LUMBERTON — Proctorville businessman Michael Walters is the choice of the Robeson and Hoke County Democratic parties to succeed state Sen. David Weinstein.

Walters, who would serve the remainder of Weinstein’s term that ends in 2010, was unanimously selected Wednesday by a three-member search committee of Democrats representing both counties that make up Senate District 13. The committee’s recommendation now goes to Gov. Beverly Perdue, who must appoint Walters within seven days or by law the appointment automatically becomes effective.

“I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to serve the people of Robeson and Hoke counties in the Senate,” Walters said.

Weinstein gave up his Senate seat Sept. 30 after being appointed by Perdue to head the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. He had represented Robeson and Hoke counties in the Senate since 1997.

Two other individuals, Benjamin Clark of Hoke County, a former primary rival of Weinstein’s, and Rose Marie Lowry-Townsend, an educator who lost a congressional primary in 1996 to U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, also appeared before the committee. Both told committee members that even though not selected to finish out Weinstein’s unexpired term, they intend to seek the Senate seat during the 2010 election.

The two Robeson County representatives elected by the local party to the Senate Search Committee were Weinstein and Paul Brooks.Hoke County had only one representative, Christina Davis-McCoy.

Robeson County had more influence in the selection process because of a larger population. Based on the 2000 census, each county was allotted one vote for every 300 residents.

Weinstein and Brooks each cast 205.565 of Robeson County’s 411.130 votes for Walters. Davis-McCoy cast all of Hoke County’s 112.150 votes for Walters.

Because Weinstein’s district lies within two congressional districts — District 7 represented by Mike McIntyre and District 8 represented by Larry Kissell — Wednesday’s committee meeting had to be convened by one of the congressional district chairman. That job fell to June Mabry, chairman of the 8th Congressional District, who along with Larry Townsend, secretary of the 7th Congressional District, certified the results.

In his presentation to the committee, Walters emphasized his years of business experience and service on various boards. He noted the need for Robeson County to pursue numerous economic development efforts, pointing specifically to Interstate 95, U.S. 74, the Southeastern Regional Agricultural Center/ Farmers Market, and the base realignment taking place around Fayetteville as economic growth opportunities for the region. He also said good education programs are needed to ensure county growth.

Clark, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently employed at the Fort Bragg Battle Command Training Center, supported his candidacy by emphasizing his professional experience, education, involvement with the Democratic Party, and ability to win votes in an election.

Lowry-Townsend emphasized “commitment” — to the party and to those being represented — as being an important characteristic in a senator. Her experience as a leader in the field of education, she said, has afforded her the opportunity to work with a large percentage of those now serving in the state General Assembly. She added that as Weinstein’s successor she could “hit the ground running.”

After each of the potential nominees presented their background and reasons for wanting the job, committee members asked them questions ranging from their views on job creation and fiscal management, to legislative priorities and abilities to work with people of all races.

Weinstein posed the most pointed questions, asking candidates how they would deal with different races, and whether they were willing to stand up for what is right even if that position is not popular.

“What is popular is not always right, and what is right is not always popular,” Weinstein said. “Have you got the guts to stand up for what you believe in? That often takes courage, but I believe people respect you for that.”

Weinstein said that Walters meets all of the requirements for a senator.

“I prefer a business person,” he said. “We need someone who knows how to negotiate. We need a salesman — someone who is able to connect with the Senate leadership. We need someone who knows how to wheel-and-deal and bargain.”

Davis-McCoy and Brooks emphasized the excellent qualifications of all three candidates.

“It’s tough to make a decision,” the Hoke County representative said. “But one of the questions we have to answer is who is going to be able to navigate the course and also be able to be elected.”

“Any one of these three people could do an excellent job,” Brooks said. “In this position (whoever is chosen) is in the position to make life good or better (for everyone).”

After the committee chose Walters, no one in the audience of about 25 voiced any opposition.

“I think all of those seeking the nomination were excellent and made good presentations,” said Charlotte Kelly, chairman of the Hoke County Democratic Party. “I think Mr. Walters will do an excellent job.”

John Cantey, who as vice chairman of the Robeson County Democratic Party represented Chairman Gary Strickland at the meeting, agreed.

“What we saw here tonight was the democratic process in action,” Cantey said. “All three candidates were qualified. Each brought a unique approach to the position.”