Congressman Frank Ballance steps down due to illness

Jet, June 28, 2004

CONGRESSMAN FRANK BALLANCE STEPS DOWN DUE TO ILLNESS: North Carolina Rep. Frank Ballance recently resigned from Congress, saying a neuromuscular disorder has affected his ability to carry out his duties. Ballance, 62, was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, a condition that results in muscle weakness.

Ballance, a longtime state legislator, was elected to Congress in 2002, and his term expires at the end at the year. State law requires the governor to calla special election if a congressman resigns in office. "I made this decision because I am no longer able to carry out the responsibilities of this office due to my current health condition," Ballance said in a statement issued by his Washington office. "It has indeed been an honor for me to represent the constituents of the First Congressional District of North Carolina."