Sen. John Edwards is expected to announce he will not run for Re-Election

The Hill ^ | September 3, 2003 | Peter Savodnik

[Pubbie]

North Carolina. Democratic Sen. John Edwards is expected to announce within two weeks that he will not run for re-election to the Senate so that he can focus on his struggling White House bid.

Last week, former South Carolina Gov. Jim Hunt (D), a key Edwards supporter, predicted Edwards would drop out of the Senate race when he officially declares his candidacy for president Sept. 16, in his hometown of Robbins, N.C.

Several Democrats may run if Edwards opts not to seek a second Senate term. They include former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles, who lost to GOP Sen. Elizabeth Dole last year, and former state Rep. Dan Blue, who lost to Bowles in the 2002 primary. The Democratic nominee would likely face Republican Rep. Richard

Burr, who has close to $3.5 million in his campaign war chest.

[Spyder]

I think Edwards's hair looks more like an early Glen Campbell - i.e., be careful not to fall down, you'll crack your hair.

[justshe]

WOW! A two-fer!

He doesn't stand a chance in the Presidential race....and he will no longer be a Senator.

Woo-Hoo!!!!

[Servant of the Nine]

It's not like he could win anyway.

I just wish Congressman BillyBob would run for the slot.

SO9

[alwaysconservative]

Isn't there some strong Republican, pro-business candidate in Nevada to run against Reid? In addition to Illinois, I think Alaska is potentially vulnerable, with Frank Murkowski naming his daughter to the seat. I don't know what candidate can go against Dorgan in ND.

[Kuksool]

If John Edwards does decide to not run for Senate re-election, an open NC seat is no cake walk for the GOP. In recent history, NC Senate seats are won narrowly. I'd prefer Burr face Bob Etheridge in the general election. Both candidates start off relatively unknown to people outside their districts.

Erskine Bowles shall be a tough candidate to beat. I was surprised by Erskine Bowles's strong showing in the rural areas of NC. Bowles has deep pockets to self-finance a campaign and is still fresh in the minds of NC voters from last year's election. Burr is going to have to work hard to win the seat. Although with Bush on top of the ticket, Burr should be able to win.

[Pubbie]

MultiMillionare Realtor Jack Woodcock is strongly leaning towards a run in Nevada. He's said he is willing to spend $250,000 of his own money just to get his campaign started.

In Alaska, don't worry, we'll retain that seat because of the ANWAR issue.

[goldstategop]

If Jack Woodcock works hard, he could knock off Harry Reid. The seat is not his just cause he's a millionaire. Remember Mike Huffington.

Linda Murkowski seems safe. People like political dynasties. If Massachusetts loves Ted, so goes Alaska.

[Pubbie]

Yes, Reid is powerful in Nevada, but he isn't popular, or at least, as popular as he should be.

[rrrod]

100% correct in your assesment! burr is a good man and has a good chance of winning but as you said it wont be a cake walk no matter who he runs against,,,here in nc we tend to self destroy at the last minute before the election! hopefully the white house and bush crew will step in like they did for dole! other wise if left up to our state party we would get another democRAT...keep your fingers crossed!

[rrrod]

100% correct in your assesment! burr is a good man and has a good chance of winning but as you said it wont be a cake walk no matter who he runs against,,,here in nc we tend to self destroy at the last minute before the election! hopefully the white house and bush crew will step in like they did for dole! other wise if left up to our state party we would get another democRAT...keep your fingers crossed!

[Conservateacher]

What's the deal? I read somewhere that Reid is Mormon. I always thought Mormons were very conservative. Was this wrong? How can a Mormon be a social liberal?

[Littlejon]

You beat me to the punch! I love it when newsnerds can't get even the most basic of information right.

I don't think this is that big in that I feel Burr would have walked away with the seat even had the Breck Girl decided to fight for his seat. Breck Girl is toast in this state for now. He is hated almost as much as Bill Clinton, which has to be some sort of record!

I voted for Burr when he ran for the House & have always felt he was one of our best representatives. I think he may finally break that Senate seat's curse of "one & done" terms.

[CFC__VRWC]

I guess he wants to go back to enriching himself by bankrupting businesses practicing law.

[gridlock]

I'm still registered to vote in NC. Should I reregister or is this gonna be a close race?

You should vote where you live. No need sinking to the opposition's level.

[Cobra64]

Will he make his announcement in front of a battleship?

Nope. a decommisioned Battleship. The way Kerry did yesterday. What a dolt.

[Pubbie]

He's a Mormon, but he is a complete liberal - there's no law saying he has to be a social conservative.

[Kuksool]

***How can a Mormon be a social liberal?***

There are Catholics who are pro-abortion liberals. Just ask Ted Kennedy.

[Cobra64]

What, Danny DeVito isn't available?

Fred Flintstone is definitely available. A staffer at the DNC said so.

[Constitution Day]

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[Constitution Day]

Indexing to Edwards Watch...