A vacancy at DPI?

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It is looking like there may be an open seat on North Carolina’s Council of State in 2012.  Rumors are swirling about a possible retirement by incumbent N.C. Department of Public Instruction Secretary June Atkinson.  (Atkinson is not exactly breaking her neck to deny said rumors.)  State Reps. Rick Glazier (D-Cumberland) and Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenberg) are making noises about running for DPI Secretary in 2012 — if there is a vacancy.  Wake County School Board member John Tedesco is talking about seeking the GOP nomination for the seat.

A vacancy could also create an opportunity for a political comeback.  Bob Etheridge — knocked out of Congress in 2010 and currently serving as a Boss Bev administrative appointee — held the top DPI post until 1996.  SpeakerrrrrRichardMorgan™ –  a legislator until 2006 — was the GOP nominee for the seat in 2008.