By Kirk Ross
Staff Writer

Saying he’s ready to move to the next level of public service, Orange County Commissioner Moses Carey announced last week that he’ll seek the Democratic nomination to the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Ellie Kinnaird.

Though she has not made it official, Kinnaird has spoken openly about retiring after this term.

“I’ve been talking with supporters and have been getting encouragement to seek state office for more than two years now,” Carey, who has served on the board of commissioners for 23 years, said in an interview Wednesday. “I think it’s an appropriate time for me to move to the next level.”

He said his experience on the board and the connections across the state he’s made during his long tenure will serve Person and Orange county residents well.

“I think I have a good foundation to make a difference in Raleigh,” he said.

He said despite the fact that Kinnaird has not announced her retirement, he felt it was time to throw his hat in the ring and get started organizing his campaign, especially since it’s likely that there will be a contested primary.

Fellow commissioner Mike Nelson is considering a run, but has not announced his decision.