The Sad Words We Did Not Want To Hear

"Shot through the heart
And you're to blame.
You give (North Carolina 2010 Democratic Senate chances)
A Bad Name."

Alas, Dome breaks the story that some of us have been hearing/hoping was not true for some time. Roy Cooper will not run for Richard Burr's Senate seat in 2010.

While it is great to retain the powerful convictions and ideas of Mr. Cooper full time here in North Carolina, many Democrats across the state will mourn the decision of a man many felt was the perfect choice to defeat Burr. A tough, justice minded Democrat, with moderate positions that play well in all corners of the state vs. a bank looting, disabled war veteran stalling, crypto-conservative has been ripe for an upset.

However, this should not leave us here at BlueNC, or anyone else eyeballing this race, disheartened. There is still a strong bench of contenders from all over North Carolina and a powerful base of support, anxious and capable enough to oust Burr from his useless seat.

Oh well, who else has ideas? Who would you like to see assume the party ticket? What do you expect to happen next? Please add all comments below.

(BTW, sorry for the lack of links. I am stuck in the old editing system, without all the customary buzzes and whistles that make linking stories so much easier. Any help Betsy?)