This week Congressman Mike McIntyre called it quits, announcing he will not seek re-election to a 10th term serving North Carolina’s 7th District. The news about the Democrat has fundamentally shaken up the race for the seat that saw one of the closest races in the country in 2012. McIntyre beat Republican David Rouzer by just 650 votes. Host Donna Martinez is joined by Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson to discuss what McIntyre’s decision means to the race. They also discuss the latest news from the campaign trail in other races for Congress and North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat that’s now held by Democrat Kay Hagan. Then we turn to changes in North Carolina’s voter registration statistics. Bob Hall of Democracy North Carolina provides the news from his group’s analysis, which shows drops for Democrats and Republicans, and a surge in those registering as Unaffiliated. Then we hear concerns about the state’s pension/retirement fund from the State Employees Association of North Carolina. SEANC Director of Legislative Affairs Ardis Watkins explains to Martinez why the group has hired a specialist in retirement forensics to look at how the $80 billion-plus funds are being invested, the fees involved, and more. The group hopes to provide the results to the General Assembly when lawmakers reconvene in Raleigh in May. Watkins also discusses SEANC’s hopes that legislators provide state employees with a pay raise this year. That’s followed by comments about political division on Capitol Hill from 13th District Congressman George Holding. The Republican also discusses his view of the Affordable Care Act. And finally, former Democratic Congressman Bob Etheridge talks about his new job leading the state office of a federal agency that deals with farmers.