The Fix sees North Carolina's race becoming competitive.
Despite the trouble state Democrats are having finding a candidate to run against U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza included the race for the first time in his Senate rundown this week:
10. North Carolina (R-controlled): State Attorney General Roy Cooper's decision not to run in 2010 makes Sen. Richard Burr's (R) path to a second term next fall easier. But, polling in the state seems to suggest that voters are far from sold on Burr and national Democrats seem to be committed to finding a serious candidate. Their two best remaining options are Reps. Heath Shuler and Mike McIntyre -- both of whom have conservative voting records in the House that would make it difficult for Burr to cast them as liberals. (Previous ranking: N/A)
Cillizza's options reflect the Washington view that a "name-brand" Democrat is needed for the campaign, although two lesser-known North Carolinians — Kenneth Lewis and Cal Cunningham — have indicated they may run.
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