RALEIGH, N.C.  – People are already lining up to replace Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand one day after he announced he was leaving the Legislature for North Carolina’s parole commission.

Several Senate Democrats said Thursday that Sen. Martin Nesbitt of Buncombe County and allies have called asking for support to elect Nesbitt the next majority leader.

Sen. Doug Berger of Franklin County said Thursday he supports Nesbitt because he feels Nesbitt would best represent urban and rural interests. There’s no timetable for a vote by the Senate Democratic Caucus.

Fayetteville attorney David Boliek Jr. also has announced he’s seeking the Democratic nomination for the 19th Senate District seat

Rand will vacate. Local Democrats will choose someone to fill Rand’s seat through 2010.