US Senate 2010

Digging in Federal paperwork this week I came across an unfamiliar name that led to this curious statement on a Facebook page:

Have you noticed that Senator Burr has suddenly become a little more visible? The Party is concerned that he’s the most vulnerable Republican Senator preparing for 2010 elections. The John Locke Foundation states that he’s not unpopular just unknown and needs to define himself before the electorate. Where has he been since he first arrived in Washington in 1994? Fifteen years later and you’re still unknown, Senator? Where have you been hiding? You haven’t been in North Carolina listening to the people who elected you!

What to make of this? ...

And happy birthday! We're honored that you'd squeeze in time for BlueNC tonight. Thank you.

As you've no doubt read, our community members have posted some interesting and thought-provoking questions, which we'll weave into this live blogging event.

Thanks again for visiting with us.

(Those who don't have a good sense of Elaine Marshall's background and experience can go to her website to find out more.)

Dear Friends,

After giving a serious and thorough look at a race for the U.S. Senate, I have decided not to seek office at this time. This has been a very difficult decision, but I’m sure there will be another day and there are many other ways to serve.

I am deeply committed to public service and have a passion for working on the serious issues facing our State and country. A campaign for the Senate is about winning and working to be a part of the answer. As a candidate, I have to look supporters in the eye and show them how we win – and what we do when we get there. After a very careful look, I’ve concluded that this is the wrong race at the wrong time for me and my family.

cross-posted at dKos

As most of you know, Richard Burr was one of the 30 Republicans who voted against an amendment that would require corporations to allow sexual assault cases to go to court rather than arbitration. Well, today, his opponent, Elaine Marshall, slammed him for it.

"Senator Burr has obviously been in Washington too long," said Marshall, who is one of two Democrats who say they will challenge Burr's 2010 bid for a second term. She is also a founder of a rape crisis center. "This is a clear-cut case of right versus wrong, and Richard Burr got it wrong."

Burr also got slammed by Jon Stewart--haven't been able to find video of that yet.

In his latest fund-raising email North Carolina Republican Senator Richard Burr apparently doesn't believe telling the truth will work, so he resorts to scare tactics and misinformation to raise money. He gives three reasons why we should send him our hard-earned money.

The U.S. Senate is in the midst of debate right now over healthcare reform. Hopefully, you have read about the plan I am co-sponsoring, "The Patients Choice Act," which I believe is a reasoned approach to this issue. I am sure you are aware that many in Congress support a government-run option for our health care. I do not believe this is the way to address healthcare reform, and I am pledged to continue the fight against that option.

First, I couldn't find one respected organization arguing for this plan.

Saturday was amazing! We were treated first to Sec. Elaine Marshall’s sharp-witted down home talk, “I understand the people of North Carolina” she said and then told a story of when she was first elected to office.

Cal Cunningham has been gaining a lot of press and grassroots support in hopes that he will decide to pursue the Democratic nomination for North Carolina's 2010 U.S. Senate seat. His admirers on Facebook and Twitter are constantly growing and Cal has certainly been listening to these passionate voices.

Cal released a personal statement to his supporters moments ago. It is attached below for the BlueNC community to hear. Thank you.

A big milestone was reached over the weekend, as the Facebook group asking Cal Cunningham to run for US Senate gained more supporters than the DSCC has on its political page.

That is correct. At almost 700 members, Cal has more supporters on Facebook than the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee!

I know there are a lot of people here who believe that the DSCC will try and tell us who we should choose, but they understand the power of the grassroots to bring a lesser known candidate to the top. I know that this level of support this early will help show them that Cal is a great candidate worth their support.