Democrats will have a primary to decide who should challenge Dole

RALEIGH (AP) — North Carolina Democrats have been looking for someone — anyone — to challenge Senator Elizabeth Dole in 2008.

Governor Mike Easley and Representative Brad Miller were among the many who either didn’t seriously consider a run, or decided against challenging the well-known, well-funded incumbent.

Now, several Democrats have stepped forward.

State Senator Kay Hagan of Greensboro is a political veteran who is already touting her experience. And Chapel Hill corporate financial adviser Jim Neal, a political newcomer, has already galvanized party liberals with his willingness to candidly discuss
his homosexuality.

Hagan, Neal and trucker Duskin Lassiter will face off in a May primary.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)