By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
January 15, 2014
RALEIGH — “I’m a Christian, a conservative and a Republican — in that order,” Joyce Krawiec announced at a recent candidate forum. The Winston-Salem activist has been named by the GOP to replace Sen. Pete Brunstetter, who resigned last month to take a new job in healthcare.
A commercial real estate developer who serves as vice chairwoman of the state Republican Party, Krawiec is no stranger to the Legislature. In 2012, she was tapped to complete the term of Rep. Larry Brown, who died in office.
Brunstetter, now executive vice president of Novant Health, served four terms in the General Assembly and was one of the Senate’s top budget-writers. He represented Forsyth and Yadkin counties.
Although the Legislature won’t be back in session until May, already some lawmakers are announcing plans not to seek re-election when their terms end. Among them are Sen. Thom Goolsby (R-New Hanover), Sen. Michael Walters (D-Robeson), and Rep. Mark Hollo (R-Alexander).
An attorney serving his second term in the Senate, Sen. Goolsby led the charge to combat sex trafficking in North Carolina this past year and also worked to pass legislation to repeal the Racial Justice Act and restart capital punishment.
He told the media he wanted to spend more time with his family.
Similarly, Rep. Hollo, a physician assistant, said his goal is for him and his wife to spend more time with their aging parents, their sons and grandchildren.
A three-term lawmaker, Hollo is vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and chairman of Health and Human Services.
Sen. Walters, president of a logging company, cited personal and business reasons for decided not to seek re-election. He told reporters he was most proud of helping to protect property rights and helping to pave the way for fracking for natural gas exploration. He has served two terms in the Senate.
The new candidate filing period begins Feb. 10.