The Laurinburg Exchange
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
www.laurinburgexchange.com

Democrats target Hayes and Dole

Staff and wire report - Rep. Robin Hayes and Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2008 are the top two Republicans that Democrats hope to dispose of in 2008.

Hayes returned to Congress representing the 8th District, which stretches from north of Charlotte west toward Fayetteville and includes Scotland County. He did so after beating high school social studies teacher Larry Kissell by just 330 votes.

Kissell got little help from national Democrats in 2006. But they are sure to better support his challenge next year.

Democrats would also love to knock off Dole.

For much of the past year, the Party leaders sought someone - anyone - to challenge Dole next year.

Gov. Mike Easley and Rep. Brad Miller were among the many who either didn't seriously consider a run, or decided against challenging Dole after weighing the challenge of knocking off the well-known and well-funded incumbent.

And yet, for all of the party's struggles to find a top-line candidate, they've ended up with two. State Sen. Kay Hagan of Greensboro is a political veteran who is already touting her experience. Chapel Hill corporate financial adviser Jim Neal is a political newcomer who has already galvanized party liberals with his willingness to candidly discuss his homosexuality.

The result will be a May primary that Democrats had hoped to avoid - but one that also might be just what's needed to help the party topple Dole, a former cabinet member and GOP presidential candidate who is married to Bob Dole, the 1996 Republican presidential nominee and a longtime Kansas senator.

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