Former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker is being courted as a possible opponent to Republican Sen. Richard Burr next year, and he is at least listening.
Wicker, a Sanford resident who practices law in Raleigh, said he has had conversations with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, former Gov. Jim Hunt and others, Rob Christensen reports.
"I’m still passionate about creating jobs and a higher standard for education and affordable health care," Wicker said.
"And I still have those pangs of emotion about being involved in public service. But I have been focused on my practice."
BUT.
"I’m doing some listening," Wicker said.
Wicker, 57, served two terms as lieutenant governor and six terms in the state House. He lost the Democratic nomination for governor in 2000 to Mike Easley.
The Democratic field for U.S. Senate is regarded as wide open.
One Democrat, Kenneth Lewis, a Durham attorney, has announced his candidacy. Three others, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, former state Sen. Cal Cunningham of Lexington, and Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy are looking at the race.
Polling numbers show that Burr is not very well known and his favorability ratings are lackluster, but polls suggest he could defeat any of the Democratic names being mentioned.
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