As former House Speaker Jim Black prepares to enter his guilty plea to a corruption charge, at least three Democrats have shown an interest in replacing him.

Party chairman Michael Evans says the selection could be delayed until the middle of March because the party is in the process of reorganizing its precinct leaders.

About two dozen precinct leaders and other officials who live in Black's district will recommend a successor.

Their recommendation goes to Gov. Easley, who will appoint a successor. Easley followed the procedure earlier this year in naming two members of the General Assembly after a senator and a representative from eastern North Carolina died on consecutive days in January.

Among the possible candidates is a former assistant principal at East Mecklenburg High School, a former congressional candidate and Navy veteran and a former county commissioner.

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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com