Will McIntyre run for Burr’s seat?

Now that Roy Cooper has announced he’s out of the race for US Senate next year, many are wondering if Rep. Mike McIntyre will run for the seat?

The Congressman was at the New Hanover County Commission meeting Monday morning to deliver some federal funding to the fire department. Afterward he admitted he has not ruled out a run against Republican incumbent Richard Burr next year.

“Attorney General Roy Cooper just made his announcement this past Friday, so the weekend is just now gone by,” McIntyre said. “We’ve had several people encourage us and make positive comments about that possibility, but we’ll take a look at it.”

Last month, McIntyre was the only Democrat other than Cooper polling within five points of Burr in a survey by Public Policy Polling. PPP’s Tom Jensen told NewsChannel3 McIntyre remains a strong candidate for Senate if the Congressman can get enough crossover support from Republicans. Jensen said McIntyre may also face criticism in the Democratic primary that he is too conservative.