Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by bniolet on September 4, 2009 - 6:51am.
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U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge still isn't saying whether he intends to challenge U.S. Sen. Richard Burr next year.

But he's not saying no, either, The (Dunn) Daily Record reports. Etheridge, a Lillington Democrat was asked during a visit to the paper about whether he intends to run against Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican.

"I don’t know about that," Rep. Etheridge said with a wide grin.

He said he has been in contact with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee over the past few months.

"They’re doing a lot of talking," he said.

The paper notes that the stakes are high for Etheridge, who now sits on the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the House.

Etheridge's answer will likely help others decide whether to take a shot. Kenneth Lewis, a Durham lawyer, has announced his candidacy. But others, including former state Sen. Cal Cunningham, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Chapel Hill Mayor Kevin Foy have all expressed interest but haven't committed yet. Democrats have also been courting former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker.

Update: Later, Etheridge told Dome that it had been at least two weeks since he had spoken to the DSCC. A follow-up question was met with, "Gotta go…"

And during a conference call on health reform last Tuesday, he was similarly vague to a reporter from a Capitol Hill newspaper.

"Today is not the day I plan to talk about it. Thank you very much, though," Etheridge said.

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by senex24 on September 7, 2009 - 12:36pm.

if the dems ran a ham sandwich against Burr I would vote for the ham sandwich.

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by TruthSquad on September 7, 2009 - 8:13am.

The Katrina thing was a real low blow - but so typical of a Democrat. Katrina was brought to us by Mother Nature - and the world is a better place with our Saddam.

No matter who the Dems choose to challenge Burr, you can be certain they will be funded by people OUTSIDE of North Carolina.

Now there's an idea for a law: if you can't vote for them, you can't contribute to them!

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by dawgitall on September 6, 2009 - 3:18pm.

Paul, single payer has been off the table from the beginning. Please let's stick to the facts when you post. I guess what you mean is a public option. That's still a possibility. But it's far different from a "single payer government run health care system".

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by alchemistoxford on September 5, 2009 - 8:37am.

After watching Congressman Etheridge on UNC-TV's round table discussion on health care and reading Rob Christenson's interview as well as listening to the audio file, it just seems impossible for him to be a candidate against Burr. Congressman Etheridge has accumulated a lot of seniority in the House of Representatives -- hard-earned status that he would sacrifice to move across Capitol Hill -- and his salary would remain exactly the same. Congressman Etheridge has got a lot to lose to make the race and nothing to gain. I predict that he will soon make an announcement that he will not be a candidate clearing the way for a new face to emerge and challenge Burr -- Cal Cunningham made a terrific impression at the State Executive Committee meeting before the Sanford, Hunt, Frye Dinner last week-end.

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by WilmingtonDemocrat on September 4, 2009 - 9:12pm.

Make up your minds and get at it fellas - too much at stake - this is the chance to remove another Cheney Bush puppet of the insurance and oil companies, the Party that brought us Iraqand Katrina

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Re: Etheridge listening on Senate bid

Submitted by PaulTerrell on September 4, 2009 - 9:08pm.

I spoke with Etheridge personally at a Heroe's Gala event. While what he said to me will remain confidential. I believe he would lose to Burr based on his stand for a single payer government run health care system. Commonally known as Obama care.

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