Edwards' ex-partner on Senate: No

Lawyer declines to challenge Dole

RALEIGH -- With John Edwards running for the White House, Democrats searching for a challenger to U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole in 2008 were considering Edwards' former law partner.

Raleigh lawyer David Kirby said Monday three prominent Democrats have approached him about challenging Dole, a Republican finishing her first term. He said he has declined, citing his commitment to helping Edwards win the Democratic nomination for president.

"I haven't slammed the door shut and locked it on any future public office," Kirby said in an interview. "But the door is certainly closed at this time."

Regarded as one of the state's most successful lawyers, Kirby, 56, would have brought a high profile to the race. He co-founded the Edwards & Kirby law firm in 1993 and developed a reputation for winning big verdicts.

Democrats have had trouble recruiting a challenger to Dole, who was first elected in 2002 and has remained popular. The three who approached Kirby included two former statewide officials, Kirby said, declining to name them.

Dole adviser Mark Stephens declined to comment.

Kirby described Dole as "eminently defeatable" and said he's optimistic Democrats will find a challenger.

"I probably would have thought about it much more seriously if John wasn't running for president right now," Kirby said. "I've made a commitment that I would do everything I can to help him."

N.C. Democratic Party chairman Jerry Meek said he expects a candidate to emerge in the next few months.

"We've got a number of folks who are dipping their toe in the water but haven't jumped in yet," he said.