* Washington columnist Stuart Rothenberg thinks U.S. Rep. Larry Kissell "could see a steep drop-off" in 2010 from certain "demographic groups."

* U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx wins "Defender of Liberty" award for 100 percent voting-record rating in 2008 from American Conservative Union.

* Hundreds of protesters gather at the legislative building to argue against higher taxes; speakers include Mary Katharine Ham and Joe the Plumber.

* Former Republican auditor Les Merritt and former Raleigh City Councilman John Odom endorse Chad Adams for N.C. Republican Party chairman.

A top political observer said this week that U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole could falter in her bid for re-election in 2008, but that North Carolina Democrats still have a tough road ahead of them.

"I'm open-minded on Elizabeth Dole," said Stu Rothenberg, editor of The Rothenberg Report, speaking to a group of reporters in Washington, Barb Barrett reports.

"The Democrats would have to mount a strong campaign," he said.

He said Dole is popular in the state and that, because she's a woman, Democrats might have to be careful in how they attack her. But, he added, Republican numbers have been down nationally.

In Washington, Democratic party operatives told a Capitol Hill newspaper, Roll Call, on Tuesday that North Carolina is in a second tier of states the party will target for the 2008 Senate races.

They are still looking at a number of different candidates.