Aide: Basnight to be 'temporarily away'

RALEIGH -- Senate leader Marc Basnight, who holds one of the most powerful positions in state government, will be temporarily absent from the Legislative Building because of a family illness, his office said today.

In a letter sent to colleagues Monday night, Basnight outlined which Democrats would be in charge but didn't indicate how long he planned to be gone.

"I intend to return as quickly as possible, but I ask that you all work together in my absence to ensure that the initiatives and issues that are important to the Senate continue to move forward," Basnight wrote.

Basnight is checking with the office regularly and is "absolutely engaged in what's going on," said Schorr Johnson, a Basnight spokesman.

His absence comes as both chambers try to work out a compromise to reduce or eliminate the share of Medicaid expenses counties must pay for their residents. Basnight historically has been more involved toward the end of the budget discussions, working out details with the House speaker on items negotiators couldn't resolve.

But Basnight's absence won't delay budget negotiations, Johnson said.

"He will be engaged in the budget as he normally is," Johnson said. "He just may not be physically here."

Basnight said in the letter that Sen. Charlie Dannelly, deputy president pro tem, will be responsible for the smooth running of floor and committee schedules. Sen. Tony Rand, the majority leader from Fayetteville, will help with other problems or questions about Senate operations.

Basnight, D-Dare, has served in the Senate since 1985 and has been Senate president pro tempore for a record eight two-year terms.

A fire last month destroyed a restaurant Basnight's family owns in Nags Head. No one was injured but about 100 people were left jobless. Basnight has said he hopes to reopen the Lone Cedar Cafe by Sept. 1.