Daniel Johnson, the disabled Navy veteran who challenged Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry last year, has returned to Raleigh, to practice law.

Johnson, 33, left his job as a former Wake County assistant district attorney in 2007 to return to his home town of Hickory to challenge McHenry, Rob Christensen reports. But even in a big Democratic year, he could only win 42 percent of the vote in the strongly Republican 10th district.

"It was a fascinating experience," Johnson said. "It was a very rewarding experience. I want to stay involved and help other candidates."

Johnson is a highly decorated veteran who lost both of his legs while saving the life a crewman in Korea in 1999. He was a former staffer for then-Georgia Sen. Max Cleland.

Johnson said one reason for returning to Raleigh that his wife, Creecy Johnson, has gone to work in the state attorney general's office.

Johnson has opened up a solo criminal defense practice.

"I'm focusing on getting a practice up and running," he said.