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American Morning

Battle to Replace Jesse Helms Begins

Aired August 23, 2001 - 09:32   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The race is on to see who will replace North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms. The staunch conservative and five-time senator has officially announced his plans to retire.

Our congressional correspondent Jonathan Karl has the story.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JONATHAN KARL, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With a quietly emotional statement, Senator Jesse Helms told North Carolina he will not seek reelection, instead leaving the political world when his term is up in January 2003.

SEN. JESSE HELMS (R), NORTH CAROLINA: I will be 81 years old. And I will then have served 30 years as a senator for North Carolina, longer than any other senator elected by the people of North Carolina. And not in my wildest imagination did it ever occur to me that such a privilege would ever be mine.

KARL: One of the most influential and controversial political figures of his time, Helms' statement included none of the tough rhetoric that made him famous. Much of the statement was a thank you to the young people who have supported him over the years.

HELMS: There is no way I can adequately express my gratitude to the thousands of people who pitched in and gave their support and prayers in all five of my elections to the United States Senate.

KARL: Reaction poured in from all corners, including a statement from the White House lauding Helms as -- quote -- "a true gentleman and a respected leader."

As Helms heads for the exits, the spotlight is shining brightest on Elizabeth Dole -- at least for now. National Republican operatives hope to anoint Dole as the heir to Helms' seat. But she faces a potentially crowded field of candidates, who seem reluctant to bow out for someone who hasn't lived in North Carolina for decades.

In addition to Dole, other potential candidates include: Richard Vinroot, the former Charlotte mayor who ran unsuccessfully ran for governor last year; former Senator Lauch Faircloth and Congressman Richard Burr.

(on camera): In a statement issued even before Helms' announcement, former Senator Lauch Faircloth made it clear he is not afraid to challenge Elizabeth Dole. Faircloth said the choice of the next senator -- quote -- "should be made by North Carolinians, not by Washington, D.C. politicians."

Jonathan Karl, CNN, Raleigh, North Carolina.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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