Rep. Frank Ballance announced his resignation today, effective Friday, citing his declining health as the reason he can no longer serve North Carolina's First Congressional District.

With Ballance unable to complete his first term, North Carolina progressives can only speculate at what he might have been able to accomplish in Congress, given enough time and seniority. He had already been elected president of his freshman class in the House.

Ballance served for 18 years in the N.C. Senate, the last six as deputy president pro tem. During his tenure he was a consistent advocate for education and family farms, and he led struggles against the injustices of environmental racism and capital punishment.

When Rep. Eva Clayton retired from her 1st District U.S. House seat, Ballance ran for the seat despite his professed "reluctance" to make the jump.

Since his 2002 election, Ballance has been haunted by two demons: his illness, myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder, and a scandal that won't go away. A nonprofit foundation that Ballance helped found and run has come under intense scrutiny after a state audit uncovered conflicts of interest and potential misuse of state funds.

Ballance's exit from the public stage may be abrupt and the circumstances difficult, but his presence is already sorely missed in the General Assembly, and should soon be in Washington.