Rand to resign

State Sen. Tony Rand, one of the most powerful political figures in the state, is leaving the Senate.

Rand, a Fayetteville Democrat, will become chairman of the state Parole Commission, Mark Johnson reports. He will resign before the end of the year.

"There comes a time when it's time to go," Rand said.

Rand has been in the Senate since 1981. He was appointed to his seat and later became rules chairman and the majority leader.

Rand, known for his wit and gravelly drawl, was the enforcer for Senate Leader Marc Basnight and made sure that the Senate's machinery ran smoothly. On the Senate floor, he is known for delivering pointed, but often entertaining allegories: "It's all chicken but the beak," he once told Dome.

Gov. Bev Perdue released a statement announcing her appointment of Rand to the Parole Board.

"North Carolina is fortunate that Senator Rand decided to take this position. He, like me, cares first and foremost about protecting the public but also understands the importance of giving people a fair shot at a second chance," said Perdue. "I don’t believe I could find a better candidate in the state or country to lead this commission."