Etheridge Files for Re-election: 2010 Election Season Officially Underway

By Kim Genardo, NBC17, 4 hours, 43 minutes ago
Updated: Feb. 9 4:35 pm

RALEIGH, N.C. -

Political hopefuls and incumbents alike began filing their paperwork to run for office Monday at noon.

Congressman Bob Etheridge (D - 2nd district) was among the first in line with grandson in tow.

Among his top priorities is getting his Hiring Act Bill of 2010 passed in Congress.

"Congress is going to be working on jobs, creating opportunities for people and working hard to fix the financial situation. We've still got a lot of work to do," said Etheridge.

Etheridge serves on the House Ways and Means Committee which oversees health care, Social Security and unemployment benefits to name a few.

He is also a member of the House Budget Committee.

Republican leadership in the state is eyeing Etheridge's seat.

The economy's slow rebound, high unemployment in the state, health care reform mandates and the federal bailout programs have upset some voters making for a challenging political climate.

"Anytime you run an election, youo better be prepared, We always prepare to run a full campaign and we'll do it this year during the appropriate campaign season," said Etheridge.

So far, one Libertarian candidate, Tom Rose, has filed to run against Etheridge. According to the North Carolina Libertarian Party Web site, Rose, of Hope Mills, previously ran for a seat in the General Assembly.

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee heavily courted Ethteridge to run against Senator Richard Burr.

Political analysts were not surprised Etheridge declined choosing a safer, more familiar route to re-election.

The candidate filing period ends Feb. 26.

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• 2010
• Etheridge
• election
• incumbent