State Senator RC Soles came close to losing an election for the first time this past November, but the Columbus County native says he isn't going anywhere. He's now in his 21st term and the longest serving member in the history of our state legislature. RC Soles is a power player in Raleigh. When he speaks, his fellow Senate members listen. This respect goes both ways. "We all owe something to RC Soles. He's the honest voice that has reason and understanding and he has a mission to do better in life for other people," said NC Senate Pro Tempore Marc Basnight. When you observe RC Soles at work in the senate chamber it's not hard to notice he takes time to soak in the words of his younger contemporaries. Soles is the Senate Majority Chairman and he represents the 8th district of North Carolina. The 8th district serves Brunswick, Columbus and Pender counties. Through his 42 years in the State Legislature RC Soles has also served constituents in Bladen, Cumberland, Sampson and New Hanover. “A lot of things that are accomplished here for the district depends on how long you've been here, seniority and respect,” Soles said. “The fact that I’ve been here long means I don't have to beg for much and generally speaking I get an answer quick and the answer is generally positive." Committees are the backbone of the general assembly. RC Soles serves on nine. He's been on all of them at one point or another. Currently the Tabor City native chairs the Senate Commerce Committee in Raleigh. "Being the chair of a committee is to some extent like being a judge," Soles said. We'll have more on Senator Soles tomorrow. In part two, Senator Soles will discuss his political future, and we'll see what the Burgaw mayor gave him earlier this week in Raleigh.