Jesse Alexander Helms, Jr., of North Carolina, passed away on July 4, 2008. He was 86 years old. A five-term senator representing North Carolina from 1973 to 2003, Helms was a prominent voice in conservative politics and media. During his time in the Senate he was known as the leader of the conservative faction, chairing the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and ultimately becoming the most senior senator. Helms was an advocate of limited government, advocating for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and staunchly opposing taxation, government regulation, and social welfare programs. He was an outspoken opponent of abortion and transgender rights, while supporting a strong foreign policy and military defense of the United States. Helms was born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked in the media and held several political positions before sought being elected to the Senate in 1972. In his later years, Helms retired in 2008 after suffering from increasing health problems. He was an integral part of the conservative movement and his legacy is carried on by his supporters to this day.