Hagan weighs run for Senate against Dole (NC)

The Greensboro News-Record ^ | September 5, 2007 | Mark Binker

[Clintonfatigued]

State Sen. Kay Hagan said Tuesday she is "looking into" a run for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Republican Elizabeth Dole.

The Greensboro Democrat's name has been raised frequently by political analysts in the past nine months as a potential contender. However, this is the first time Hagan herself has directly addressed the possibility of challenging Dole, who faces re-election in 2008.

Until now, Hagan has been circumspect in talking about a potential run, saying during this year's legislative term that she was focused on completing the state budget.

On Tuesday, Hagan said Dole is "vulnerable" to a challenge.

"I guarantee you, I wouldn't be thinking about this if I didn't think she was," Hagan said. "She's definitely vulnerable. I don't think she's in North Carolina very much, and I couldn't tell you a thing she's done for North Carolina."

Hagan said she would make a final decision on whether to run "sooner rather than later."

[billbears]

LOL, it's not all transplants. But some of them, whew ;) Ms. Dole is an example of that. She had no use for her 'home state' until she needed a place to run for office. I do believe she would need a map to find NC again.

I really haven't liked Dole for many years since she was Sec Transportation under President Reagan. Mandated airbags, maintaining national 55 limit, state seatbelt laws, raising drinking age, she was involved in all of that. Mind you I recognize she wasn't fully responsible for all of it but she had her hand in it. Unfortunately Ms. Dole thinks she knows better for us than we do.

[Pamlico]

Look I am Mr. 3 miles to the right of our beloved Sen. Helms and I support and have given money and will actively campaign for Senator Dole based on her correct stance on the Amnesty issue. I doubt this Hagan lady has a chance. I have never heard of her.

[abercrombie_guy_38]

You don’t like her because she mandated airbags?

Wow...

[srmorton]

I agree. The fact that none of the really prominent NC Democrats will touch this race with a ten foot pole tells you a lot. The only reason Hagan is even under consideration by the NC "good old boy" network is that she is a woman and would not have to "make nice" running against another woman.

People forget that Elizabeth Dole was born and raised in Salisbury, NC, where her mother still lived until her death in 2004. Liddy is also a graduate of Duke University. I forget.....had Hillary EVER lived in New York state prior to running for the Senate in 2004???? /sarcasm

[WOSG]

She’s been surprisingly conservative, voted for tax cuts, and helped stop amnesty.

[JSDude1]

Yep; and your point is well put, and taken!

(Of course New York isn’t N.C; Thank God!- at least If I have anything to say about it, it won’t be..And I have a lot to SAY :))!

True Mrs. Dole was born and raised in Salisbury, incidently where one of my good friends was born and raised too (China Grove right out side Salisbury, she is the mother of one of my best friends growing up in Durham, and also incidently the family that started up Food Lion)!

[JSDude1]

I mean if ANYone ever tries to make North Carolina into New York; they’ll be ~....~ well lets just say they won’t make it; and will have A LOT to answer for ;)!