Say it ain't so, Coop

Coop sent an e-mail to supporters today:

"Dear Friends:
A few weeks after I took the oath of office for my
third term as Attorney General, many of you asked me to consider becoming a U.S.
Senator in 2010. Because this can be an important way to help the people
of North Carolina, my family and I considered it. While I am honored by
the encouragement I’ve received, I don’t want to go to Washington and serve as a
U.S. Senator at this time. I am committed to public service and I want to
serve here in North Carolina rather than in Washington.

Right now, I’m moving forward with ways to make the lives of North Carolinians better and safer, even during these challenging times. We’re pushing for new laws and helping people struggling with bad loans, debt and foreclosure. At my request, the Governor just signed an executive order this week to begin “StreetSafe”, a
project that will reduce the number of repeat offenders and cut the crime rate
by coordinating nonprofits, businesses, faith-based initiatives, and government
to rehabilitate people who have committed crimes.
I am taking action right here in North Carolina to boost our economy, bolster education, improve our health care and make us more secure. I will continue to need your ideas and help. I am grateful for your encouragement and support."

What do we do now?????

Update -- Not long until we know?

All the latest signs on the 2010 Senate race have been positive since my last post.

First, there was Coop himself telling a reporter that he would decide whether or not to run "very soon." I know, that's frustratingly vague, but he sounds very serious about the prospect. In a related story, Chris Cillizza, relying on unnamed "sources," said that Coop would decide "by the end of the month" -- there are only 13 days left in April!

Second, another poll confirmed Coop has a small lead in the polls over the incumbent, while other Democrats don't fare as well. The closeness of the race reminds us that, as a new analysis confirms, Senate races in this state are very competitive.

Third, the incumbent isn't helping himself with comments like these.

Also, many thanks to Senate Guru for taking up our cause many different places online, including Blue NC and Daily Kos.

The Coop momentum continues!

Good work, Coop

You don't immediately think of health care -- one of America's most pressing concerns -- when you think of the state attorney general's responsibilities. But our man Coop is taking action, working in concert with the NC Association of Free Clinics. Check out the coverage in:
Charlotte Observer
WCNC (NBC affiliate in Charlotte)

It all boils down to Coop, the clinics, and some businesses working together to provide prescription medicines to the uninsured. And it doesn't cost the taxpayers at all. It is funded by $2.3 million in grants from the state's share of legal settlements that involved pharmaceutical companies. This couldn't come at a more appropriate time, since we recently learned that "the ranks of the uninsured have grown more in North Carolina than in any other state since the start of the economic downturn."

See, this is why we need Roy Cooper in the Senate. The man gets stuff done, works well with others, and solves problems, while looking out both for the taxpayers and for our neighbors in need.

Momentum

...is building in Roy Cooper's favor this week. He's been all over the news, as Under the Dome notes, while asking "is it his moment to announce a run for U.S. Senate in 2010?"

At the same time, another poll confirms that Cooper is the Democrat best positioned to run (Coop narrowly leads the incumbent 41-38), leading The Hill to call the race "tough" for the incumbent. The incumbent, for his part, has officially launched his re-election campaign online. He better get ready.

Here's an idea

Since we now know that political consultant Morgan Jackson is advising Coop on the 2010 race (he spoke on his behalf to a reporter about the matter), maybe we should send Mr. Jackson a note. The e-mail address for his company, Nexus Strategies, is:
info@nexusstrategies.com

If you're reading this blog and you agree that Coop ought to run in 2010, tell Mr. Jackson that you've been keeping up with the Draft Coop online movement. Tell him that you wish the attorney general well, and ask Mr. Jackson to pass along your encouragement to run. Will it do any good? Well, it can't hurt. It's just a way to tell Coop that there is a groundswell of North Carolinians out there hoping he runs.

More reporting on 2010 race

Heath Shuler's exit from the 2010 Senate race has caused reporters to focus again on who the Democratic candidate(s) might be:

• CQ Politics says "Shuler clears the way for North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, if he decides to run. Like Shuler, Cooper has strong cross-over appeal with Republican and independent voters and could campaign on conservative law-and-order issues thanks to his experience as the state’s top law enforcer."
• An AP reporter point-blank asked Coop and got a response through his political consultant, Morgan Jackson: "Attorney General Roy Cooper probably won't decide on a Senate run for a few more months. Jackson said the state's top prosecutor has been asked to consider other ways of serving 'but its too early for him to make such a decision.'" Meanwhile, neither Elaine Marshall nor Richard Moore ruled out running, although Moore's statement doesn't sound that much different from his previous statement that he would not run.

Breaking news: Shuler won't run in 2010

U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler has announced he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2010. Shuler could have been a good candidate, but not as good as our man Coop would be. Shuler has irritated some of the more liberal/progressive members of the Democratic family with his positions, so it might be tough for him to win a contested primary. One wonders if he suspects that Coop will run.

General Cooper, with Shuler, Brad Miller, and Richard Moore out, the ball is in your court. A state turns its eyes to you! I know, you're busy doing your job, making headway with the EPA, and advocating against the feds superseding state consumer protection laws. But if you've got a minute, think some more about running to represent us in the Senate, won't you?????