NC-10: [Rep. Cass] Ballenger (R) plans to retire

[goobergunch]

The Associated Press

CHARLOTTE -- U.S. Rep. Cass Ballenger, R-N.C., said today he intends to retire at the end of his term rather than seek re-election to a 10th term in Congress.

Ballenger made the announcement on the morning show at Hickory radio station WHKY, saying he would step down after 37 years of public service, including Congress and state and local offices. After reading a brief announcement, Ballenger took telephone calls from local listeners.

The congressman cited the strain of "flying to Washington every Monday and flying back to the family every Friday."

Ballenger has raised hackles with criticism of an American Muslim group and a black congresswoman, and has been criticized in turn for supporting federal trade policies that many in his district believe have cost them their jobs.

more...http://newsobserver.com/news/story/3097497p-2810378c.html

Unfortunately, I believe this is a Republican safe seat. More details when I get home and have access to more data.

[mndemocrat_29]

1. North Carolina 10

Went 65.3 percent for Bush in 2000. This will go to the Republicans. St. Sen. Austin Allran or St. Sen. Debbie Clary will likely run for the Republicans. I have no idea who will run from our side.

[Frodo]

2. Will it matter?

With a 65-35 district?

[surfermaw]

6. George Moretz is going to run on the GOP

George Moretz a member of managment, if not the CEO of Carolina Mills located in Maiden, North Carolina..is going to run in the primary for Ballengers seat...Moretz will be running as a republican....that is the only way you can run in this district and expect to win.

Ballenger a do nothing member of congress sticks his foot in his mouth.. I was told, did not hear the statement... Ballenger on CSPAN... I live in one of the most republican populated districts in the nation,and I can do any thing I want to do and get elected.. If he did say this, how things are changing. He has a business in Hickory, North Caroling, and I have been told by many he brought in Mexicans if anyone complained about their work, again, I don't know this for a fact..just by words comming from around the county.

[jiacinto]

He said very anti-Muslim things

I did a look up on the seat. It's heavily Republican. It's in the Western Mountains of NC and probably has been Repuiblican for years.

[jiacinto]

3. He said very anti-Muslim things

I did a look up on the seat. It's heavily Republican. It's in the Western Mountains of NC and probably has been Repuiblican for years.

[NewJerseyDem]

4. That's good

Even if we don't have much of a chance, the new republican congressman probably won't have those "segregationist feelings" that have been annoying Ballenger for such a long time.

[funkyflathead]

5. This is my neck of the woods

Heavily white, heavily Repuke.