THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, January 16, 1996 TAG: 9601160290
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RALEIGH LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
A powerful state senator said he will push to eliminate the job of secretary of state and transfer the job's duties to the lieutenant governor.
The proposal coincides with former stock car racing legend Richard Petty's plans to run for the job. Republicans hope Petty's name recognition will improve the election chances of other Republicans running for high offices in state government.
Sen. Tony Rand, D-Cumberland, said he plans to introduce a constitutional amendment to abolish the position, the Fayetteville Observer-Times reported today.
He wants the question put before voters in the November election.
``It saves a goodly amount of money, consolidates functions,'' Rand said. ``It's a good time to do it because you don't have an incumbent running. You're not talking about personalities.''
Rufus Edmisten, a Democrat, announced that he would not seek re-election two days before a scathing audit of his office was released in December.
Petty's campaign chairman said Rand's proposal seems to be aimed at Petty.
``They're not interested in eliminating the Secretary of State's Office,'' Jim Trotter said. ``They're interested in eliminating Richard Petty as a candidate for the council of state.''
Trotter said Petty compared the proposal with an ill-fated Senate bill in the 1970s to eliminate his seat on the Randolph County Board of Commissioners.
House Speaker Harold Brubaker, R-Randolph, said a legislative study committee on government reorganization will consider combining functions of some statewide elected offices.
But he said Rand's idea appears aimed at the GOP.
``I think the Democrats are scared to death of Richard Petty, without a doubt,'' Brubaker said. by CNB