Editing Lauch Faircloth

{{Short description|American politician (1928–2023)}}
{{redirect|Senator Faircloth|the Maine state senate member|Sean Faircloth}}
{{use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Lauch Faircloth
| image               = Lauch Faircloth (R-NC).jpg
| caption             = Official portrait, 1993
| jr/sr               = United States Senator
| state               = [[North Carolina]]
| term_start          = January 5, 1993
| term_end            = January 3, 1999
| predecessor         = [[Terry Sanford]]
| successor           = [[John Edwards]]
| office1             = [[North Carolina Department of Commerce|North Carolina Secretary of Commerce]]
| governor1           = [[Jim Hunt]]
| term_start1         = January 10, 1977
| term_end1           = June 16, 1983
| predecessor1        = Donald Beason
| successor1          = Howard Haworth
| office2             = [[North Carolina Department of Transportation|North Carolina Secretary of Transportation and Highway Safety]]{{efn|Until 1971, the office was known as the '''North Carolina Highway Commission'''. In 1979 the term "Highway Safety" was dropped when the [[North Carolina State Highway Patrol]] (NCSHP) was transferred to the [[North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ncdot.org/about/ncdot/history.html |title=NCDOT: History and Organization
  |access-date= 2006-11-15 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061104132207/http://www.ncdot.org/about/ncdot/history.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-11-04}}</ref>.}}
| governor2           = [[Robert W. Scott]]
| term_start2         = February 7, 1969
| term_end2           = January 5, 1973
| predecessor2        = Joe Hunt Jr.
| successor2          = 
| birth_name          = Duncan McLauchlin Faircloth
| birth_date          = {{birth date|1928|1|14}}
| birth_place         = [[Sampson County, North Carolina]], U.S.
| death_date          = {{nowrap|{{death date and age|2023|9|14|1928|1|14}}}}
| death_place         = [[Clinton, North Carolina]], U.S.
| party               = [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] (before 1991)<br>[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] (1991–2023)
| spouse              = {{marriage|Lady Lynn Talton|1955||end=div}}<br/>{{marriage|[[Nancy Bryan Faircloth]]|1967|1986|end=div}}
| children            = 1
| allegiance          = {{flag|United States|1912}}
| branch              = {{army|United States}}
| serviceyears        = 1954–1955
| restingplace =  Springvale Cemetery, [[Clinton, North Carolina]]
}}
'''Duncan McLauchlin "Lauch"{{efn|Pronounced "Lock".<br><ref>Haislip, Bryan (July 25, 1970). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-times-news-faircloth-wants-val/138383759/ Faircloth Wants Value For Highway Dollar]. ''The Daily Times-News''.</ref><ref>May, A.L. (March 28, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-senator-aims-to/137763674/ Senator aims to shed light on first lady's deals]. ''The Atlanta Constitution''.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-federal-workers-may-lose-c/138384621/ Federal workers may lose computer games]. ''Florida Today''. August 27, 1997.</ref><ref>Polman, Dick (October 22, 1998). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-philadelphia-inquirer-two-parties-ha/138384342/ Two parties have a lot riding on Senate race in N.C.]. ''The Philadelphia Inquirer''.</ref>}} Faircloth''' (January 14, 1928 – September 14, 2023) was an American politician from [[North Carolina]] who served as a Republican member of the [[United States Senate]] for one term from 1993 to 1999. He was a member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] for most of his career in North Carolina politics until he joined the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] in 1991.

Faircloth began his career as a [[Political consulting|political consultant]] to Senator [[W. Kerr Scott]] and Governor [[Terry Sanford]]. He was appointed to the state highway commission during Sanford's tenure and served as its chairman from 1969 to 1973. He then served as [[North Carolina Department of Commerce|North Carolina Secretary of Commerce]] before unsuccessfully running for governor in [[1984 North Carolina gubernatorial election|1984]]. In 1991, Faircloth [[Party switching in the United States|switched parties]] and became a Republican. He won the Republican nomination for the [[1992 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1992 U.S. Senate election]] and defeated incumbent Senator Terry Sanford, his former boss, in the general election.

