State News

NC Rep. Coble enters 25th year in Congress

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: January 3, 2009

ASHEBORO - The longest-serving House Republican in North Carolina history is entering his 25th year in Congress.
Rep. Howard Coble, 77, was sworn in Jan. 3, 1985. Earlier this year, he surpassed the longevity of former Sen. James T. Broyhill, who was also elected to 12 House terms, but left his seat to briefly serve in the Senate.
Coble comfortably won re-election in November by 34 percentage points over Democratic challenger Teresa Sue Bratton. In the 6th District, Coble represents voters in North Carolina's central piedmont, stretching from Southern Pines to Burlington.
Coble has a long way to go to challenge the longest serving member of North Carolina's congressional delegation. Democratic Rep. Robert Lee Doughton served from March 4, 1911, to Jan. 3, 1953.