Jesse Helms' Granddaughter Eyes Judgeship

[Khephra]

RALEIGH, N.C. -- Sen. Jesse Helms looked on as his granddaughter filed papers to run for public office Friday, an emotional moment for a man considered a father of the national conservative movement.

"I guess I'm choking up a little bit," Helms said after Jennifer Knox formally announced her bid for a District Court judgeship in Wake County. "Good luck to you, baby. I'm proud of you."

Knox, an assistant district attorney, is the first direct descendant of the five-term Republican senator to run for office. The 30-year-old said her grandfather's political legacy prompted her in part to run for judge.

"His notion of public service. ... That's really made an impact on me," said Knox as she sat with Helms at a table at the State Board of Elections.

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