State political wags cast a hungry eye on the General Assembly session this year, expecting the cold war between top Republicans to turn into a shooting match in the 2014 U.S. Senate GOP primary.
But it was not to be.
Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, R-Rockingham and leader of the Senate GOP’s aggressive policy priorities, will not run for a chance at facing off against incumbent U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, D-N.C.
He made his announcement Monday morning in a news release.
“For me, the essential questions have always been: Where can my efforts have the most positive and lasting impact on the lives of everyday North Carolinians?” Berger asked in the release. “Where can the most be done to increase economic opportunity, improve our public schools, and make North Carolina the best place in America to live, work and raise a family?
“Ultimately, the answer to those questions remains: in the state Senate, where I’m honored to represent the people of Guilford and Rockingham counties.”
Speaker of the House Thom Tillis, who appeared to move to the middle as Berger pushed a more conservative line during the session, earlier announced his intention to seek the GOP nomination.
Berger appeared to be moving closer to running, as he produced a 30-second television ad supporting the state voter ID law and criticizing Hagan’s opposition. He also was the center of a 15-minute biographical documentary.
Sen. Louis Pate, R-Wayne, said he’s happy Berger’s returning to the General Assembly.
“He would have made a great U.S. senator, but from a selfish standpoint, I’m kind of glad to see him staying where he is,” Pate said. “He’s been an excellent leader for us, and I think that he will continue to help us out in that position.”
Pate serves as the deputy president pro tem, and had a unique vantage point to watch Berger’s decision-making process.
“Let’s put it this way — I was not surprised when his announcement came out,” Pate said.
Sen. Harry Brown, R-Onslow, is the majority leader of the Senate GOP and part of the party leadership with Berger.
“For Sen. Berger — he’s a good friend of mine, and knowing him like I do, he just felt like he could do more for North Carolina (here) than he could going to Washington,” Brown said. “I feel like that’s why he probably decided not to run.”
Brown added, “He always does his homework. Normally, before he decides something, he has thought through it and I’m sure he put a lot of thought into this decision.”
Either way Berger would have decided, the decision gives a better view of the candidates Republican voters will choose from next year. Along with Tillis, tea party-affiliated physician Greg Brannon and Charlotte Rev. Mark Harris — a leader and state opposition to gay marriage — are running, along with Heather Grant of Wilkesboro.
Lenoir County Republican Party Chairwoman Michele Nix said the rank-and-file is seeing the primary process as fairly open at this time.
“I think we’re looking forward to taking Kay Hagan out in 2014,” Nix said.
As far as how she sees support shaping up, Nix added, “I think most people are waiting to see what happens as we get further along into it, and then being a party chair, I’m not allowed to endorse any candidates until after the primary.”
Craven County Republican Party Chairman Paul Hill said he believes the variations of conservatism presented by the announced candidates provide a good field for local voters.
“I think we’ve got a very diverse field, in the sense that from the (four) candidates announced, surely the most visible is Thom Tillis, but the other candidates have a wide range of the finer points of leaning more conservative or less conservative, or what have you,” Hill said. “So, I think there’s good range, and that generates a lot of grassroots types of interest.”
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 and Wes.Wolfe@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.