After 30 years in the Senate, North Carolina’s Jesse Helms confirmed last Wednesday that he will not seek reelection in 2002.

At age 79, Helms is devoting his last year to farmers’ legislation. In the past, he was “if not the central figure, one of the central figures” on heated social issues ranging from gay rights to gun control, according to CNN correspondent Jonathan Karl.
Flagrant right-wing statements marked the Senator’s career. In July 1995, New York Times quoted Helms on the treatment of AIDS saying, “We’ve got to have some common sense about a disease transmitted by people deliberately engaging in unnatural acts.”

Opposed to Clinton’s work as commander in chief, namely his allowing homosexuals in the military, Helms said, “Mr. Clinton better watch out if he comes down here. He’d better have a bodyguard.”

His extreme stance against gay rights, and even his hostility to the civil rights initiative were tolerated because, said U. S. Senate senior Democratic leader Christopher Dodd, it is “the power of his personality that makes him special as a force.”

“Helms’ approval or disapproval carried a lot of weight because he had so many followers around the country,” Senator Dodd continued. “ Putting aside the ideological argument, people like a sense of commitment. People knew if he was the only person on your side, he’d stick with you.”

The imminent end to Helms’ 30 years’ stay has sparked renewed competition between North Carolina’s equally confident Democrats and Republicans. Democratic Party Chairwoman Barbara Allen said, “We planned on winning back that seat, and we’re still planning to win it back.”

According to GOP Chairman Bill Cobey, however, Jesse Helms’ retirement is not going to insure a chance for the Democrats at the seat.

“Obviously we have a winner in Jesse Helms, and you never want to see one of your aces retire,” said Cobey. “But we have great bench strength.”

Elizabeth Dole is the hope of the Republican Party. Allen reminds, however, that Dole has not lived in North Carolina for 40 years. “She doesn’t have a home here. What makes us think that people in North Carolina would vote for her?”
Dole’s chief adversary will be North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.

Former Governor of North Carolina Jim Hunt may also run. Hunt is to North Carolinian Democrats the hero that Helms is to Republicans.