Sanford lawyer named to replace ex-Rep. McManus

Reives is a partner in the Wilson & Reives law firm and is a former assistant district attorney.

District 54 includes Chatham County and part of Lee County, and Democratic Party leaders met over the weekend to nominate Reives to fill the remainder of McManus' term, which runs through the end of the year. Gov. Pat McCrory still must appoint him to the post.

Reives said he plans to focus on education, including securing raises for teachers, and environmental issues, such as natural gas drilling and pollution in Jordan Lake. He also hopes that lawmakers reconsider the decision not to expand Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

"You've got limits on what you can and cannot accomplish in a short session," he said, adding that he will seek a full term representing District 54 in this year's elections.

McManus resigned Dec. 11 after she was arrested on embezzlement charges. Authorities allege that she helped her husband's Siler City medical practice "embezzle, misapply and convert to its own use" $47,369 in state individual withholding tax between January 2011 and last July.