• A National Journal analysis of Obamacare’s role in the re-election bids by Democratic Senate incumbents (including North Carolina’s Kay Hagan) concludes that the negative impacts of the law are likely to make those who voted for it, like Hagan, less likely to talk about health care as they campaign.
• Republican Heather Grant, a nurse practitioner from Wilkesboro, has filed for Hagan’s Senate seat.
• In other Senate-related news, the civil lawsuit involving GOP candidate Greg Brannon, who (along with a business partner) was sued for fraud by investors in a high-tech start-up venture, has entered a second day of jury deliberations.
• It’s candidate forum season, and 2nd Congressional District Democratic contenders Clay Aiken and Keith Crisco fielded questions from Randolph County Democrats. Aiken was more enthusiastic than Crisco about Obamacare.
• Roxboro attorney Brent Groce, a Democrat, has filed to succeed retiring state Rep. Winkie Wilkins in the 2nd District. Person County Commissioner Ray Jeffers also is expected to file as a Democrat. Republican Larry Yarborough of Roxboro has filed for the seat as well.
• The AFL-CIO gives state Rep. Alma Adams, D-Guilford, the latest of many endorsements in her quest for the 12th Congressional District seat.
