Democrats await word from Etheridge

RALEIGH (The Raleigh News & Observer) - For much of the fall, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge has played the role of a political Hamlet as he decides whether to seek the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr next year.

Etheridge's indecision has left the Democratic primary field unsettled about six months before the May primary. Etheridge aides said Wednesday that he plans to announce his decision this week.

Etheridge, the lanky former Harnett County tobacco farmer and small businessman, has been courted for the race by the Democratic SenatorialCampaign Committee since last spring. The committee's first choice, N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper, ruled out running.