Democrats may tap Wicker to run against Burr

Former Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker is being courted as a possible Democratic opponent to Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr next year.

And while he is not committing to anything, he is listening.

Wicker, a Sanford resident who practices law in Raleigh, said he has had conversations with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, former Gov. Jim Hunt and others.

"I'm still passionate about creating jobs and a higher standard for education and affordable health care," Wicker said. "And I still have those pangs of emotion about being involved in public service. "But I have been focused on my practice and I've very happy doing that.

"I'm doing some listening," he said.

Wicker, 57, served two terms as lieutenant governor and six terms in the state House.

He lost the Democratic nomination for governor in 2000 to Mike Easley.

The Democratic field is regarded as wide open. Kenneth Lewis, a Durham attorney, has announced his candidacy.

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