North Carolina Democratic Bench Keeps Shuffling
Will the last endangered Democratic official in North Carolina please turn out the lights?
Rep. Brad Miller (D) announced his retirement this morning. Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue, facing the likely prospect of an epic defeat this November, announced her decision not to run for a second term this afternoon. Later, politically vulnerable Rep. Mike McIntyre (D) opened the door to running for governor of the Tar Heel State. And a local news report tonight said Rep. Heath Shuler (D) is eyeing a bid for governor as well. A Shuler spokeswoman had no comment.
In a statement, McIntyre, who faces an uphill slog to re-election after the Republican Legislature adjusted his district to be substantially more Republican, wished Perdue the best going forward.
“The ideals and issues that make our state and nation great do not belong to either political party,” he said. “I love North Carolina; I love serving its people; and I am always open to considering broader opportunities to serve, including the possibility of Governor.”
The Legislature also gerrymandered the districts of Miller and Shuler. Miller’s 13th district was essentially eliminated, and he chose to step down instead of running against fellow Democratic Rep. David Price. Shuler’s district became the most Republican in the state, and although he is a skilled campaigner, he would face a tough fight to return to the 113th Congress.
Roll Call rates Shuler’s race a Tossup and McIntyre’s race Leans Republican.
The fourth endangered Democrat in the Tar Heel State, Rep. Larry Kissell, has only a very narrow path to another term in the House. Roll Call rates his race Likely Republican.