RALEIGH, N.C.- The monthly meeting of the North Carolina Council of State has been overshadowed by the death of former Insurance Commissioner Jim Long.

Gov. Beverly Perdue opened Tuesday’s meeting with a moment of silence for Long, who died Monday at age 68. Long served 24 years on the council while he was commissioner, and he retired last month. Long suffered a stroke two weeks ago.

Attorney General Roy Cooper wore a red tie and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall a red scarf in memory of Long, who always wore a red tie in honor of his father.

Long’s death subdued an otherwise historic meeting. Six of the 10 council members are women following the November election. The female majority is a first for the state.