Two separate sources have informed the Swing State Project that former state Sen. Cal Cunningham has reconsidered his earlier decision and will enter the Democratic primary for the 2010 North Carolina senate race. This is reminiscent of the situation two years ago, when state Sen. Kay Hagan got into the race against Elizabeth Dole after initially saying she would not run. We hope to hear more from Cunningham soon.
Also, our condolences to Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, whose husband passed away this past weekend.
UPDATE: Another source writes in to tell us that Cunningham will be delaying his announcement out of respect for Marshall.
So, how reliable are those Sources? Would be nice to get more Information out.
to let this leak the day of her husband’s funeral. It makes me not want to vote for him even if he is the nominee (thats a hollow threat, I know).
The arrogance of the DSCC in my state has become quite frustrating. If they actually got behind her they could raise what they needed to raise and they know it. I don’t really have the money right now but I’m giving what I can to Elaine today.
I join in the condolences to Elaine. I am so so sorry for her loss.
As a widower, I understand a bit about the emotion. It is a difficult time for her. The leak would certainly add to the emotional difficulties.
Whatever the circumstances, I’m not sure Cunningham or the DCCC would want to be known as taking advantage of a widow. Perhaps that is not the intent, but it sure appears that way.
I’m also surprised that this is the first we’ve heard about William Holford (Marshall’s husband)’s death. I don’t see any news of it on NC Blue, and just shared the info on DK (where AFAIK, there is no previous diary/comment on the subject).
Through http://www.elainemarshall.com , one link to send her condolences is http://www.democratsenators.or… .
Anyone who seriously thinks that a candidate, if they decide to get into a race, is joyous about RUMORS of their entry coming out on a day like this is clearly outrageous.
IF Cunningham is IN, then this decision was presumably made 7, 10, 12 days ago – long before Elaine Marshall’s (our prayers are with her) husband passed away. If you truly think someone vying for the hearts and minds of North Carolinians would be so Rove-esque, then you would be sorely mistaken.
IF this is actually happening, Cunningham must have a valid reason for doing so. And, while word getting out before he makes a clear, concise statement on his reasons for entering the race – it is not unexpected. In today’s media frenzy, it’s bound to happen.
Now, my suggestion is to take some time, learn more about Cal (you know, if this actually comes to fruition) and see where you stand with his positions and abilities. Personally, I think it’s pretty sour for Swing State to be the first to print these “unnamed sources'” rumors. When a significant, potential change in a major U.S. Senate race like this happens – those desperate to break news should actually validate their sources and check with the candidate personall to verify.
Otherwise, you get horrendous mis-information like this and rumors about Cunningham having poor taste to “do” this during the wake for Elaine’s husband.
When it’s official, then let’s discuss.
Why does the DSCC keep acting like she isn’t a serious candidate? Yes, her fundraising thus far sucks and the NC DNC establishment is pretty unpopular, but at least she’s a statewide official. Surely she is better than some of the people that the DSCC is trying to entice into the race, like Cunningham here.
Also, it’s pretty awful to suggest that this was deliberately leaked on the day of her husband’s funeral. What kind of person would do something like that?
Good for him. As I said above more unfortunate than anything else.
out of frustration. If you’re in, Cal, then get in. Don’t say you’re out then say you’re in a few weeks later. We defended those actions in 2008 but it will be hard to do again.
Elaine does have good name recognition and strong support statewide. It’s rare for a Democrat to win both early voting and on Election Day – but she did (albeit by a small amount). Folks might not get crazy excited about her, but they like her and respect her.
I hope Emily’s List gets involved on her behalf. The money can be there if these groups want it to be there. Kay Hagan didn’t start with any sort of whopping figures. To say Elaine is not viable due to fundraising isn’t fair.
And all the apparent indecisiveness.
Three candidates I would have prefered past on taking on Burr, but Marshall jumped in there and has not wavered.
Whether true or not, to an outside this guy looks like he has a spine of jello.