Myrick Says She Won't Seek Senate Seat in '04

http://www.rollcall.com ^

[Gunder]

Rep. Sue Myrick (R) took herself out of contention for the 2004 race against Sen. John Edwards (D) on Tuesday. "I learned a long time ago never say never in this business, but honestly, my concentration is on what the people elected me to do right now," Myrick told a local television station.

Myrick has held the Charlotte-based 9th district since 1994. She ran for the Senate in 1992, losing the primary to Lauch Faircloth, who went on to win the seat.

In a poll conducted in mid-October by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research, Myrick ran strongest against Edwards.

Edwards led Myrick 43 percent to 33 percent; he held a 45 percent to 32 percent over 3rd district Rep. Walter Jones Jr. (R) and a 45 percent to 30 percent over Rep. Richard Burr (R).

Despite the polling results, Burr is seen by national Republicans as the strongest candidate against Edwards.

Edwards continues to contemplate a presidential bid and is expected to make a decision by early next year. Under North Carolina law, he can simultaneously run for president and re-election to the Senate.

[corodon]

I wish I agreed. The 3 reps. in this poll are '94 "Contract with America" Republicans, and clearly competent. Myrick, for example, was a two-term mayor of Charlotte, Jones was a state Assemblyman for 10 years. I'd love to know why Burr is considered the strongest.

Edwards' bio is impressive, though. Self-made, smart, family-rooted; should be a Repub. But along the way he became a lawyer, sold out to the ABA, and is as liberal as they come. He needs to be retired until he comes to his senses.

[rightwingbob]

True, most people are non-political, and vote for frivilous reasons like background. I'll bet the soccer moms will vote for him because they think he looks good. He just might break the trend (a senator hasn't been re-elected in that seat since 1968).