As a U.S. senator, Faircloth staunchly criticized President [[Bill Clinton]] and was a prominent figure in the [[Whitewater controversy#Reaction of Congress|Senate Whitewater investigations]]. He was also critical of first lady [[Hillary Clinton]] and called on her to testify in front of Congress. In 1997, Faircloth came to national attention after he stripped [[Washington, D.C.]] mayor [[Marion Barry]] of his powers to deal with a large deficit. His decision angered Barry and led to D.C. residents marching to North Carolina to [[protest]]. Although his political standing was damaged, Faircloth attempted to seek a second term in [[1998 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1998]], losing to Democrat [[John Edwards]] in the general election.

== Early life ==
Born on January 14, 1928, in [[Sampson County, North Carolina]],<ref name="WaPoObit">{{cite news |last1=Murphy |first1=Brian |title=Lauch Faircloth, senator who battled D.C. during fiscal crisis, dies at 95 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/obituaries/2023/09/15/lauch-faircloth-barry-dc-dies/ |access-date=September 17, 2023 |work=Washington Post |date=September 15, 2023}}</ref> Faircloth was the youngest of four sons born to James and Mary Faircloth; James owned a 2,500-acre cotton farm, which Lauch inherited after James' death. He attended Roseboro High School and graduated in 1945.<ref name="e234gh">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-news-faircloth-named-highw/138184704/ Faircloth Named Highway Chief]. ''The Charlotte News''. November 27, 1968.</ref> He attended [[High Point University]] but dropped out in his freshman year after his father suffered a stroke.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=McFadden |first=Robert D. |date=2023-09-14 |title=Lauch Faircloth Dies at 95; Senator Targeted D.C. Home Rule in Crisis |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/14/us/politics/lauch-faircloth-dead.html |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

In 1950, Faircloth purchased 1,000 acres of land in Sampson County, which he turned into a prominent cattle and hog farm.<ref name="ie4gh">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-senate-bio/137773219/ SENATE BIO]. ''The News and Observer''. October 20, 1998. p. 10.</ref> He also engaged in business ventures such as construction and auto dealerships.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bonner |first=Lynn |last2=Perez Uribe Guinassi |first2=Luciana |date=2023-09-14 |title=Former US Sen. Lauch Faircloth, a political force for NC Democrats and Republicans, dies |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article279347814.html |website=[[The News & Observer]]}}</ref> One impetus for his political activism was his disagreement with the increasing regulations targeting large [[hog lot|hog farming]] operations such as his, fueled by an environmentalist and populist backlash.{{cn|date=September 2023}}

== Early political career ==
Faircloth began his career as a [[Conservative Democrat|Democrat]]. He worked on [[W. Kerr Scott]]'s successful 1948 [[1948 North Carolina gubernatorial election|gubernatorial campaign]] and his 1954 [[1954 United States Senate election in North Carolina|U.S. Senate campaign]].<ref name="ie4gh"/><ref name="e234gh"/> Scott rewarded Faircloth by helping him get out of service in the [[Korean War]] via a hardship discharge in 1955. In 1960, Faircloth worked on [[Terry Sanford]]'s successful gubernatorial bid, and afterwards Sanford rewarded Faircloth with an appointment to the state highway commission, on which he served from 1961 to 1965.<ref name="ie4gh"/> After helping [[Robert W. Scott]] in his bid for the governorship in [[1968 North Carolina gubernatorial election|1968]], Scott named Faircloth chairman of the commission, replacing Joe Hunt Jr.,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-danville-register-joe-hunt-jr-resig/138199132/ Joe Hunt Jr. Resigns as Chairman Of Carolina Highway Commission]. ''The Danville Register''. February 8, 1969.</ref> which he served as from 1969 to 1973.<ref name="w4gww3">May, A.L. (March 28, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-senator-aims-to/137763674/ Senator aims to shed light on first lady's deals]. ''The Atlanta Constitution''.</ref>

