Howard Lee has been floated as a challenger to Sen. Elizabeth Dole.
The chairman of the State Board of Education he has talked to a couple of people about the race, but is not actively pursuing it, Rob Christensen reports.
"There have been some people who have talked to me," Lee said. "It's fascinating and I'm flattered, but right now I'm happy with what I’m doing. I will never say never. But right now it's not on my radar screen."
Lee, 73, is a member of the State Utilities Commission. His political career dates back to 1969 when he was elected mayor of Chapel Hill, the first black mayor elected in the South.
He has served in the state Senate, as a member of Gov. Jim Hunt's cabinet as secretary of natural resources and community development, and lost a close race for lieutenant governor in 1976.
Lee said he didn't believe age would be a factor, because Dole is 70.
"Probably one would have to be concerned what what role race would continue to play in these races," Lee said. "Maybe even gender. But I don't see that as a major factor."
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