‘I Shall Not’ Run for Reelection, Helms Says

It took 10 minutes and a couple of warm, relaxed smiles for Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), one of the most enduring and combative conservatives on Capitol Hill, to announce Wednesday that his career is ending.

After a somewhat elliptical start to his speech, Helms locked eyes with the television camera, grinned and said:

“Now, the point is, I would be 88 if I ran again in 2002 and was elected and lived to finish a sixth term. And this, my family and I have decided unanimously, I should not do. And, ladies and gentlemen, I shall not.”

News of Helms’ decision broke Tuesday, and his taped remarks were aired Wednesday evening on WRAL-TV, the Raleigh station where Helms got his start in politics by writing fiery editorials that propelled him to the Senate in 1972. He’s been there ever since.

“Not in my wildest imagination did it occur to me that such a privilege would ever be mine,” Helms said.

He also thanked all the “conservative, God-fearing young people” who worked for him. “We call ourselves the Helms Senate family.”

Toward the end of his speech, his voice cracked with emotion, especially when he signed off. “Thank you, dear friends. God bless you, and as Ron Reagan always used to say, God bless America.”

Helms taped the address Wednesday afternoon before an invitation-only group of friends and family. In Raleigh, and around the state, Republicans gathered to watch the passing of an icon.

“We’re all sad,” state Republican Party Chairman Bill Cobey said. “But we’re also so proud of what he’s accomplished.”

Helms is best known for unswerving positions against communism, especially in Cuba, civil rights legislation and liberal social policy, whether it was AIDS research, public funds for the arts or welfare. He also will be remembered for marathon filibusters and frequently refusing to toe the party line. His nickname was “Senator No.”

Those close to Helms, 79, said relatives had been begging him for weeks not to seek reelection. He has been in bad health for several years, with problems in his heart and legs and with his balance. He had both knees replaced in 1998 and since then has used a motorized scooter to get around Capitol Hill.

Though his views mellowed with age, he is still hailed as a bona fide conservative.

Within minutes of his announcement, President Bush praised Helms as “a tireless defender of our nation’s freedom and a champion of democracy abroad.”

“The Senate is losing an institution,” Bush said in a statement.

“Sen. Helms went to Washington but never became a part of Washington. He has always remained true to his conservative principles and to the people of North Carolina who elected him five times,” Bush said.

Some were not sad to see him go.

“It is our sincere hope that the retirement of Sen. Helms marks the end of an era of anti-gay activism in the Senate,” said Winnie Stachelberg, political director of the Human Rights Coalition.

Helms will finish out his term, but his departure could make it more difficult for Republicans to recapture the Senate, where Democrats hold a 50-49 majority, with one independent.

His decision kicks off what will be one of the hottest Senate races of the midterm elections next year.

On the GOP side, former presidential contender Elizabeth Hanford Dole, Rep. Richard M. Burr, former Sen. Lauch Faircloth and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot have all expressed interest in the seat.

For the Democrats, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and state Rep. Dan Blue, the first African American speaker of the state House, are planning bids.

“But who knows who will enter the race,” said Emory University political scientist Merle Black. “Now that Jesse’s gone, you’re going to see a lot of people crawl out of the woodwork.”