RALEIGH, N.C.  – North Carolina lawmakers are marking the life of the late U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, who was one of the most polarizing political figures in state history.

The General Assembly discusses a resolution honoring Helms on Tuesday. He died last July 4 at the age of 86. Helms’ family members are expected to attend.

Helms’ career included a reputation for helping North Carolinians of all political stripes work their way through the federal bureaucracy.

But political stands which barely changed over three decades in Washington both endeared him to conservatives and angered those who said he manipulated issues of race and sexual orientation.

Late in his career, Helms softened his views on AIDS and worked for more federal funding to fight the disease overseas.