If Rep. Thomas Wright is forced out, who would replace him?

That decision would be up to a four-person panel of Democrats from New Hanover and Pender counties, reports the Wilmington Star-News.

The four accepted the usually ceremonial posts without thinking they'd be called into service.

They include Burgaw Mayor Pete Cowan, retired longshoreman Reese Smith, former Pender County Democratic Party Chairman James Faison and Lynn McIntyre of New Hanover County.

Faison said the group would look for someone willing to run for the seat in November.