Former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker said Wednesday that he would not challenge Republican Sen. Richard Burr next year.
Wicker, a Raleigh lawyer and a Democrat, said he seriously considered a Senate bid this time and received strong encouragement to take the plunge, Rob Christensen reports.
"The demands of raising $15 million to $20 million is just an enormous amount of money," Wicker said.
He also cited the demands of a relatively young family and a full-time law practice.
"Richard Burr is going to be a tough opponent," Wicker said. "But it is a winnable race for a Democrat. About this time in the 2008 election cycle the Democrats were scrambling for a candidate, when Kay Hagan said yes then said no and then came back and said yes. A year is an eternity in politics. It may not look like a great year for Democrats. But it can change quickly, particularly if the economy improves."
Wicker is a former state House majority leader and was a candidate for governor in 2000.
There are two Democrats who have announced their candidacy: Secretary of State Elaine Marshall and Chapel Hill lawyer Kenneth Lewis. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has been trying to convince former state Sen. Cal Cunningham, an Iraq veteran who previously decided not to run, to enter the race.
U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge previously decided not to run.
Comments
Re: Wicker is out
November 19, 2009 - 7:31am — domewatcherCould this be a divine plan? If no one will accept then who is left? Could this be the time for John to make his comeback?
I think he would be a sure thing. John is for the poor people. At the rate Obama is going we will all be poor by the time the election rolls around. Obama's lack of economic policies means that the only ones who will not be poor will be those on government bailouts. If we are all poor then John gets all the votes. John will fight for the poor! We need someone fightin' for us!
The failure of any Democrats to step up and run against Burr is obviously some type parable or omen or low pressure system. The poor will always be among us! John is the only one who cares for the poor! Let's send Burr out on Sarah's bus! End illegal parking! Stand up for the poor!
Re: Wicker is out
November 19, 2009 - 7:03am — BitterEXdemocratHow bout RC Soles?
The depth chart is looking bleak.
November 18, 2009 - 4:55pm — domewatcherThe first string is out, the second string is out, the third string is out. The taxi squad left in a Yellow Cab. As Brad Pitt, playing Achilles, said: "Is there no one else?"
There's always Bobby Boucher.
Re: Wicker is out
November 18, 2009 - 1:17pm — GrayJHere comes Cal