When [[Jim Hunt]] was elected governor in [[1976 North Carolina gubernatorial election|1976]], he selected Faircloth serve as Secretary of [[North Carolina Department of Commerce|Commerce]].  As Commerce Secretary, he was paid $32,580 a year.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-chapel-hill-news-hunt-chooses-faircl/138185492/ Hunt Chooses Faircloth To Join Cabinet]. ''The Chapel Hill News''. December 30, 1976.</ref> Manufacturing jobs in North Carolina grew 8.4 percent under Faircloth, the third highest in the southeast.<ref name="39rtey">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-faircloths-time/138196160/ FAIRCLOTH'S TIME IN GOVERNMENT]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. September 13, 1992.</ref> The weekly wage increased from $170 when he took office to $297 when he left, which was virtually unchanged from national wages.<ref name="39rtey"/>

=== 1984 gubernatorial campaign === 
Faircloth, aspiring to the governor's office himself, resigned as Commerce Secretary in June 1983.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-faircloth-quits/137709133/ Faircloth Quits, Hunts At Run]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. June 17, 1986.</ref> On July 25, he announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the [[1984 North Carolina gubernatorial election|1984 gubernatorial election]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-faircloth-announ/138186372/ Faircloth Announces Campaign]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. July 26, 1983.</ref> While flying to a campaign stop on August 22, 1983, the small twin-engine plane he was aboard crashed into the [[Catawba River]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-politicians-who-s/137992080/ Politicians Who Survived Small-Plane Accidents]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. May 14, 2006.</ref> According to one passenger, Faircloth forced the plane's door open and helped all the occupants escape moments before the plane exploded.<ref name=":1" /> After the crash, Faircloth was transferred to Marion General Hospital for minor burns to his right hand.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-journal-times-candidate-survives-cra/138187396/ Candidate survives crash]. ''The Journal Times''. [[Associated Press]]. August 23, 1983.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/rocky-mount-telegram-crash-survival-term/138186717/ Crash Survival Termed Lucky]. ''Rocky Mount Telegram''. August 24, 1983.</ref>

In December 1983, Faircloth was endorsed by Terry Sanford, a former governor and the then-president of [[Duke University]] who had appointed Faircloth to the state highway commission 20 years prior.<ref name="365rh4">Oliver, Tom (December 8, 1983). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-sanford-supports-lauch-fa/138192376/ Sanford Supports Lauch Faircloth]. ''The Herald-Sun''.</ref> Sanford said that Faircloth was "an old and trusted friend" and "the best qualified candidate we have in North Carolina".<ref name="365rh4"/> Faircloth was defeated in the 1984 primary by [[Rufus Edmisten]], who lost the general election to congressman [[James G. Martin]].<ref>Eudy, Ken (June 17, 1984). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-democrats-preach/137760157/ Democrats Preach A Theme Of Unity In Knox's Absence]. ''The Charlotte Observer''.</ref> Official Board of Elections reports showed that Faircloth spent $2,100,605.70 on his campaign.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-losers-reveal-fi/138193614/ Losers Reveal Final Governor's Race Costs]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. July 25, 1989.</ref>

=== Later activities ===
Faircloth was considered a potential candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by Senator [[John Porter East]] in [[1986 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1986]].<ref>O'Connor, Paul T. (October 16, 1985). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun-faircloth-interested-in-s/137776547/ Faircloth interested in Senate]. ''The Durham Sun''.</ref> He initially declined, but in November 1985 he said he was reconsidering his decision and launched a campaign committee.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/rocky-mount-telegram-faircloth-may-recon/138194954/ Faircloth may reconsider race]. ''Rocky Mount Telegram''. November 5, 1985.</ref> But in January 1986, he announced he would not run after Sanford entered the race; Sanford would go on to win the election.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-durham-sun-faircloth-bows-out-of-sen/137776996/ Faircloth bows out of Senate seat race]. ''The Durham Sun''. January 14, 1986.</ref> Afterward, Faircloth grew close with Republican Senator [[Jesse Helms]] and supported Helms' [[1990 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1990 reelection campaign]].<ref name="ie4gh"/> On February 14, 1991, Faircloth switched his party registration to Republican, saying that Democrats had become "too [[liberalism|liberal]]" and hinted at a potential run for the U.S. Senate in [[1992 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1992]], vying to face former ally Terry Sanford in the election.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-former-democrati/137778726/ Former Democratic Stalwart Switches Parties]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. [[Associated Press]]. February 23, 1991.</ref>

