A lovely parting gift...

State Sen. David Weinstein wanted a job running the state liquor warehouse. Instead he'll be the front man for the Booze It & Lose It campaign.

Weinstein, a Lumberton Democrat in his seventh term, will become director of the Governor's Highway Safety Program on Oct. 5, Lynn Bonner reports Highway safety promotes rhyming twin campaigns that discourage drunken driving and encourage seat belt use — "Booze It & Lose It" and "Click It or Ticket."

Weinstein wanted to be chairman of the Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. The commission runs the warehouse from which all stores buy their liquor, gives final approval for opening a store and hears cases of ABC law violations.

Gov. Beverly Perdue appointed Jonathan Williams of Raleigh to ABC chairman last week.

Darrell Jernigan, who had run Highway Safety for six years will move to another job with the office, according to the agency.

Weinstein had not resigned from the Senate by mid-afternoon Wednesday. The agency said Weinstein will resign from the Senate, effective Oct. 1.

His salary has not yet been determined.

Update: Senate leader Marc Basnight released a statement about Weinstein's imminent departure from the legislature.

"David Weinstein has been a valued leader in the Senate and a wonderful friend. A finer person can’t be found. Just as he was, and will continue to be, dedicated to the interests of his home community, he will be dedicated to the interests of all North Carolina’s communities. He’s a very special person and although we will miss him in the Senate, we wish him the very best in this new role of public service."