News-Record.com

From a PR Newswire release:

North Carolina Senator Richard Burr, a former businessman and pro-growth champion on Capitol Hill, has agreed to become the new Co-Chairman of the Senate Boating Caucus. Senator Burr replaces former Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.), who recently retired from the U.S. Senate, and will serve as co-chairman alongside Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.).

Now before you think Burr is going to don a little sailors cap and start having people call him "Commodore," this has more to do with business than regattas. More from the release:

"I love the outdoors so I'm pleased to be a Co-Chair of the Senate Boating Caucus," Burr said. "Like all North Carolinians, I know that boating is a great way to enjoy our state and we share that with many families across our country. The boating industry is an important part of North Carolina's economy that is continually growing," Burr added.

North Carolina is home to more than 60 boat manufacturers that generate more than 7,300 jobs statewide. With more than $649 million in new retail sales and services in the powerboat, motor, trailer and marine accessories market in 2006, North Carolina is the fourth biggest marine market in the U.S. There are currently more than 370,000 registered recreational boats in North Carolina.

"The National Marine Manufacturers Association applauds Senator Burr for taking on the responsibility of co-chairing the Senate Boating Caucus and thanks him for his strong representation of the recreational marine industry and boating community in North Carolina," said Scott B. Gudes, NMMA vice president of government relations. "We look forward to working with him to promote pro-boating policies on Capitol Hill."