== U.S. Senate ==
In April 1991, Faircloth announced he would run for the Republican Party nomination for the 1992 U.S. Senate election.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-faircloth-to-make-bid-for/137777243/ Faircloth to make bid for Sanford's Senate seat]. ''The Herald-Sun''. April 19, 1991.</ref> He enjoyed the support of Senator Helms's political organization, the [[National Congressional Club]], and defeated Charlotte mayor [[Sue Myrick]] and former congressman [[Walter E. Johnston III]] in the primary.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-faircloth-owes-onl/137761404/ Faircloth owes only the people]. ''The News and Observer''. January 6, 1993.</ref> Sanford, the incumbent Senator, had helped Faircloth raise money for his failed gubernatorial bid in 1984, but provoked Faircloth's anger two years later when Sanford allegedly denigrated Faircloth's earlier bid for the Senate with alleged comments dismissing Faircloth's chances in a statewide contest against him.<ref>Howard E. Covington Jr. and Marion A. Ellis, ''Terry Sanford: Politics, Progress, and Outrageous Ambitions''. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1999, 489.</ref>

A year prior to the election, Sanford voted against authorizing military force in the [[Gulf War]], which damaged his political standing.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prospects Looking Up For 7 Southern Senators (Published 1992) |website=[[The New York Times]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417105237/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/27/us/prospects-looking-up-for-7-southern-senators.html |archive-date=2023-04-17 |url-status=live |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/09/27/us/prospects-looking-up-for-7-southern-senators.html}}</ref> Faircloth attacked Sanford as a tax-and-spend liberal, and despite a mediocre performance in a televised debate that September, Faircloth won the seat by a vote of 1,297,892 (50%) to 1,194,015 (46%).{{cn|date=September 2023}}

=== 103rd Congress === 
[[File:Senators Faircloth, Dole, Helms, and Thurmond show their enthusiasm for the Carolinas' new football team -- The Carolina Panthers.jpg|thumb|right|Faircloth along with Senators [[Bob Dole]], [[Jesse Helms]], and [[Strom Thurmond]] show their enthusiasm for the Carolinas' new football team, the [[Carolina Panthers]]]]
Faircloth was sworn in as North Carolina's junior U.S. Senator on January 5, 1993.<ref>Varon, Elana (January 6, 1993). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-faircloth-sworn-in-to-us/137761505/ Faircloth sworn in to U.S. Senate]. ''The Herald-Sun''.</ref> He joked that he wanted to be known as the ''conservative'' senator from North Carolina; in comparison to the state's other seat held by the arch-conservative Helms. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Achenbach |first=Joel |date=1994-08-03 |title=MR. CLINTON, THE BUS STOPS HERE |language=en-US |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1994/08/03/mr-clinton-the-bus-stops-here/e441d02b-3da8-4b3c-86ee-8fc55f17d3b6/ |access-date=2023-09-15 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref>

In his first two weeks in the Senate, Faircloth was appointed to serve on the [[United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works]], the [[United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs]], and the [[United States Senate Committee on Armed Services]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-faircloth-on-3rd/137844010/ Faircloth on 3rd committee]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. January 17, 1993.</ref> While on the Armed Service Committee, he opposed the inclusion of [[Sexual orientation in the United States military|homosexuals in the military]] and claimed the number of [[AIDS]]-infected people in the military would only increase if it were to happen.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-titusville-herald-somber-discussion/137845183/ Somber Discussion On Gays In Military]. ''The Titusville Herald''. [[Associated Press]]. January 23, 1993.</ref> He opposed the Clinton administration's "[[don't ask, don't tell]]" policy and said it was a result of President [[Bill Clinton]]'s lack of military experience.<ref name="w3tg4">Kasindorf, Martin (July 21, 1993). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/northwest-herald-joint-chiefs-back-don/137846041/ Joint Chiefs back 'don't ask, don't tell' policy on gays in armed forces]. ''Northwest Herald''.</ref> That remark was condemned by [[Colin Powell]], the [[chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]], who said that, "it is unfair to single out the president in this regard".<ref name="w3tg4"/>

