[VikingFan]

I find it interesting that he ran un-contested last November. Perhaps the deal was made before the election.

[RightOnGOP]

Deal made prior to election is highly unlikely. He happened to be an incumbent Republican(re-elected many times), in a (fairly) safe GOP area (Forsyth County voted for Dole over Bowles by more than 8,000 votes). I believe this was one of the races that did not attract a Dem opponent.

Also, it was unknown at that time, that the GOP had won a majority in the state house.

All combined, makes it all the more bitter for his constituents. Hope they remember, come primary time in '04. :(