Pomeroy Won’t Run for Dorgan’s Seat, Other Democrats Floated
Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) is expected to announce today in an afternoon press conference that he will not run for Senate in North Dakota, but Democrats insist they have other prospective candidates that have the political chops to defend retiring Sen. Byron Dorgan’s (D-N.D.) seat.
Pomeroy’s office confirmed the event and a Democratic source said it was to announce he will stay in the House, where he could face his own tough contest.
Among the leading names being floated for Dorgan’s Senate seat is former Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp (D) who lost to Gov. John Hoeven (R) in the 2000 governor’s race. Heitkamp was diagnosed with breast cancer mid-way through that race.
Supporters have already started a Heitkamp for U.S. Senate Facebook page that has over 700 members.
Hoeven is expected to run on the Republican side, and would be the favorite if he does.