Wake County’s 2010 Congressional Campaigns

Filing for political office closed on Friday, bringing an end to the three-week period where office-seekers formally declare their candidacy. Of Wake County’s representatives to the U.S. House, all three filed for reelection while several from across the aisle stepped up to challenge them.

District 2

The Incumbent:

Rep. Bob Etheridge (D) was first elected to the House in 1996. Etheridge serves on the powerful Ways & Means Committee (the only N.C. member to do so) along with the Committee on the Budget. He is a member of a group of moderate Democrats, the New Democrat Coalition (NDC).

The Challengers:

A crowded primary for Republicans, five filed for the chance to take on Etheridge.

- Frank Deatrich, retired Marine
- Renee Ellmers, a nurse
- Jay Johnson
- Dan Mansell, businessman
- Todd Gailas, businessman

District 4

The Incumbent:

Rep. David Price (D) is a 10-term member to the U.S. House (Price was narrowly defeated in 1994 but regained his seat in ’96). Price is dean of the N.C. congressional delegation and currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee, chairing the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. 

The Challengers:

Similar to the 2nd District, several Republicans filed to challenge Rep. Price. 2008 challenger BJ Lawson filed again (Price defeated Lawson 63% to 37%) along with several others. Also, the primary is home to Mr. Hutchins Web site, the best political thing ever.

- Frank Roche, foreign exchange trader
- George Hutchins, retired marine
- David Burnett, businessman
- William (B.J.) Lawson, ’08 nominee

District 13

The Incumbent:

Rep. Brad Miller (D) was elected to Congress in 2002, winning North Carolina’s newly-gained 13th congressional seat. He serves on the Financial Services and Foreign Affairs committees and is also chair of the Science & Technology Committee, Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight.

The Challengers:

Home to a smaller field of Republican challengers, the field is home to notable challengers including founder and editor of Raleigh Metro Magazine Bernie Reeves. Another high-profile candidate, Randell became known in N.C. politics, having run for state GOP chairman last spring.

- Bill Randall, retired military
- Bernie Reeves, editor and publisher
- Frank Hurley

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