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Durham Commissioner Leaning Toward Run For DA's Office

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DURHAM, N.C. — Lewis Cheek may be setting up for a run to be Durham County's next district attorney.

The Durham County commissioner is one of two people who may try to unseat current district attorney Mike Nifong. In a news conference Monday, Cheek said he believes the

Duke lacrosse rape case

is tarnishing the city.

"I don't like seeing my home being portrayed as some little ignorant, backwater place dominated by socioeconomic and racial battles," he said.

Cheek said if elected, he would appoint a special prosecutor to handle the lacrosse case. He needs more than 6,000 signatures by Friday to get his name on the November ballot.

Defense attorney Steve Monks is also considering a run for the office. He went door-to-door this weekend to collect signatures.

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