Marc Basnight
| Marc Basnight | |
 | |
| North Carolina State Senate District 1 | |
| Former senator | |
| Term in office began 1993 | |
| Term in office ended January 25, 2011 | |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Profession | Contractor |
Contents |
Basnight joined the North Carolina State Senate in 1985. He then became President Pro Tempore in 1993. He resigned on January 25, 2011.[1]
Background
Basnight received his diploma from Manteo High School.
Basnight was the owner of Lone Cedar Cafe from 1996 to 2007. He is a Contractor with Basnight Construction Company.
Elections
2010
Basnight was not opposed in the Democratic primary election on May 4, 2010.[2] Basnight won re-election to the North Carolina State Senate District 1, defeating Hood Richardson (R) in the election on November 2, 2010.[3]
| North Carolina Senate, General Election Results, District 1 (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
 Marc Basnight (D)
|
31,720 | 55.40% | ||
| Hood Richardson (R) | 25,169 | 44.60% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Basnight won re-election to the 1st district in the North Carolina State Senate. Basnight had no challenger. [4]
Campaign donors
2008
In 2008, Basnight collected $1,610,809 in donations.[5]
His five largest contributors in 2006 were:
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| James Goodnight | $8,000 |
| David Upchurch | $8,000 |
| North Carolina Medical Society | $8,000 |
| North Carolina Hospital Association | $8,000 |
| Fred Hobbs | $8,000 |
Issues
Education Lottery
The legislature approved the creation of the North Carolina Education Lottery in 2005 through a process full of irregularities and identified by the John Locke Foundation as an example of "cronyism." As Senate President Pro Tem, Basnight announced that the Senate's work was finished for the year, but two weeks later on August 30, the Senate passed the lottery bill, with Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue casting the tiebreaker and two known opponents of the lottery absent.[6]
Budget surplus "slush fund"
As Senate President Pro Tem, Basnight controlled 45% of a $21.3 million fund with very few limits on its use. The remainder of this secret fund, established in 1996 with the artificially created surplus from the 1995-96 budget, was controlled by House Speaker Harold Brubaker (45%) and Governor Jim Hunt (10%). About 250 groups received money from this fund, which was uncovered by the Carolina Journal in 1997. During his time as President Pro Tem, Basnight had control over several other similar funds, including $5 million for safety projects and $6.5 million of discretionary money appropriated to Cultural Resources. The John Locke Foundation identified these funds as examples of "cronyism."[7]
State-funded projects
Basnight was involved in three additional, costly projects identified as "cronyism" by the John Locke Foundation: the failed Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids, incentives to bring Johnson & Wales culinary school to Charlotte, and Currituck Ferry.[8]
Personal
Basnight is a widower and has two children.
External links
- Official North Carolina State Senate website
- Project Vote Smart biographical profile
- Project Vote Smart legislative profile
- Campaign Contributions: 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996
- Senator Basnight's State Surge
- Senator Basnight's LinkedIn
References
- ↑ Raleigh News and Observer "Panel elects Basnight successor," January 24, 2011
- ↑ 2010 North Carolina Primary Election Results
- ↑ General Election Results
- ↑ 2008 election results, North Carolina Senate
- ↑ 2008 contributions
- ↑ Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation, "Carolina Cronyism: Introduction, Overview, and Reform," July 2012, p. 9
- ↑ Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation, "Carolina Cronyism: Introduction, Overview, and Reform," July 2012, p. 14
- ↑ Jon Sanders, John Locke Foundation, "Carolina Cronyism: Introduction, Overview, and Reform," July 2012
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by ' |
North Carolina State Senate District 1 1993–January 25, 2011 |
Succeeded by Stan White (D) |
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