mcintyre• By far the top story of the day is the retirement of Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-7th District, who has served since 1997. Former state Sen. David Rouzer, R-Johnston, and New Hanover County Commission Chairman Woody White, another former GOP state senator, are seeking the Republican nomination. Party heavyweights are backing each candidate.

• Meantime, New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, who last year announced plans to run against McIntyre for the Democratic nomination, may have a relatively clear path to the November ballot.

• Charlotte pastor Mark Harris, who’s running as a Republican for the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Kay Hagan, wins the endorsement of Concerned Women for America’s PAC, a group that opposes same-sex marriage and supports other culturally conservative causes.

• A preview of Iredell County races from the Mooresville Tribune indicates that there will be plenty of local, down-ballot contests across North Carolina to watch closely.

Politico profiles 10 major donors and groups that will weigh in on key Democratic and Republican races, several on single issues including same-sex marriage, campaign finance, and gun control.