Free Republic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. North Carolina voters aren't likely to get a chance to send a second ex-NFL player to Congress. Former Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter told The Associated Press on Tuesday that he has decided against seeking the Republican nomination for the 8th District seat in 2010. Ex-Washington Redskins quarterback Heath Shuler, a Democrat, holds the state's 11th District seat. Republicans hosted Minter in Washington earlier this month in hopes the popular ex-Panther would decide to challenge Democrat Larry Kissell, who beat 10-year Republican incumbent Robin Hayes in November's election. Minter said he decided the job would put too much...

CHARLOTTE — Former Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter said Wednesday that he will make a decision in the next few weeks whether to challenge for the 8th District seat. The seat is currently held by Democrat Larry Kissell, who defeated 10-year Republican incumbent Rep. Robin Hayes in November’s election. Minter spoke minutes after returning from a two-day visit to Washington where he surveyed the political scene. He said he would discuss the issue with his family and pastor before deciding. “My thing right now is trying to find the best way I can help people achieve what they need to...

Could North Carolina have another former NFL player in its Congressional ranks? Former Carolina Panthers star safety Mike Minter is considering running for Congress against Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.), according to a Republican operative. Minter was in Washington earlier this week and spoke with the National Republican Congressional Committee to discuss a possible GOP campaign. He still is a long way off from making a decision, but has begun to consider a career in politics. Minter played for the Panthers from 1997-2006, and was one of the top defensive players in the league. Since his playing days, he has been...