A Safe Seat Gets Even Safer

According to the News and Observer, Kim James, a Republican from Chapel Hill has withdrawn from her race against State Senator Ellie Kinnaird D-Orange.

" 'I have family obligations that are not going to permit me to run right now,' James, 37, a mother and UNC-Chapel Hill student, said Wednesday.

She sent a letter last week informing Orange County election officials of her decision. They forwarded her note to state elections officials, who acknowledged the withdrawal this week.

Kinnaird is seeking a fifth two-year term in the Senate. As legislative districts have been redrawn several times during her tenure, she often finds herself campaigning in new territory. This is the first time the district has included Orange and Person counties."

The North Carolina Republican Party has said they plan to enter a new candidate. If they find such a person, he or she will have to file one week from today--75 days before the election--to appear on the ballot.