Democrats Nominate State House, Senate Leaders

State legislators supported Black, D-Mecklenburg, and Basnight, D-Beaufort, to remain in their leadership positions during Democratic caucus meetings Tuesday in downtown Raleigh.

The House and Senate will convene in January to elect a new speaker of the House and president pro tem of the Senate.

But the same dissent that characterized a 1999 coup attempt by black House Democrats, who were dissatisfied with their lack of leadership roles in the party, remained intact at the meeting.

In 1999, black House Democrats formed an alliance with Republicans to try to elect Rep. Dan Blue, D-Wake, speaker instead of Black. The last-minute coup, which failed by one vote, was aimed at increasing both groups' power in the House. Blue, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, was House speaker from 1991 to 1994.

Black said he expects challenges from some Democrats and Republicans at the January session but feels confident of another win despite the attempted coup. "I pledge to meet with each person individually to discuss differences," he said. "I want to work together to solve differences."

In the next legislative session, unofficial results predict that Democrats will hold 35 out of 50 seats in the Senate, but only have a four-seat majority in the House.

This narrow lead in the House affords no room for dissension among the Democrats, but Black said he is prepared for what might happen in January.

"I believe in being prepared for whatever happens," Black said. "I'll survive this."

He said he also relies on his political record to maintain his position as speaker.

Rep. Leslie Cox, D-Harnett, said Black has established a strong record through hard work.

"He's got plenty to offer the House under his leadership," Cox said. "I don't know of another Democrat who has worked as hard as Black."

He said some Republican legislators will vote for Black regardless of party affiliation. "I would say some Republicans will vote for him because they know of his hard work," Cox said.

If Black is elected speaker for a second term, he said he will keep education issues at the top of the legislative agenda. He added that he will continue supporting environmental issues and mental health needs. He said he is aware the public has little patience for bickering among politicians and aims to keep partisanship under control.

"I brought great efficiency the last time," Black said. "I hope for the same thing this time."

Despite the unrest in the House, Basnight fared better when he was unanimously renominated for Senate president pro tem.

Rob Lamme, Basnight's spokesman, said Basnight's renomination results from his impressive record as president for the past four terms.

He said Basnight will continue pushing for education improvements, environmental protection and economic expansion if the Senate re-elects him president pro tem.

Lamme said, "If you look at what the Senate has accomplished under (Basnight's) leadership, it's impressive."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.