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08/18/2012 06:51 PM

First African American woman sworn in to represent NC's12th District

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NEW BERN, N.C.--North Carolina's newest member of the State House of Representatives was sworn in Saturday.

Barbara Lee was selected by a Democratic Executive Committee to fill the 12th District seat left vacant last month by the sudden passing of 11-term Representative William Wainwright.

Lee will serve Craven and Lenoir counties through the remainder of Wainwrights term which ends in December and she says her goal is to continue his legacy.

"I want to continue to do whatever things that Representative Wainwright didn't get a chance to finish. We are looking into some of the issues that have been brought before him."

On the ballot for the 12th District seat this fall are Democrat George Graham and Republican Jim Dancy.

Graham was at Lee's swearing in and says District 12 voters are in goods hands.

"Knowing Mrs. lee she will be an outstanding individual. She does wonderful work and has always here in the county of Craven and in the city of New Bern and she will continue to do that."

Lee's appointment marks the first time an African-American woman has represented North Carolina's 12th District