RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) --The Republican who forged a power-sharing arrangement in a deadlocked North Carolina House 15 years ago that made him the co-speaker has died.
- Morgan died Wednesday at age 66.
- A Republican, brokered a deal with Democrats to share speakership duties.
- His funeral will be sunday.
The Kennedy Funeral Home in Robbins confirmed Richard T. Morgan died Wednesday at Duke University Medical Center at age 66.
The Moore County Republican joined the House in 1991 and four years later became the powerful rules committee chairman when Republicans took over the House for the first time in 100 years.
In 2003, he brokered a first-of-its-kind deal in the state with Democrats to share speakership duties with Jim Black. The co-speakership lasted two years, and Morgan lost his House seat in 2006 in a Republican primary as GOP factions fought over his decision to work with Democrats.
Morgan's funeral will be Sunday in West End.