Locked in a tough race, Democratic Congressman Mike McIntyre is refusing to endorse his party leader, President Barack Obama.
McIntyre told WECT-TV that he is not endorsing a presidential candidate.
"We've always been steadfast in our work for eastern North Carolina and I'm grateful because we've had Republican and Democratic friends who have supported us because they know my heart is there and it's not about a party agenda or any other person's agenda," said McIntyre, according to the Wilmington NBC affiliate. "Our focus is on the congressional race in eastern North Carolina."
Republicans are trying to link McIntyre to Obama as he faces a competitive re-election bid in the 7th Congressional District against Republican state. Sen. David Rouzer. And McIntyre had previously dodged the question about whether to support Obama
"Mike McIntyre can run but he can’t hide from his record of supporting President Obama's failed economic policies that have led to North Carolina’s sky high unemployment,” said Andrea Bozek, a spokeswoman for the National Republican Congressional Committee.
