Jesse Helms: Conservative Senator from North Carolina Dies at 86

Jesse Helms was a Republican U.S. senator from North Carolina for 30 years. Born on October 18, 1921, in Monroe, North Carolina, he worked as a journalist and television commentator.

Elected in 1972, he served five terms, rising to chair the Foreign Relations Committee. Helms was a leader of the conservative movement, opposing civil rights legislation, abortion and gay rights measures and championing school prayer and a strong national defense. He earned the nickname Senator No.

He retired in 2003 after a long illness. Helms died of vascular dementia in Raleigh, North Carolina, on July 4, 2008, at age 86.

Achievements: U.S. Senator (1973-2003), chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Birth: October 18, 1921 - Monroe, North Carolina.

Profession: Politician.

Interesting Facts: He was nicknamed Senator No.