Democrats pick Rand’s replacement

The Democratic Party has picked a replacement for State Sen. Tony Rand. An executive committee of four Democrats living in Senate District 19, which covers Bladen and Cumberland county, picked State Rep. Margaret Dickson last night.

Rand resigned from the Senate and his role as majority leader December 31 to lead the State Parole Commission. According to party officials, Gov. Bev Perdue is required by law to appoint the committee’s selection within seven days. Dickson’s 44th House District seat will now have to be filled.