Meek to step down as Dem. chair

Jerry Meek, who for the last four years has presided over a resurgent Democratic Party, said he plans to step down at the end of his term in January as party chairman.

"I have enjoyed the last four years," Meek said. "It's unlikely I could do anything in six years that I didn't do in four."

Meek said the state Democratic Executive Committee would meet on January 31st to choose a new party chief. Typically, the party chair is chosen by the governor, in this case Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue, Rob Christensen reports.

But Meek, who was elected without the support of Gov. Mike Easley, said he thought it was likely that party leaders would want to choose their own leader.

"They feel more empowered than in the past," Meek said. "Even though Governor Perdue is well liked among the party leadership, I doubt we will ever return to where one person handpicks the party chair."

More after the jump.

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Meek presided over a period of Democratic success, retaining the governorship and control of the state legislature, picking up the Senate seat held by Republican Elizabeth Dole, two congressional seats held by Republicans Charles Taylor and Robin Hayes, and the state auditor's office held by Republican Les Merritt.

But Meek said he was equally proud of the efforts of the party under his leadership to modernize in terms of finances, technology and grass roots out reach.

The Democrats have erased the $650,000 debt that existed when he became chairman. The email list of supporters has grown from 5,000 to 400,000, three regional directors have been added, and the party has become more sophisticated in identifying its supporters.

Meek has become a partner in the law firm of Poyner and Spruill and plans to split his time between Charlotte and Raleigh.