The legislature passed a resolution today honoring former U.S. Senator Jesse Helms.

Helms, a five-term U.S. senator from North Carolina and icon of the conservative movement that helped propel Ronald Regan to the presidency in 1980, died last July.

A half-dozen members of the House black caucus sat outside the chamber while the resolution was debated, Kevin Kiley reports. Many didn't vote. One senator, Julia Boseman of New Hanover County, voted against the resolution.

Democrats and Republicans in both chambers spoke about Helms' legacy, notably his devotion to constiuients.

"His personal commitment to serving constituient needs is legendary," said Sen. Eddie Goodall, a Weddington Republican.

They also spoke on the senator's steadfast adherence to conservative principles.

"He always lived his beliefs," said Mike Morris, the Senate Chaplain.

The Rev. Mike Morris, Senate chaplain, didn't like the look of Thursday's blue sky, especially since part of the state is in a drought, and most of the rest is drier than normal.

Morris, whose job it is pray before Senate sessions, used his time Thursday to ask for rain.

"The drought's hurting crops and the farmers who depend on those crops," Morris prayed. "Give us some much-needed rain."