DURHAM -- When Larry Hall entered the Legislature for the first time this summer as one of Durham's representatives, it reminded him of his first appearance in court as a licensed attorney some 20 years ago.

"You feel you've prepared for this moment, but you have the realization of the awesome responsibility you have," he said. "You want to measure your steps and ensure you not only do the right thing but make people proud with the decisions you make."

On July 11, Hall got an unexpected head start on this year's other candidates for state House when he was appointed to serve out the term of Paul Miller, who didn't run for re-election and had stepped down four days earlier after being indicted on federal fraud charges.

But he was there long enough to cast more than 250 votes and be named to the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittee on justice and public safety, plus the Financial Institutions and Judicial I committees.

"He watched amendments rise and fall and saw some vigorous debate on contentious bills," Luebke said. "The newcomer has to try to learn all of that at a time when the General Assembly is not providing much of a lesson."

Thanks to his early start, Hall got to vote on matters ranging from the budget and ethics reform to sex offender registration and local bills from across the state.

Hall said he spent most of his time "playing catch-up" on bills -- reading committee reports and asking other legislators about the history of bills.

Hall said his brief introduction will be particularly useful when he starts introducing legislation of his own next year, having seen how the wording or title of a bill can influence how it's perceived and whether it's understood.

Lavonia Allison is the longtime president of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, which endorsed Hall. She said she's been impressed so far at Hall's efforts to share information about what's going on in Raleigh.

Allison also hopes for a better attendance record from District 29's new representative. Miller drew criticism for missing more than half of the 2004 session.

This is cache, read story here