Dan Blue to Replace Rep. Bernard Allen

Blue selected for Allen's seat in state House

RALEIGH - The executive committee of Wake County's Democratic Party on Wednesday picked former state House Speaker Dan Blue to replace Rep. Bernard Allen of Raleigh, who died 12 days ago, to represent District 33 in the legislature.

The vote was unanimous. By law, Gov. Mike Easley must follow the group's wish to appoint Blue, 57, a Raleigh lawyer raised on a Robeson County farm. Blue gave up his state legislative career in 2002 to run for U.S. Senate but lost in the primary election.

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Blue takes the seat for the remaining months of Allen's term, and he will get Allen's ballot votes Nov. 7. Because Allen was unopposed, Blue will have the job through 2008.

Bernard Allen Jr., seconded former Raleigh City Council member Brad Thompson's motion to pick Blue to succeed his father and gave a speech supporting him.

"We desperately need his leadership," Allen said.

"We need somebody who can hit the ground running," Thompson said. "Dan will serve well. It will give us the quality and continuity of service that we need for the people of this district."