Rep. Rick Glazier to Seek Re-election and Not Congress

According to the Fayetteville Observer and our good friends over at the "Under the Dome" blog today, State Representative Rick Glazier of Cumberland County has formally stated his decision to forego a bid for Congress in the 8th District.

This apparently leaves only two Democrats in the 2008 race for Congress: Larry Kissell - the 2004 Democratic nominee who lost to Republican Robin Hayes by a scant 320 votes - and John Autry.

From what I have heard from many folks throughout the district (including both persons who know Rick and those who do not), his decision was welcomed.

Rep. Glazier is an excellent legislator, and has been a work-horse (not a show horse, as some lawmakers are, God bless 'em) dedicated to progressive policies in the NC General Assembly. Rick is probably one of the most ardent voices for public education in the State. He has also been an advocate for improvements in our courts and in their pursuit of justice. Rick's decision to seek re-election will help him further the depth of his service on this and other issues. It will also help keep a Democratic majority in the House.

What would an 8th District Democratic Congressman's Top Ten list be?

Several weeks ago there was a mini-burst of activity on this site by supporters of two candidates for Congress in North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District. I say "two" candidates because about a week ago I received a letter from John Autry's campaign specifically identifying his manager, website, and opening of a committee with the Federal Elections Commission. (Thank you for mailing that to me, by the way.) Autry lives in Charlotte and ran in the 2006 Democratic primary. Larry Kissell, a Biscoe educator, has been a 2008 candidate since the end of his extremely close 2006 race in the general election. And there may be others who haven't officially made their decisions about Congress yet. One person who may fit into that category is State Representative Rick Glazier of Fayetteville, whose name occasionally pops up in news coverage or other blogs on the subject.

OK, here is my first set of questions I pose to candidate (Kissell and Autry) and potential candidate (Glazier? Others?), and their respective supporters alike:

What would a Democratic Congressman in the 8th Congressional District do?

With apologies to David Letterman, what would your Top Ten List be for the Eighth Congressional District?

In other words, what would your action items be?

I welcome your comments and proposals.