Former state Rep. Richard Morgan says Sen. Harris Blake's vote on a $25 million fishing pier might have been a tipping point in the decision to run against his one-time ally and close friend.

Morgan filed Thursday to oppose Blake in the May 4 Republican primary. His wife, County Commissioner Cindy Morgan, lost to Blake two years ago in a primary election.

"There's a lot to admire about Harris," Morgan said in a statement. "He's honest, and there's never been a hint of scandal. But I don't see how voting to build a $25 million fishing pier at Nags Head is going to help straighten out our economy, and that seems pretty important to me.

"My leadership in crafting and writing budget bills and not making votes like that, particularly in these tough economic times, are what is needed now. He votes for this $25 million fishing pier. That is totally anti-me, and it should have been totally anti-Harris."

Blake, of Pinehurst, is seeking re-election to a fifth term. He laughed when asked Friday about Morgan's comment on the fishing pier. Blake said he would have to check on that to see whether he actually voted for the project, which he said he thought was part of the 2009 budget.

"I can easily defend it," he said. "There was a lot of debate about that. "

Morgan pointed out that it was a freestanding bill.

Blake said he wasn't too surprised that Morgan had filed to oppose him.

"We basically ran against him last time, though it was Cindy," he said. "I would prefer it not to be. I am not surprised. I wish him well, but I plan to win."

Cindy Morgan's decision to run two years ago was public affirmation of what many political insiders had known for years: The once close political allies had become enemies. There were indications of the eroding relationship soon after Morgan cut a deal with Democrats o become House co-speaker in 2003.

Neither man would say what caused the falling out.

"They would have to be the ones to say why it's important to run against me," Blake said. "We were once close. That is the tragedy of it. I can't change the relationship."

Morgan simply says he thinks he can be a more effective representative for Moore County, despite some baggage from the past - most notably that he fell out of grace with his own state party after rising to become the most powerful Republican in state government. He was accused of betraying the party by making the power-sharing deal with Democrats. He was thrown off the state GOP's Executive Committee.

State party leaders openly campaigned for his primary opponent, Joe Boylan, in 2006. Boylan defeated Morgan in a brutal race and went on to win over two unaffiliated candidates in the general election. Boylan would serve only one term, brought down by an alcohol-related accident and conviction of driving while impaired. Republican Jamie Boles won the seat and is unopposed for re-election to a second term.

Morgan re-emerged on the political scene two years after losing to Boylan. After winning the GOP nomination over two other candidates for state superintendent of public instruction, he lost to incumbent June Atkinson in the general election.

"That was somewhat of a vindication for me," Morgan said. "We won 97 of the 100 counties, including Moore County (in the primary)."

He said he supported his wife's decision to run against Blake two years ago.

"I was pleased with her willingness to step up to the plate," he said. "I felt she would have had a better chance this time, but she decided she wanted to run for re-election as a county commissioner.

"I didn't have an interest in returning to the House, where I had been speaker and speaker pro tempore, although folks did discuss that with me. The Senate has always been a consideration. I hadn't ruled out other offices. I did well in the primary (for state school superintendent). But this is where I landed."

'It's in My Blood'

Morgan said he hopes the state party will stay out of his primary contest with Blake. He said the party's involvement in 2006 was "unprecedented."

"With races for U.S. Senate and Congress and so many races for state House and Senate, the resources aren't there to be shooting at each other," he said.

Morgan added that if he is elected, he would not "make a career of it, being there forever and running when I am 80 and if I have health problems."

Morgan stopped short of saying that he thought Blake was not physically fit to serve.

"All I can say is that I am not going to be doing that," he added. "It ought to be his concern. What contribution is he making? What kind of votes is he casting?"

Blake said he would not run if he did not think he was up to the task.

Morgan said he would not discuss campaign strategy in terms of what he might do differently from his wife's campaign two years ago.

"I am very deliberative," he said. "If I didn't think I had a reasonable chance of taking him out, I wouldn't be doing this. I am excited about having a campaign. It's in my blood. I have done a lot of things for Moore County. I think I can continue to make contributions. I think I can be a more effective senator for Moore County.

"Times are really, really tough. It won't be fun. The real point I want to make is that these tough fiscal times call for legislators who can do something to get us through them. These are unprecedented times. It is my hope that the voters will know that I can make a contribution. That is the main drive for me."

Morgan added that is challenging Blake to take part in a series of debates.

"I am calling Harris out," Morgan said. "Let's debate the issues. Let's find out where Harris stands, like his vote on the pier. The voters need to know."

Blake 'Not Worried'

Blake said he plans to stay focused on the issues and show voters that he can be effective, especially if Republicans can win a majority in Senate.

"For the first time, we have a good chance to take the Senate," he said. "The Senate has changed in the last 10 years. I would love to move up from seat No. 47."

Blake said Republicans have proposed legislation to reform the budget process. He said more needs to be done to cut the cost of medical care.

"We are committed to making sure these things are heard," he said. "We have got to get something done. We have to look at how we do the budget. There must be some restraints on what you can spend. We're running so short of money now that it is frightening. We've got to get a handle on it."

As for the campaign, Blake said he plans to stick to the issues.

"I am not worried about what he does," Blake said of Morgan. "I am not going to spend time reacting to him. He's going to do what he does. I know why I am doing this. I am still there. I am glad he said he thinks I'm honest."

Contact David Sinclair at (910) 693-2462 or by e-mail t dsinclair@thepilot.com.