NC-Sen: Shuler Won't Challenge Burr

[ccharles000]

The Associated Press:

North Carolina U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler said Monday he will not run for Senate in 2010, declining a chance to seek a seat in the upper chamber as Democrats try to expand their majority on Capitol Hill.
Shuler said he was flattered to have so many people ask him to challenge Republican Sen. Richard Burr.

"However, with our nation facing the most difficult economic times in generations, I feel my efforts are better utilized focusing on solutions to these challenges rather than campaigning across the state," Shuler said in a statement.

While Shuler definitely would have brought some strengths to the table as a general election candidate in North Carolina, he's certainly well to the right of most non-DINO Democrats in the Tar Heel state these days... and that could have given him some serious problems in a contested statewide primary. If this move frees up Attorney General Roy Cooper to take a closer look at the race -- who would probably be a stronger candidate in the general election anyway -- then this could be pretty good news. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

http://www.swingstateproject.com

:party:

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Now I've got to wonder why he's picking fights with Pelosi.

Maybe he wants a shot at governor? He must, because his current course of action isn't going to get him anywhere where he is currently situated.

[tekisui]

2. This is good news.

He has been a major disappointment, and I shuddered at the prospect of him being the "Dem" to replace Burr.

[ccharles000]

4. I agree

[msongs]

3. why would he challenge another republican...oh, forgot, Shuler's a DINO not repub nt

[last_texas_dem]

5. That's good

Shuler's conservatism may help him to hold on to his Repub-leaning district, but, with the Dems' growing strength in NC, I believe we can afford to run and elect a Democrat whose voting habit and views are more in line with the rest of the party.