On the Environment and Public Works Committee, Faircloth sought to weaken anti-pollution measures regulating farms. He introduced a measure that would have lowered fines issued to farms that have polluted wetlands and proposed another measure that would have stopped the flow of federal money to [[Environmental monitoring|environmental monitors]]. The committee did not vote on either measure.<ref name="oergh34">[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-faircloth-takes-on-anti-p/138181729/ Faircloth takes on anti-pollution farming laws]. ''The Herald-Sun''. [[Associated Press]]. December 13, 1994.</ref> In 1994, the committee adopted a third measure by Faircloth – legislation that would have made it more difficult for farmers suspected of polluting to be taken to court – but it did not become law.<ref name="oergh34"/> Some claimed there was a [[conflict of interest]] in Faircloth's policy proposals, given that he was a farmer, but he claimed he was working to benefit all farmers and not just himself.<ref name="oergh34"/><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-senator-seeks-ad/138183500/ Senator seeks advice from ethics committee]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. [[Associated Press]]. December 12, 1994.</ref>

In January 1994, Faircloth was among eight Republican senators to call for a congressional inquiry into the role President [[Bill Clinton]] had in the [[Whitewater controversy]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-8-gop-senators-d/137789596/ 8 GOP senators demand inquiry into Whitewater]. ''The Des Moines Register''. January 29, 1994.</ref> In February, he was the lone Senator on the Senate Banking Committee to vote against approving Ricki Tigert as head of the [[Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation]]. He argued that Tigert, who was appointed by Clinton, was not going to help uncover information in the investigation.<ref>Kaut, David (February 11, 1994). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-faircloth-lone-dissenter/137790133/ Faircloth lone dissenter against new FDIC chief]. ''The Herald-Sun''.</ref> Later that year, ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' praised Faircloth's aggressive efforts to uncover information.<ref>Monk, John (June 26, 1994). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-helms-backs-north/137786725/ https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-helms-backs-north/137786725/#:~:text=Helms%20backs%20North%20for%20Senate%2C%20forgives%20any%20mistakes]. ''The Charlotte Observer''.</ref> In June 1994, he proposed amending the [[Housing and Community Development Act of 1992|House and Community Development Act]] to include a work-for-rent requirement, but it was voted down by Senate Democrats. Senator [[Carol Moseley Braun]] of [[Illinois]] argued that his plan was "dictatorial", and branded Faircloth as a [[communist]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-democrats-stifle-f/137762865/ Democrats stifle Faircloth's idea of work-for-rent]. ''The News and Observer''. June 22, 1994.</ref>

Faircloth was often criticized for accepting thousands of dollars from several [[Political action committee|political action committees]], despite having criticized them during his 1992 Senate campaign.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-faircloth-once-s/137761946/ Faircloth once shunned PACs, now relies on them]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. May 31, 1994.</ref>

