Parker says he will not run to keep his post

I will not seek re-election as Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party at our February 2, 2013 meeting in Durham.

I have enjoyed my two years of service to our State and to the Democratic Party. There is much work to be done on the vital issues of good government, public education and job creation in North Carolina and I look forward to continuing to work to better our State in the years to come.

It's hard to imagine Parker really "enjoyed" his two years. He was roundly criticized for his handling of a sexual harassment scandal involving the party's former executive director. After calls for his resignation by party leaders, including Gov. Bev Perdue, he stayed on only after rank-and-file party activists couldn't agree to accept his resignation during a contentious meeting in Greensboro. The state party apparatus faced trouble raising money this year and North Carolina Dems were somewhat sidelined -- or at least didn't enjoy high profile roles -- during the party's national convention, which was held in Charlotte. Capping off 2012, President Obama lost the state on Election Day after winning it four years ago, Republicans expanded their legislative majorities, and the GOP claimed the governor's mansion for the first time in more than two decades. 

The party will choose new leaders in February. Sen. Eric Mansfield of Fayetteville is said to be considering a run, and other names mentioned as possible contenders include former Congressman Bob Etheridge.