Longtime GOP legislator, chamber leader Daughtry to retire

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, NC (AP) — Longtime Republican state legislator Leo Daughtry is adding his name to the list of North Carolina lawmakers who won’t seek re-election in 2016.

The 74-year-old Smithfield attorney announced his decision late Tuesday. Daughtry joined the legislature in 1989 and in the House previously served as majority and minority leader. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2000 and for House speaker in 2003 and 2014, when he most recently lost to current Speaker Tim Moore.

Daughtry’s political career stretches back to the mid-1970s, and he witnessed the Republicans’ ascendance in state politics.

House Speaker Pro Tempore Paul Stam announced his retirement after 2016 at the close of this year’s session two weeks ago. Rep. Jacqueline Schaffer told colleagues late last week she wouldn’t run again.

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