Democrat Kay Carroll and Republican David Rouzer are headed for a fall face-off, both winning by wide margins Tuesday in party primaries for the District 12 state Senate seat.

The seat, representing Johnston County and the western half of Wayne County, is currently held by Republican Fred Smith, who did not seek re-election.

The primary winners meet in November.

In the Republican primary, Rouzer, a federal governmental affairs lobbyist and former policy advisor to Jesse Helms, won 70 percent of the vote, compared to political newcomer and Clayton businesswoman Nena Reeves' 30 percent.

"I'm quite pleased with the results," said Rouzer, who waged a hard-hitting campaign with Reeves. "Folks are ready for a government that taxes them less and displays a little more common sense."

Rouzer received a number of endorsements from prominent state and local Republican office holders.

On the Democratic side, Carroll, a pharmacist and business owner who lives in Four Oaks, defeated Patricia Oliver, owner of a plumbing company, with 71.1 percent to 28.9 percent.

Carroll, 60, an established figure in county politics, has served on the Johnston County school board since 1992, including several terms as chairman.

"I look forward to the fall race,"

Carroll said.

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