Marc Basnight facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marc Basnight
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| President pro tempore of the North Carolina Senate | |
| In office January 1, 1993 – January 1, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Henson P. Barnes |
| Succeeded by | Philip E. Berger |
| Member of the North Carolina Senate from the 1st district |
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| In office January 1, 1985 – January 25, 2011 |
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| Preceded by | Melvin Roy Daniels Jr. |
| Succeeded by | Stan White |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 13, 1947 Manteo, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | December 28, 2020 (aged 73) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Widower |
| Residences | Manteo, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Profession | small business owner |
Marc Basnight (May 13, 1947 – December 28, 2020) was an important American politician. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the North Carolina State Senate for many years. He represented the 1st district from 1984 until he resigned in 2011. His district covered several counties in North Carolina. These included Beaufort, Camden, Currituck, Dare, Hyde, Pasquotank, Tyrrell, and Washington counties.
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Marc Basnight: A North Carolina Leader
Marc Basnight was a small business owner. He became a powerful leader in the North Carolina Senate. He held the position of President pro tempore. This means he was the main leader of the Senate. He held this role from 1993 until 2010.
Serving in the Senate
Basnight was known for his long service. He was elected as President pro tempore for a record eight terms. In 2009, he was even supported by some members of the other political party. This kind of support is very rare in politics.
After the 2010 elections, his party lost its majority. Basnight decided not to seek a leadership role. He then announced he would resign from the Senate. This was due to health issues. He stepped down just before his 14th term was set to begin.
In 2019, a new bridge was opened in North Carolina. It was named the Marc Basnight Bridge. This bridge crosses Oregon Inlet. Naming the bridge after him was a way to honor his many years of service.
Life and Legacy
Early Life and Family
Marc Basnight was born in Manteo, North Carolina. He graduated from Manteo High School in 1966. He married Sandy Tillett in 1968. They had two daughters, Caroline and Vicki. Even though he did not attend college, he received an honorary degree. This was from East Carolina University in 1996. He was also a member of the Masons.
Business and Community Work
Basnight owned a restaurant called the Lone Cedar Cafe. It was located on the Outer Banks. In 2007, the restaurant burned down. It was later rebuilt.
Before becoming a state senator, Basnight was active in his community. He led the Dare County tourist bureau from 1974 to 1976. He also served on the North Carolina Board of Transportation from 1977 to 1983.
Marc Basnight passed away on December 28, 2020. He was 73 years old.