=== 104th Congress === 
When the [[104th United States Congress]] convened in January 1995, Faircloth was named chairman of the [[United States Senate Environment Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate and Nuclear Safety]] and the [[United States Senate Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development]].<ref>Silberman, Ellen J. (January 16, 1995. [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-nc-lawmakers-get/137866115/ N.C. lawmakers get leadership assignments on congressional committees]. ''The News and Observer''.</ref> In May, Faircloth and U.S. Senator [[John Warner]] of [[Virginia]] proposed implementing [[Interstate 73 in South Carolina|Interstate 73's entry into South Carolina]], but the proposal angered U.S. Senator [[Strom Thurmond]] of [[South Carolina]], who effectively killed the deal after calling for a session in the [[United States Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works]].<ref>Hoover, Dan (May 5, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-greenville-news-senators-meeting-fa/137782911/ Senators' meeting fails to settle dispute over Interstate 73 route]. ''The Greenville News''.</ref> In September 1995, Faircloth was the lone Republican Senator to join eleven Senate Democratics to vote against a landmark [[welfare spending]] bill, calling it a "pot of Pablum".<ref>Towle, Michael D. (September 20, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/fort-worth-star-telegram-senate-votes-87/137995562/ Senate votes 87-12 for plan to curb welfare]. ''Fort Worth Star-Telegram''.</ref> In January 1996, Faircloth earned the Taxpayers' Friend Award from the bipartisan [[National Taxpayers Union]].<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-nashville-graphic-faircloth-honored/138250464/ Faircloth honored]. ''The Nashville Graphic''. January 4, 1996.</ref>

In April 1995, Faircloth accused the Clinton administration of pushing out Republican [[Sheila Bair]] as chair of the [[Commodity Futures Trading Commission]] (CFTC) to protect first lady [[Hillary Clinton]]'s trading profits. In response, the [[White House]] denounced his accusation as "a baseless and irresponsible charge".<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-faircloth-wants-r/138251096/ Faircloth wants reason for switch in chairman]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. April 12, 1995.</ref> When the [[United States Senate Whitewater Committee]] was established in May 1995, Faircloth sought to subpoena first lady [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref name=":1" /> In a letter to the CFTC, Faircloth asked for records involving Clinton from 1978 to 1980.<ref name="w4gww3"/> He called on Clinton to testify in front of Congress.<ref>Fritz, Sara (December 19, 1995). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-indianapolis-star-accusations-of-cov/137782460/ Accusations of cover-up by a first lady a new phenomenon]. ''The Indianapolis Star''.</ref> In 1996, Faircloth delayed the nomination of [[Brooksley Born]] to chair the CFTC, demanding that he receive written assurances that would recuse Born from any investigations involving Hillary Clinton and Whitewater.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tribune-born-approved-for-cftc-post/137791546/ Born approved for CFTC post]. ''The Tribune''. August 5, 1996.</ref>

In 1996, Faircloth delayed the nomination of [[Susan Oki Mollway]] to the [[United States District Court for the District of Hawaii]], arguing that she had "very, very [[liberalism|liberal]] ideas" and raised questions over her affiliation with the [[American Civil Liberties Union]].<ref>Pichaske, Pete (January 8, 1997). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-clinton-renominat/137903368/ Clinton renominates Mollway for federal district judgeship]. ''Honolulu Star-Bulletin''.</ref><ref>Kobayashi, Ken (October 30, 1996). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-honolulu-advertiser-hawaii-stuck-sho/137916050/ Hawaii stuck short one judge]. ''The Honolulu Advertiser''.</ref> The delay led to Mollway having to wait over two years to be confirmed in the post. Hawaii's [[Seniority in the United States Senate|senior]] Senator [[Daniel Inouye]] was critical of the delay.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-adjournment-delay/137915619/ Adjournment delays judgeship nomination]. ''Honolulu Star-Bulletin''. October 5, 1996.</ref>

=== 105th Congress ===
[[File:Sen.Faircloth and Henry Shelton.jpg|thumb|230px|Faircloth and General [[Hugh Shelton]] during Shelton's nomination as [[chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]]]]
In September 1997, Faircloth voted to eliminate funding for the [[National Endowment for the Arts]], although it failed with 77 Senators voting against the proposal.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-carolinas-roll-ca/137780838/ CAROLINAS ROLL CALL]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. September 21, 1997.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-senators-key-vote/137772554/ SENATOR'S KEY VOTES]. ''The News and Observer''. October 20, 1997.</ref>

