Ailing East to Retire; Opens Up Key Race for Control of Senate

Sen. John P. East, the conservative North Carolina protege of fellow Republican Sen. Jesse Helms, announced Tuesday that he will not seek a second term in 1986 because of poor health, throwing wide open a crucial race for control of the Senate.

“Although my interest in and dedication to the political process and the conservative cause remain undiminished and unabated, I will not be a candidate for reelection , “ said East, 54.

He said that he will complete his term.

In Washington, Helms said he was not surprised by East’s announcement and refused to speculate on whom Republicans will select to run for the seat.

“I knew that he physically was in bad shape,” Helms said. “I hope he gets well and comes back, because we need him.”

In a statement read to reporters by an aide, East endorsed the candidacy of David Funderburk, former U.S. ambassador to Romania and a Campbell University professor, for the Republican nomination. Rep. James T. Broyhill (R-N. C.) said Tuesday that he also might seek East’s seat.

Democrats, who trail the GOP by a 53-47 margin in the Senate, have targeted East’s seat as one they have a chance of winning.

East did not appear at the news conference at state Republican headquarters.

His wife said that he was recuperating at their Greenville home.

East, a polio victim who uses a wheelchair, has been hospitalized twice in the last year. He had surgery to remove a urinary tract blockage and, in April and May, received monthlong treatment for a thyroid disorder at Bethesda Naval Medical Center near Washington.