News & Observer Dwane Powell, who retired this week, talked about his craft and what goes into a cartoon in this new video.

RAND OUT: State Sen. Tony Rand is quitting the Senate. The news that the chamber's chief Democratic enforcer and most formidable political gamesmen is leaving likely thrilled liberal Democrats and conservatives alike. Rand is one of the great characters in state politics and the legislature just got a little more boring.

HOW MANY IS THAT: Gov. Bev Perdue's communications director David Kochman has resigned as her approval numbers remain in the sub-basment. From her days as lieutenant governor, Perdue has had four communications directors in six years, making the job a little bit like being the drummer for Spinal Tap. With luck, Perdue's approval rating will go above 11.

REP. HYPERBOLE: U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx said the Democrats' health reform proposals are more dangerous than terrorists. Republicans may have more to fear from Foxx's own mouth than anything Democrats have to say.

IN OTHER NEWS: President Barack Obama has nominated two North Carolina judges to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has had only six Tar Heels since 1801. With the election of a new mayor in Charlotte, Pat McCrory will be out of elected office, but his loss to Perdue is apparently still gnawing at him, so don't expect McCrory to be out of politics. N&O political cartoonist Dwane Powell has retired after 35 years of skewering politicians.

News & Observer cartoonist Dwane Powell, who has poked, skewered and lampooned political figures and issues for 35 years, retires today.

Powell, who turns 65 this week, drew more than 8,000 editorial cartoons that pointed out the foibles, the contradictions and affectations of the state's elected leaders, Rob Christensen reports.

"It's amazing," said Gary Pearce, a longtime Democratic operative. "With just a pen and a piece of paper, he could come closer to the truth about politics and politicians than thousands of words. He could really just nail you. Even when he did, you just had to laugh."

Steve Ford, editorial page editor for The N&O, said there were no immediate plans to replace Powell.

In 2007, the N&O put together a video featuring Powell's take on some of his memorable cartoons.

Common Cause will honor two legislators and a cartoonist Saturday.

The North Carolina chapter of the nonpartisan advocacy group will recognize House Minority Leader Paul Stam and Democratic Rep. Rick Glazier for their work on ethics laws and N&O editorial cartoonist Dwane Powell for his work from noon to 2 p.m.

The event will be held at the N.C. State Faculty Club in Raleigh.

Powell, who has drawn for the News & Observer for decades, will be the keynote speaker.

The event costs $15 per person or $25 for a couple. Reservations must be made by the end of the day today at this Web site or by calling 919-836-0027. 

State Sen. David Hoyle ribbed state Sen. Clark Jenkins at Thursday’s meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, waving a cartoon by the News & Observer's Dwane Powell that lampooned legislation close to Jenkins' heart.

But Jenkins got the last laugh.

The committee was about to approve a bill, sponsored by the Edgecombe County Democrat, to allow longer trucks and wider boats on North Carolina highways, Bruce Siceloff reports.

"A little cartoon about our dear friend, Sen. Jenkins," Hoyle said. "He'd be glad to sign it for you any time, and frame it."

Jenkins defended his bill against safety concerns expressed by the Highway Patrol and reported Wednesday in the N&O. After the committee endorsed his bill unanimously and sent it to the Senate floor, Jenkins took the microphone one more time.

"If someone would like for me to enter on the floor of the Senate an amendment restricting The News & Observer from using 53-foot trailers to deliver their product to downtown Raleigh, I'd be glad to do so," Jenkins said to applause and laughter in the crowded meeting room. "Because they're doing it now."

More after the jump.

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