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Supposedly there's a list a mile long for Burr's seat, but I haven't heard of anyone specific.

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D) is considering running for senate if Edwards gives up, and we would have a decent shot at his seat. Supposedly the ex-mayor of Raleigh has been mentioned as a possible candidate, but has never run?

"Supposedly there's a list a mile long for Burr's seat, but I haven't heard of anyone specific."

Richard Burr's seat (NC-05) is a rock solid GOP seat. So the GOP will retain the seat if Burr runs for the Senate. A Richard Burr/Walter Jones vs. Bob Etheridge Senate race would be a highly competitive. However, if Jim Snyder takes on Etheridge, the 'RATS will hold the trial lawyer's Senate seat.

Overall, I think the NC GOP ought to focus more on the governor's race in 2004. Gov. Mike Easley is more vulnerable than Sen. John Edwards. Also depending on how redistricting goes, the NC GOP could pick up more seats in the General Assembly. A favorable redistricting can happen only if the NC house votes for a GOP speaker. If that doesn't occur, then maybe the Whitehouse is justified in intervening with NC GOP primaries.