Albertson bows out

State Sen. Charlie Albertson will not run for re-election. 

His decision creates another seat left open by a departing veteran Democrat.

Albertson, 78, will have spent 22 years in the legislature when his term ends. He was elected to two House terms before winning election to the Senate. 

Veteran Senate Democrats, including David Hoyle of Gaston County and R.C. Soles of Tabor City, have said they will not seek re-election. Former senators Tony Rand and David Weinstein resigned mid-term and moved on to jobs in Gov. Beverly Perdue's administration.

Albertson, a Senate budget chairman, said he was not influenced by all the depatures. He said it's just time for him to go. 

"This job gets a little tougher all the time, with the money being short like it is," said Albertson, who lives in Duplin County. "It takes a lot out of a person."

Albertson said wants to continue in government service, and would be open to appointment to a government board. 

"I do love this state and would love to make a contribution as long as I can," he said.

Update: Senate leader Marc Basnight praised Albertson's leadership on agricultural and environmental issues, and says he'll be missed.

"Charlie is so quick with a joke and a smile, and he makes everyone around him smile too," Basnight said in a statement. "I am so blessed to call him my friend and I will truly miss seeing him every day in the Senate.”