RALEIGH
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge will not challenge Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., next year, media outlets reported yesterday.
Etheridge, a Democrat from Lillington who represents North Carolina's 2nd District, has for weeks been considering a potential Senate run after being heavily recruited by national Democratic officials.
He has been reluctant to give up his seat in the House, where he holds an important spot on the Ways and Means Committee.
Etheridge told The Associated Press yesterday that he thinks he can best help the people of North Carolina by remaining in the House
A reporter for The Washington Post, Chris Cillizza, citing "informed sources," first reported Etheridge's decision on his blog, "The Fix."
Earlier this week, another potential candidate, Lexington lawyer Cal Cunningham, also said he will not run against Burr, of Winston-Salem.
So far, two Democrats have said they are running: Elaine Marshall, North Carolina's secretary of state, and Kenneth Lewis, a lawyer from Durham.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a statement describing Etheridge's decision not to enter the race as another setback for Democrats trying to find strong candidates against Burr.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee responded with a statement calling Burr one of the most vulnerable Republican incumbents in the nation, and saying that he will face a strong Democrat next year.
jromoser@wsjournal.com
919-210-6794
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement