March 1, 2008 - Insurance Commissioner Jim Long called it quits. Former House Speaker Richard Morgan is trying a comeback. And so is former Labor Commissioner John Brooks.
The period for North Carolina candidates to file with the State Board of Elections closed Friday with a few surprises.
Voters will have plenty of choices in the May 6 Democratic and Republican primaries and in the November general elections. Here are some of the highlights.
RED-TIE DAY: Insurance Commissioner Jim Long, the dean of statewide elected officials, announced his retirement Friday after having served in the office since 1985. Long, 67, whose trademark is a red tie, said it was time to "pass the the torch." He waited until the last minute to announce his surprise decision. THE RETURN OF RICHARD MORGAN: In perhaps Friday's biggest surprise, the former co-speaker of the House filed as a Republican candidate for superintendent of public instruction. It was a slimmed-down Morgan who filed Friday -- the former 266-pounder is down to between 179 and 189 pounds.
Other Republicans seeking the top education job are Joe Smith of Tryon and Eric Smith of Reidsville. In the Democratic primary, incumbent June Atkinson has a challenger, a former president of the N.C. Association of Educators, Eddie Davis of Durham.
DEJA VU ALL OVER AGAIN? John Brooks, who was labor commissioner from 1977 to 1993, is one of four candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for labor commissioner. Brooks, 71, who is a staff attorney with the Industrial Commission, said the department has gone downhill during the seven years under Republican Commissioner Cherie Berry.
As for his age? "I'm younger than John McCain, who is running for president." By Rob Christensen, News & Observer