Joe Cheshire says it was in self-defense. Other sources, however, say the alleged intruder was shot in the back. If prosecutors intend to move forward with charges, we'll likely hear about it in January.
Here's Soles' statement today:
"When I was first elected to the North Carolina House in 1968, I certainly had no idea that I would still be serving in the legislature in 2010. However, 42 years and 21 elections later, my desire is and always has been to do what I could to help the people of southeastern North Carolina-by increasing opportunities, creating jobs and improving education. The people I have had the pleasure to represent are hardworking people I have known my whole life, people who go to church with me, and many people who have moved here from other parts of the country to retire or raise a family.
"According to our historical records, I have had the longest continuous legislative service in state history and have continued to run to have the opportunity to help people. I have practiced law for the last 50 years for the same reason--to be an advocate for those who need a voice in our justice system.
"Quite frankly I have never given much thought to retirement; however, after careful consideration, I have decided not to seek re-election to the Senate. I plan to serve out the remainder of my term with the vigor and diligence my constituents deserve and I will continue to practice law. Public service is a noble calling and I have tried to live up to the ideals of a true leader. I want to thank my colleagues, friends, and constituents for their support through the years. It has been an honor to serve and I will always be grateful for the privilege."
Senate leader Marc Basnight issued this reaction this afternoon.
"R.C. Soles has represented in the Senate the very best of what a Senator should be. He would fight for industry and business to be shared on a more even footing among all the people of North Carolina and he would argue that areas such as his deserved the benefits of employment and advantages enjoyed by other parts of our state. He always felt that the little guy was just as deserving and worked hard to speak on his or her behalf.
"Across North Carolina, we are all fortunate for Senator R.C. Soles's service and are all better by it. Personally, I am fortunate because he is one of the best friends I've ever had."
By the numbers
Soles is the fifth Senate D who won't be back in 2011. Tony Rand resigns effective tomorrow. Weinstein (D-Robeson) left in September to run the Governor's Highway Safety Program. And both Finance Chair David Hoyle and New Hanover Sen Julia Boseman have said they won't run again in 2010.
In case you're wondering, it's not just Dems. Republican Jim Jacumin (Burke) has also said he won't run for re-election, and rumor has it he may have company. But the Senate GOP almost certainly won't lose as many incumbents as the Dems already have.
Why it matters
The loss of four senior Ds will undoubtedly change the way the Senate does business. But more immediately, it'll mean less money to fight for swing seats in 2010. Rand and Soles were both big fundraisers for Senate Dems, the kind of big-money guys you need when you're fighting for seats that can run a million dollars apiece.
As I see it, it's unlikely the GOP will take over the Senate in '10. Even if the Dems lost all five seats, which they won't, it'd be an evenly split chamber. But they'll probably lose Gaston, possibly New Hanover, and maybe Columbus, too, and they almost certainly won't pick up Jacumin's seat.
That means the Senate could be a much closer vote by 2011. And with behind-the-scenes fixers Rand and Soles out of the picture, we may all get a much clearer picture of exactly how the Senate's sausage is made.
Comments? Drop me a line.
