NC Sen: Cooper To Challenge Dole?

Democrats are urging Democratic North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper to challenge Senator Elizabeth Dole (R-North Carolina).

Cooper is considered a strong candidate for the US Senate having one statewide twice, both times when President Bush carried that state. Cooper had been considered a Gubernatorial candidate, but had previously said he would probably run for Attorney General.

Democrats are conceded that term-limited Democratic Governor Mike Easley, Dole's strongest possible competitor, will probably not run (Holding out for a possible cabinet position most likely). Congressman Brad Miller of Raleigh had been urged to run, but his progressive stances would make victory difficult (but not impossible) in conservative North Carolina.

Also being considered by North Carolina Democrats; Hugh Shelton, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Clinton's second term, State Senator Kay Hagan of Guilford County, and Afghanistan war veteran and State Representative Grier Martin of Raleigh