Retired deputy named to replace Brubaker

ASHEBORO (AP) — The retired chief deputy in the Randolph County sheriff’s office will replace a longtime legislator in both the North Carolina House and on the November ballot.

Local Republican leaders voted unanimously to choose Allen McNeill to fill out the unexpired term of Rep. Harold Brubaker, a former House speaker and chief budget-writer. McNeill also was picked Tuesday night to replace Brubaker as the Republican nominee in the 78th District for another two-year term. McNeill will take on Democrat Gerald Parker in the fall election.

Gov. Beverly Perdue is obligated by law to appoint McNeill to complete the term that expires at the end of the year.

Brubaker was the first and only Republican House speaker of the 20th century. He resigned last month after 35 years in the House.