It’s official: Mel Watt to seek #NC12 re-election

Despite rumors that suggested he was considering not running,  Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC12) filed today to seek an 11th term in the US House:

“The congressional districts are being contested in the courts and could very well be changed,” Watt said in a statement. “This has already led some experienced members of our congressional delegation to announce that they will not seek reelection.

“We need experience and seniority to maintain the influence of our delegation and we need representatives who will continue to work for progress, not return to the same old rhetoric and policies that led to the mess we’re trying to dig our country out of.”

Ironically, the reason he gives for wanting to stay in Congress is exactly why he needs to retire – because Watt and his liberal ilk are part of the problem, NOT the solution.  Of course, even if he did retire, his replacement wouldn’t be any better on that front because that district, even being redrawn as it has been, is still a solidly Democratic district.

On the other hand, local Tea Party leader Matthew Ridenhour has decided to run for Meck. County commissioner – the district 5 seat – which is being vacated by GOP commish Neil Cooksey. Unlike Watt, I support Ridenhour wholeheartedly.  Great guy, solid conservative,  honorable Marine and Iraq war veteran …