Following the 2002 election and a switch in party affiliation by one Republican, the N.C. House of Representatives was split 60/60 between Democrats and Republicans. Five GOP members joined all 60 Democrats to elect Jim Black and Richard Morgan Co-Speakers.

It soon became apparent that Democrat Black was the senior member of the partnership. The House drew new legislative districts that favored the Democrats and a few of Morgan’s Republican allies.

The redistricting achieved its purpose. Following the 2004 election, Democrats emerged with a 63/57 majority in the N.C. House, even though GOP legislative candidates outpolled Democrats by more than 100,000 votes statewide.

When the General Assembly convened in late January, Black was elected Speaker by a vote of 100/20. He had the unanimous support of House Democrats and a 37/20 margin among the Republican members.

Morgan was given the ceremonial post of Speaker Pro Tempore. Democrats were given a 41/20 majority of the committee Chairs and Co-Chairs.

Many of the Republicans who voted for Black contended that his election was inevitable, and that by co-operating with the majority they could have some influence, secure a better committee appointment, or be assigned a roomier office.

Others took a different view. Rep. John Rhodes of Mecklenburg, one of the 20 Republicans who voted against Black, lamented, “This is a terrible day for North Carolina.” Rep. John Blust, R-Guilford, said: “The 100 [who voted for Black] are setting the stage for a massive tax increase, whether they vote for it or not.”

Rep. George Holmes, whose district includes parts of North Iredell, was among the 20 who voted against Black. Voting in favor of Democrat Black were Rep. Karen Ray of Iredell, Rep. Mitchell Setzer, whose district includes parts or west Iredell, and Rep. Julia Howard, whose district includes parts of Statesville and east and north Iredell.