| by Mike Baker - Associated Press Mourners who attended a viewing of former North Carolina Sen. Jesse Helms on Monday remembered the conservative champion as the last politician of his kind. Helms, who died Friday after years of failing health, lay in a closed casket covered with a U.S. flag and flanked by state troopers at Hayes-Barton Baptist Church.
The Republican, who served in the Senate from 1973 to 2003, worshipped there for decades and served as a deacon.
The front of the sanctuary was decorated with a painting of Helms at work and flowers from U.S. senators including Elizabeth Dole, who took Helms' seat when he retired in 2003.
"The Bible teaches that your 'yes' means 'yes' and your 'no' means 'no,'" said Parker Gresham, 39, of Raleigh. "That's something he followed. You always knew where he stood."
The funeral was scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, followed by a private burial for family members. [Read more... ] | 
