House Republican Won’t Run for Senate #NCSEN

North Carolina Rep. Renee Ellmers is taking a pass on a Senate bid in 2014.
The Republican announced on Tuesday that she will seek re-election instead, removing a potential top-tier challenger to Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan in one of the GOP’s best pickup opportunities.
“There is still plenty of time to look at future positions like the Senate and I will do my best to support the Republican candidate for this seat,” Ellmers said in a statement. “I feel the best job I can do for the people of North Carolina and the Second District is to continue fighting for them in the House.”
Republicans currently running include state Speaker Thom Tillis, tea party activist Greg Brannon and a few other lesser-known candidates.
Former Ambassador Jim Cain is taking a look at the race, and state Senate President Phil Berger has said he would make a decision by the end of July, which is Wednesday.
The race is rated Tossup/Tilt Democrat by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.