2 N.C. lawmakers die on successive days

Two state legislators have died in as many days, leaving several northeastern counties without representation as the General Assembly prepares to reconvene this month.

The near simultaneous deaths of Sen. Robert Holloman and Rep. Howard Hunter mean that the roughly 67,000 people who live in Bertie, Gates, Hertford and Perquimans counties have no elected representatives in Raleigh.

Gov. Mike Easley will appoint replacements to two-year terms based on the recommendations of Democrats in those counties. The new session begins Jan. 24.

Holloman died early Monday at his home at age 53 after a short illness, his office said. A day earlier, House leaders announced that Hunter had died at home at age 60. He had been in and out of the hospital in recent years and carried an oxygen tank because of lung problems.

"We've had horrible news today," said Linda Blackburn, the mayor of Ahoskie, Hertford County's largest town. "It's unbelievable."

Holloman, a Baptist minister, represented seven counties in the state Senate, while Hunter, a funeral home director, represented four of the same counties in the House. The Democrats had been cited recently for campaign finance reporting violations, but Holloman still won a third term in November and Hunter a 10th term.