Link to Cooper where he says he's not running:
http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0509/Roy_Cooper_not_challenging_Burr.htmlLink to Minter's possible candidacy:
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/story/723022.htmlOn Cooper not running: I think that's a shame since he was my favorite candidate of the "big" names out there that are possibilities. I still think Rep. Grier Martin from Raleigh would make the best choice.
Minter: He's going to be very dangerous for Kissell if he runs. I read on BlueNC that Minter has only voted once since he registered to vote in 2004, so there's some juicy ammo against him right there, but he would be the candidate that could draw significant amounts of money in the 8th for the Republicans.