N.C.'s Etheridge bows out of running for Senate seat

[ccharles000]

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-N.C.) has decided against running for the Senate in 2010, according to informed sources, a choice that hands Democrats another setback in their recruiting efforts against North Carolina's senior senator, Richard Burr (R).

Etheridge, who served as state superintendent of public education before getting elected to Congress in the mid-1990s, has been courted for the race by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He has repeatedly flirted with running for the Senate earlier this decade, only to decide against a bid.

Etheridge is the second high-profile DSCC recruit in North Carolina to turn down the contest. Earlier this year, state Attorney General Roy Cooper decided against running despite the urgings of Senate Democrats and the White House.

Attorney Cal Cunningham, who also drew some interest from the DSCC, announced earlier this week he also would not run, although it's likely that national party strategists will make another run at him in the wake of the Etheridge decision. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is also running.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/etheridge-bows-out-of-running.html

[bluestateguy]

1. It would have likely meant the party losing his House seat

He is a safe incumbent, but in an open seat situation in 2010. that seat could go red.

If Elaine Marshall can run a good campaign she can beat Burr.

[mmonk]

2. Elaine Marshall can do it. I helped her get elected to office the first time.

People didn't think we could win that race either.

[Mudoria]

3. I was very disappointed Cooper decided not to run..

the way things stand now Burr may win re-election from the simple fact no one with a good shot at beating him will run.