In 1997, Faircloth, then-chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of Columbia, stripped [[Washington, D.C.]] mayor [[Marion Barry]] of his authority to deal with a large deficit, handing it to a newly established [[District of Columbia Financial Control Board]], and placing several city agencies into a receivership. The move angered Barry, who called it a "rape of democracy".<ref>{{cite news |title=DC and the Feds |publisher=National Public Radio |date=August 15, 1997 |url= https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1038794}}</ref> In response, a crowd of around 600 protesters, 400 of whom marched from D.C., surrounded Faircloth's home in protest at his decision, although he was not home.<ref>Chamberlain, Knight (August 24, 1997). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-a-protest-against/137823925/ A protest against Faircloth]. ''The News and Observer''.</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-faircloth-draws/137918184/ Faircloth draws protests]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. August 24, 1997.</ref>

In April 1998, [[Henry Woods (judge)|Henry Woods]], a [[United States federal judge]] from [[Arkansas]], alleged to ''[[The Charlotte Observer]]'' that in 1995 an aide to Faircloth came to him and asked for Woods' financial disclosures. The request was granted two weeks before Woods was to rule on whether or not [[Ken Starr]] had jurisdiction to prosecute key Whitewater figures.<ref name="43wgesa">Leonnig, Carol D. (April 14, 1998). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-judge-says-faircl/138072307/ Judge says Faircloth tried intimidation]. ''The Charlotte Observer''.</ref> Woods said that he considered the request to be "a crude attempt to intimidate me", and called on the [[United States Department of Justice]] to investigate.<ref name="43wgesa"/> Around this time Faircloth sponsored an [[Housing Act of 1937#Major amendments|amendment to the Housing Act of 1937]] to put a cap on the number of public housing units that are allowed to be operated on a federal level.

Official Senate records showed that between January 1993 and June 1998, Faircloth missed 68 out of 2,122 roll-call votes.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-faircloth-helms/137990704/ Faircloth, Helms post poor attendance in Senate]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''. June 28, 1998.</ref>

==== 1998 reelection campaign ==== 
{{main|1998 United States Senate election in North Carolina}}
Faircloth ran for reelection in [[1998 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1998]]. He defeated Leonard Plyler and Steve Franks in the Republican primary<ref>Patterson, Dennis (May 3, 1993). [https://www.newspapers.com/article/asheville-citizen-times-republican-chall/138071968/ Republican challengers to Faircloth face long odds]. ''Asheville Citizen-Times''.</ref> and faced political newcomer, Democrat [[John Edwards]], in the general election. In an August 1998 poll by [[Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy]], Faircloth's [[Opinion poll|approval rating]] among voters was 50 percent, with 44 percent disapproving.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-clinton-raises-ser/137921041/ Clinton raises serious money for Edwards]. ''The News and Observer''. August 2, 1998.</ref> Despite originally being the marginal favorite, Faircloth lost his seat to Edwards by a vote of 1,029,237 (51%) to 945,943 (47%). In conceding to Edwards, Faircloth admitted to his supporters, "I feel that I let you down...because we should have won."<ref>[[CNN]] (November 3, 1998) ''[http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/11/03/election/senate/north.carolina/ Edwards unseats Faircloth in tight North Carolina race]''</ref> Afterwards, Barry said Faircloth had been "so busy picking on me and the residents of [[Washington, D.C.]] that he neglected his constituents in North Carolina. Now he can go back and deal with the pigs. Goodbye, Faircloth."<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/keyraces98/stories/faircloth110598.htm Sen. Faircloth: The Man D.C. Loved to Hate]</ref>

== Post-Senate career ==
After leaving the Senate, Faircloth moved back to his home in [[Clinton, North Carolina]]. When [[Jesse Helms]] announced he would retire from the Senate after the [[2002 United States Senate election in North Carolina|2002 election]], Faircloth considered entering the race to replace him.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-charlotte-observer-hopefuls-for-sena/137919173/ Hopefuls for Senate seat get busy]. ''The Charlotte Observer''. August 24, 2001.</ref> He announced in September 2001 that he would not run.<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/sun-news-faircloth-not-vying-for-helms/137919467/ Faircloth not vying for Helms' Senate seat]. ''Sun-News''. September 9, 2001.</ref>

