Rep. Mike McIntyre’s announcement that he will not seek re-election to his 7th District seat in Congress — a district that includes Johnston County — has impacted at least one key political organization’s view of the race. From Roll Call:
It’s difficult to imagine a Democratic candidate being able to win a district such as North Carolina’s 7th without having a well-established, moderate reputation. That’s a big reason why we’re moving McIntyre’s seat from Pure Tossup to Currently Safe for Republicans in theRothenberg Political Report/CQ Roll Call ratings.
The question is, will this lead to a crowded GOP primary in the district? That could make the race truly fascinating in a different way. For now it looks as if the Republican McIntyre barely beat last time — former Johnston County state senator David Rouzer — is the only Republican who has officially declared. New Hanover County Commissioner Woody White has expressed interest.
