Albertson Chooses Retirement

5th Vulnerable Senate Democrat chooses to retire rather than face voters in tough political climate

Raleigh, NC – Less than a month after stating he was planning to seek reelection, State Senator Charlie Albertson (D-Duplin), changed his mind and announced that he will retire from the N.C. Senate after 22 years in the legislature. His change of heart comes as the national political environment has grown increasingly toxic for Democrats. Democrats in the State Senate are facing problems similar to their national counterparts, several of whom have decided to retire or switch parties, rather than face a political headwind in the coming elections. Albertson’s retirement follows previous retirement announcements by Democratic Senators R.C. Soles, Tony Rand, Julia Boseman, and David Hoyle that hold competitive seats. The high number of retirements and open seats creates a serious challenge to North Carolina Democrat’s efforts to keep control of the State Senate in 2010.

Senate Republican Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) issued the following statement:

“Rather than face voters that are fed up with their record of out of control state spending and job-destroying tax increases, Democratic State Senators are choosing to retire. And each retirement makes a Republican take over the State Senate more certain. North Carolinians are ready for the fiscally responsible policies and resulting job growth Republican leadership in the State Legislature will bring to North Carolina.”

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