== Personal life  ==
Faircloth married and divorced Lady Lynn Talton,<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.unionleader.com/lauch-faircloth-senator-who-battled-d-c-during-fiscal-crisis-dies-at-95/article_4c03c833-89ea-5e25-8b8f-ab3de4c5f350.html| title = Lauch Faircloth, senator who battled D.C. during fiscal crisis, dies at 95| last = Murphy| first = Brian| date = September 16, 2023| website = [[New Hampshire Union Leader]]| publisher = 	Brendan J. McQuaid| access-date = April 11, 2024}}</ref> before marrying [[Nancy Bryan Faircloth]] in 1967, with whom he had one daughter.<ref name="w4gww3"/> He divorced Bryan in 1986.<ref name=":0" />

== Death ==
Faircloth died at his home from natural causes on September 14, 2023, at age 95.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0" /> He was interred at Springvale Cemetery in Clinton.

==Electoral history==
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:0.5em ; font-size:95%"
|+ [[List of United States Senators from North Carolina|North Carolina Senator (Class III)]] results: 1992&ndash;1998<ref name="clerkresults">{{cite web|url=http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/index.html |title=Election Statistics |access-date=2007-08-08 |publisher=Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226190314/http://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/index.html |archive-date=2007-12-26 }}</ref>
! Year
!
! Democrat
! Votes
! Pct
!
! Republican
! Votes
! Pct
!
! 3rd party
! Party
! Votes
! Pct
!
|-
|[[United States Senate election in North Carolina, 1992|1992]]
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |[[Terry Sanford]] (incumbent)
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |1,194,015
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |46%
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |{{nowrap|'''Lauch Faircloth'''}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |'''1,297,892'''
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |'''50%'''
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |Bobby Yates Emory
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |[[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]]
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |85,948
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |3%
| |'''*'''
|-
|[[United States Senate election in North Carolina, 1998|1998]]
|
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |{{nowrap|'''[[John Edwards]]'''}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} align="right" |'''1,029,237'''
|{{Party shading/Democratic}} |'''51%'''
|
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |Lauch Faircloth (incumbent)
|{{Party shading/Republican}} align="right" |945,943
|{{Party shading/Republican}} |47%
|
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |[[Barbara Howe]]
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} |[[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian]]
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |36,963
|{{Party shading/Libertarian}} align="right" |2%
|
|}

{{*}} Write-in and minor candidate notes: in 1992, Bruce Kimball received 23 votes and Mary Ann Zakutney received 13 votes.

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{CongBio|F000437}}
*Oral History Interviews with Lauch Faircloth [http://docsouth.unc.edu/sohp/I-0069/menu.html], [http://docsouth.unc.edu/sohp/I-0070/menu.html] from [http://docsouth.unc.edu/sohp/ Oral Histories of the American South]
* {{C-SPAN|25584}}

{{s-start}}
{{s-ppo}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Jim Broyhill]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] nominee for [[List of United States Senators from North Carolina|U.S. Senator]] from [[North Carolina]]<br/>([[Classes of United States Senators|Class 3]])|years=[[1992 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1992]], [[1998 United States Senate election in North Carolina|1998]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Richard Burr]]}}
|-
{{s-par|us-sen}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Terry Sanford]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[List of United States senators from North Carolina|U.S. Senator (Class 3) from North Carolina]]|years=1993–1999|alongside=[[Jesse Helms]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[John Edwards]]}}
{{s-end}}

{{United States senators from North Carolina}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Faircloth, Lauch}}
[[Category:1928 births]]
[[Category:2023 deaths]]
[[Category:American Presbyterians]]
[[Category:Farmers from North Carolina]]
[[Category:North Carolina Democrats]]
[[Category:North Carolina Republicans]]
[[Category:People from Clinton, North Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Sampson County, North Carolina]]
[[Category:Republican Party United States senators from North Carolina]]
[[Category:State cabinet secretaries of North Carolina]]
[[Category:20th-century United States senators]]