GREENSBORO —
Sixth District Congressman Howard Coble announced Friday afternoon that he'll be a candidate for re-election this year.
Putting to rest questions about his health and possible retirement, the 14-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives told a room full of reporters in his North Carolina headquarters, "I'm announcing that I will seek re-election for Congress in the 6th District."
Coble said a number of people have asked him if he planned to run again. He's been besieged in recent months by health problems but says he's now on the mend.
Asked by a reporter about his health, he said, "One physician described me as a young 80. I'd rather be a young 80 than an old 80."
In a more serious vein, Coble said his "recovery has gone very favorably." He said the underlying cause of his health issues was a sodium deficiency as well as a respiratory condition. But now, he said, he's better.
"I feel good about my health."
His announcement comes as redistricting by a Republican-controlled N.C. General Assembly has drastically changed the 6th District. It has for years included Randolph, Moore and most of Davidson. The new boundaries retain most of Guilford and Alamance counties but now border Virginia with Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Caswell and Person as well as parts of Orange, Durham and Granville.
While the new districts aren't yet official, it seems more likely – as the filing deadline for Congressional elections draws near – that they'll stick.
"I've got a whole lot of encouragement to run," said Coble. "I'm pleased with the amount of support."
Coble said some other Republicans interested in the seat told him they wouldn't run if he did. But he stressed that "this is not Howard Coble's seat but the 6th District's seat. People wanted to know (of his intentions) so I called this press conference."
Another reporter asked Coble if this would be his last election.
"I wouldn't say it with finality," he replied. "I might lean that way, but give me a little weaseling room."
Coble stressed the importance of accessibility as a public servant. If he'd pursued chairmanships in Congress, he said, the added responsibilities would have taken away from that.
"I've ridden in 200 Christmas parades," he said. "Does that make me accessible? I still put a high mark on access."
Coble thanked the assembled media representatives for being "fair to me. I thank you for a fine relationship." He also thanked "a fine staff" that he said excels in helping constituents.
If the new district lines stand, most of Randolph County will be in the new 2nd District held by Renee Ellmers. A portion of the western part of the county will be in the 8th District of Larry Kissell.
Local News
Related Photos
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Sixth District Congressman Howard Coble talks with the news media Friday after announcing he will be a candidate for re-election this year. Asked by a reporter about his health, he said, 'One physician described me as a young 80. I'd rather be a young 80 than an old 80.' Coble has been besieged in recent months by health problems but says he's now on the mend. (Larry Penkava/The Randolph Guide)
Discussion
Coble: 'I feel good about my health'
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