Basnight files for re-election

State Sen. Marc Basnight, D-Dare, filed to run for re-election Tuesday morning, ending speculation about his immediate political future.

The longtime Senate leader, who has been diagnosed with a rare nerve disorder, has been plagued by questions about his health and speculation that he would not be a candidate this year.

Though he had confirmed that he would run again, Basnight’s filing removed all lingering doubt about whether he would try for another term in the Senate.

The filing news was doubly significant because it is expected that Basnight will have opposition this year.

“I am running again to serve the people and if they see fit to re-elect me, I will continue to serve them as I have done in the past,” Basnight says in a written statement released to the media.

“I will focus on creating jobs and the economy through a stronger educational foundation, being very conscious of how difficult it is on the personal economy of our people.”

Basnight directly represents all or part of eight northeastern counties, including Hyde and Beaufort counties.

On Monday, Hood Richardson, a Republican Beaufort County commissioner, confirmed that he plans to challenge Basnight.

“This guy is beatable,” Richardson said.

Richardson said his candidacy isn’t motivated by questions about Basnight’s health or by the announced departures or retirements of other high-level Democratic senators.

Asked how he plans to compete with the well-funded Manteo Democrat in terms of fundraising, the Washington Republican said, “As best I can the way campaign finance is.”

In past elections Basnight has enjoyed a roughly million-dollar-plus campaign war chest, but he gave much of his money to the state Democratic Party two years ago.

Campaign-finance reports show that he had $309,827 in cash on hand at the end of 2009.

Some Beaufort County Democrats believe that Basnight’s power could be used to benefit Beaufort County more than it has in the past.

“He’s done some things for us, but he could do more,” said Jerry Langley, chairman of the Beaufort County Board of Commissioners. “I’d like to see him do more things for Beaufort County. It’s like the Janet Jackson song ‘What Have You Done for Me Lately?’”

State Rep. Arthur Williams, D-Beaufort, has offered his unqualified support to Basnight.

“I worked for Sen. (Ed) Warren (D-Pitt) for 10 or 12 years,” Williams said. “I’ve never said much about this. At (Warren’s) funeral, I came out upset and Sen. Basnight was there. I was new going to Raleigh.”

According to Williams, Basnight told him, “Anything you need going to Raleigh — I know you’re new — you take up with my staff, and if they can’t handle it, you let me know.”

Calling Basnight a personal friend, Williams added, “I think one of the biggest advantages that I’ve had in Raleigh is that I’ve had his staff. He’s got about eight or 10 people on his staff, and I’ve got one.”

Asked about Basnight’s decision to file, Tom Richter, mayor of Washington Park, said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that this is a good thing for eastern North Carolina and for Beaufort County. The long tenure and power that the senator has wielded for decades is going to stand Beaufort County and eastern North Carolina in very good stead.”

Williams has a good working relationship with Basnight and his staff, which also is important for Beaufort County, Richter said.

State Rep. Tim Spear, D-Washington, echoed the plaudits for Basnight, who also represents Washington County.

“Sen. Basnight is a good, close friend and a truly remarkable public servant,” Spear said. “His vision and leadership has carried North Carolina forward not only locally or in eastern North Carolina but across the entire state. He’s been a champion of the people, and I’m certain he will continue to be when re-elected.”

REPRINTED FROM THE WASHINGTON DAILY NEWS

By JONATHAN CLAYBORNE
and BETTY MITCHELL GRAY
Published: Wednesday, February 17, 2010