Martin Nesbitt (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Martin Nesbitt
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| Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate | |
| In office January 1, 2011 – March 2, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Phil Berger |
| Succeeded by | Dan Blue |
| Majority Leader of the North Carolina Senate | |
| In office November 17, 2009 – January 1, 2011 |
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| Leader | Marc Basnight |
| Preceded by | Tony Rand |
| Succeeded by | Harry Brown |
| Member of the North Carolina Senate from the 49th district |
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| In office February 6, 2004 – March 6, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Steve Metcalf |
| Succeeded by | Terry Van Duyn |
| Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives | |
| In office January 1, 1997 – February 6, 2004 |
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| Preceded by | Larry R. Linney |
| Succeeded by | Susan Fisher |
| Constituency | 51st District (1997-2003) 114th District (2003-2004) |
| In office September 13, 1979 – January 1, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Mary Cordell Nesbitt |
| Succeeded by | Lanier M. Cansler Larry R. Linney Wilma Sherrill |
| Constituency | 43rd District (1979-1983) 51st District (1983-1995) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Martin Luther Nesbitt Jr.
September 25, 1946 Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | March 6, 2014 (aged 67) Asheville, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (AB, JD) |
Martin Luther Nesbitt Jr. (September 25, 1946 – March 6, 2014) was an important politician from North Carolina. He was a member of the Democratic Party. Nesbitt served in the North Carolina Senate, representing Buncombe County. Before that, he spent many years in the state House. He was also a lawyer from Asheville, North Carolina.
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Political Career Highlights
Martin Nesbitt's journey in politics began in 1979. He was first appointed to the state House of Representatives. This happened after his mother, Mary Cordell Nesbitt, who held the seat, passed away.
Rising Through the Ranks
Nesbitt was guided by Liston Ramsey, a well-known North Carolina politician. He became an important leader in the 1990s. He was known for his work as an appropriations chairman and a top budget writer. This meant he helped decide how the state's money would be spent.
In February 2004, Nesbitt moved to the North Carolina Senate. Governor Mike Easley appointed him to fill a vacant seat. In the Senate, Nesbitt continued to rise. He became the chairman of the powerful Judiciary I Civil Committee. This committee deals with important legal matters.
Leadership Roles
On November 17, 2009, Nesbitt was chosen to be the Majority Leader of the Senate. This was a big role, and he replaced Tony Rand. He had the support of Marc Basnight, another powerful figure in North Carolina politics.
After the 2010 elections, the Democratic Party lost its majority in the Senate. Even so, Nesbitt was chosen to be the Minority Leader for the next group of lawmakers. He stepped down from this leadership role in 2014 due to health reasons. Daniel T. Blue Jr. took his place. Sadly, Nesbitt passed away just two days after resigning.
Committees He Served On
During his time in the Senate, Martin Nesbitt was part of several important committees:
- Appropriations/Base Budget (dealing with state spending)
- Commerce (related to business and trade)
- Finance (managing state money)
- Judiciary I (legal matters)
- Mental Health & Youth Services (supporting mental health and young people)
- Redistricting (drawing election district maps)
- Rules and Operations of the Senate (how the Senate works)
- State and Local Government (issues affecting cities and counties)
Education and Family Life
Martin Nesbitt was a well-educated person. He earned his first degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970. He then went on to get his law degree from the same university in 1973.
He was married and had two grown children. He also had two grandchildren, who he was with at the time of his passing.
Nesbitt died on March 6, 2014. He was 67 years old. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer just one week before his death.
