N.C. Senator Hamilton C. (Ham) Horton is one of the rare politicians who is also a first-rate scholar and intellectual. He can converse knowledgably on subjects ranging from the War Between the States to the Moravian heritage of Winston-Salem to the Byzantine Empire.

Some view Horton as a throwback to another era; he embodies the best qualities of the traditional Southern gentleman. During his 15 years in the state Senate, he has been a principled and effective spokesman for the conservative point of view. He is acknowledged to be one of the best speechmakers in the legislature.

Horton, 74, has been diagnosed with cancer. Although he says his prognosis is good, he is not running for re-election. “It would be unfair to the people of Forsyth County for me to run and perchance to get elected and not be there to take the seat.”

Former Congressional candidate Nathan Tabor is weighing a run for the seat.