• A few days before WRAL News reported that the U.S. Department of Energy was investigating potential self-dealing and conflicts of interest regarding stimulus grants taken by businesses owned by former U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s family members (with investigators citing Carolina Journal’s extensive reporting on the matter), the Democrat who lost in 2014 to Thom Tillis told Roll Call she wouldn’t rule out another run for public office.
• At a town hall meeting in Cary, Dr. Greg Brannon, who’s running against incumbent U.S. Sen. Richard Burr for the GOP nomination, said Burr has enabled a “progressive agenda” in Washington. Brannon ran in 2014 against Tillis in the Republican primary and lost. The Associated Press says the American Conservative Union rated Burr the 16th most conservative senator in its latest ratings, published in 2014. Two other Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination.
• The abortion rights group Emily’s List has endorsed former Wake County state Rep. Deborah Ross in the U.S. Senate race. Ross will face three other Democrats in the March 15 primary.
• Long-time 9th District U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, a Republican, endorsed George Ruoco in his bid to unseat 9th District incumbent Rep. Robert Pittenger. Myrick endorsed Jim Pendergraph in 2012, the year Myrick retired and Pittenger won the Republican nomination and later the House seat.
