Pittenger eyes Lt. Gov. race

bkrueger — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 09:57:25 -0500

State Sen. Robert Pittenger of Charlotte has taken a big step toward a run for lieutenant governor.

Pittenger filed papers Monday with the State Board of Elections changing his campaign committee to a campaign for the state's No. 2 office, reports The Charlotte Observer's Mark Johnson.

"I wanted to make sure I filed the papers correctly in the event I make that decision" to run, Pittenger said.

He'll meet with family and advisers over the Thanksgiving holiday.

"I'm hoping to make a final decision next week," he said.

Pittenger, a Republican in his third term, has been eyeing the lieutenant governor's race this year as a way to further his push for greater accountability in the budget process, such as ensuring that tax dollars genuinely go to education.

No other Republicans have declared their candidacy for lieutenant governor. Pittenger represents a solid Republican district but, if he stays in the Senate, is expected to face a primary challenge from former Sen. Bob Rucho.

newsobserver.com projects - Pittenger eyes Lt. Gov. race - Comments

Pittenger eyes Lt. Gov. race