A longtime liberal voice in the North Carolina legislature has died.
Representative Paul Luebke served in the state House of Representatives for the past 25 years, representing Durham's 30th District.
He was a strong and consistent liberal advocate for policy issues including the death penalty, education, same-sex marriage, abortion and programs for low-income residents.
Luebke was also a sociology professor at UNC-Greensboro, and wrote several books on the history of North Carolina politics.
He was a heavy favorite to win a 14th two-year term next month. His name will remain on the ballot, but Democratic leaders will have to choose a replacement nominee.
Luebke suffered from lymphoma and died Saturday night. He was 70 years old.
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