Broyhill, Candidate for Senate, to Replace East

Republican Gov. James G. Martin today named Rep. James T. Broyhill (R-N.C.) to complete the term of U.S. Sen. John East, who committed suicide Sunday.

Broyhill, a 23-year veteran of Congress, had won the GOP nomination to succeed East, who had earlier announced he would not seek reelection. Broyhill and Martin are longtime friends and political allies, having served together 12 years in the House before Martin was elected governor in 1984.

“I had no idea I would be taking office under these circumstances,” said Broyhill, who appeared at today’s news conference with Martin.

Broyhill, who has called the November election a referendum on the Reagan presidency, praised East as a man “dedicated to the agenda of the President of the United States, which was changing the direction of this great country.”

The Democratic nominee for the Senate seat is former Gov. Terry Sanford.

Implications for Broyhill

Many Broyhill supporters said it will be a plus for him to succeed East, enabling him to run as an incumbent and giving him added stature and exposure.

Others said the appointment could backfire on Broyhill, forcing him to take stands on controversial issues he could avoid in the House and perhaps convincing some voters that he was being given an unfair advantage.

East had supported Broyhill’s primary opponent but later endorsed Broyhill, as did East’s political mentor, Republican Sen. Jesse Helms.