Even senators from safe districts are playing a tough offense.

Sen. Josh Stein, a Raleigh Democrat, announced a November fundraiser featuring sponsorship levels of $2,000, $1,000, $500, and $250. Tickets to the event are $100.

As Stein notes, the party that controls the next election has the run of the table for the next decade since the next legislature will redraw the state's legislative districts.

We accomplished a great deal this past year, even in the face of daunting fiscal challenges. We protected public education, invested in clean energy jobs, expanded access to health care, cleaned our drinking water, invested in public transportation, and banned smoking in restaurants and bars. These victories happened because Democrats were in control. It is especially important that we keep it that way in 2010 because the next General Assembly will draw the Congressional and legislative districts for the next ten years.

We can be certain that Republicans will mount a significant challenge next year. Maintaining Democratic control of the Senate will require us to fight hard for every seat -- that's why I need your help. 

Biden has become a leading figure in helping House Democrats prepare for next year's elections. Kissell, a Biscoe Democrat, narrowly won his seat 2008. The GOP has targeted the seat in next year's mid-term elections. Fayetteville businessman Lou Huddleston, a Republican, is running for the seat.

Dome's Barb Barrett filed a report about the event, which was held at the Cleveland Park home of William and Susie Taylor. Among those in the audience was U.S. Rep. Mel Watt, a Charlotte Democrat.

Kissell introduced Biden.

"There’s something magical about someone from a textiles background, and who was teaching high school civics a year ago, to be standing up here with the vice president. That’s a miracle. That’s what makes this country great," Kissell said.

Correction: A previous version of this post misstated Kissell's election results. Dome regrets the errors.

   Comments (6)

Congressman Eric Cantor, one of the rising national GOP stars, is scheduled to appear at a Charlotte fund raiser at lunch time today, to help raise money for the re-election campaign of Rep. Sue Myrick, Rob Christensen reports.

Cantor of Virginia is the House Republican whip.

* Attorney General Roy Cooper spotted at Bill Clinton fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, potentially contributing to his own primary opponent in 2010.

* Teen-agers on the N.C. Youth Leadership Council plan to personally lobby for a bill for comprehensive sex ed in grades seven through nine.

* House Speaker Joe Hackney may or may not be backing off his opposition to a sin tax hike, telling WUNC's Laura Leslie "it's too early" to say what the legislature will do.

* Legislative guru Gerry Cohen weighs in on the effects of the economy on legislation, noting that historically bill filings have dropped during bad times.

* U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler raised "a six-figure sum" at a fundraiser in Raleigh Monday featuring former President Bill Clinton, according to a spokesman.

* State Rep. Pricey Harrison said she's going to push again for a law that would require new cars sold here to emit fewer gases blamed for global warming.

* Democratic pollster Tom Jensen argues Civitas' polling on the 2010 Senate race was affected by the fact they don't include party affiliation for the candidates.

* Bill deadlines. House: April 1 for local bills, April 8 for non-budget, May 6 for budget. Senate: March 11 for local and March 25 non-budget. Crossover is May 14.

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry is being feted by House conservatives.

The Cherryville Republican is being honored in Washington tonight at a welcome reception and fundraiser as the new honorary chairman of the House Conservatives Fund.

The fundraiser, which is being held at an American Legion post, will also feature Rep. Tom Price, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and members of the House Conservatives Fund.

Entrance costs range from $50 for a guest to $5,000 for a host. The Credit Union Legislative Action Council and the R.J. Reynolds PAC are sponsoring the event.

Hat Tip: Sunlight Foundation

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell will have a birthday fundraiser.

The Biscoe Democrat will hold a birthday party and North Carolina barbecue at the National Democratic Club Townhouse in Washington on Jan. 28 — three days before he turns 58.

Tickets to the event range from $500 for a guest to $5,000 for a chair.

The event is being promoted by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which backed Kissell's campaign.

Previously: Kissell to hold "defense breakfast" in Washington.

Hat Tip: Sunlight Foundation

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr will host a private fundraiser in Washington.

The Winston-Salem Republican will hold a reception at the home of lobbyist John Milne. Other hosts include attorney Tad Davis, lobbyists Harry Katrichis and Bill Hecht and Emergent Biosolutions vice president Al Shofe.

Tickets to the event range from $500 for an individual to $2,000 for a political action committee to host.

Hat Tip: Sunlight Foundation

U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell will host a fundraiser Friday morning.

The Biscoe Democrat will hold a "Defense Breakfast" with major donors at the National Democratic Club Townhouse in Washington, D.C.

Contributions range from $500 as a guest to $5,000 to chair the event.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which supported Kissell's run for the House last year, is helping distribute tickets.

During last year's Democratic presidential primary, N.C. Sen. Julia Boseman traveled with Bill Clinton as he stumped for his wife, Hillary. Now the former president is repaying the favor.

Clinton is scheduled to headline a fundraiser this month for the Wilmington Democrat in Raleigh. The same day he'll headline another for U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, Jim Morrill reports.

"It's not everyday the president comes down and throws a fundraiser for you," Boseman said today. "It gives me on start on fundraising for next year."

She might need it.

Through October, she'd spent nearly three-quarters of a million dollars on race she would narrowly win. The Senate Democratic committee helped, giving her $438,000.

Shuler is rumored to be considering a 2010 challenge to Republican Sen. Richard Burr. Spokesman Andrew Whalen said Clinton will help raise money for another House campaign.

"Today," Whalen said, "we're running for re-election to the house."