Election Filing

The state's election filing period began Monday with a few familiar names making their candidacies official. Former Rep. David Redwine, D-Brunswick, filed for the Senate District 8 seat now held by Democrat R.C. Soles, while former Rep. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, is making a second bid for the Senate District 5 seat held by Sen. Don Davis, D-Greene. In the House, Lexington social worker Rayne Brown, a Republican, filed to challenge House Majority Leader Hugh Holliman, D-Davidson, potentially setting up a general election rematch of the race that Holliman narrowly won in 2008. First-day filing also points to some crowded contests to replace retiring senators. Three Democrats and one Republican have already filed to replace Sen. Larry Shaw in his Cumberland County district, while two Democrats filed to replace Sen. Charlie Albertson in District 10 in eastern North Carolina. A Republican, Democrat and Libertarian all took advantage of the opening day of filing to seek the seat of retiring Sen. Jim Jacumin, R-Burke. Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie, faces a primary challenge from Advance Mayor John Ferguson. Filing continues through Feb. 26 at noon. Besides legislative races, congressional and judicial seats will be decided in 2010 elections. The U.S. Senate race in which Republican incumbent Richard Burr seeks a second term will top the ballot. (THE INSIDER, 2/09/10).