Kiss says he'd rather run for Supreme Court in 2004

House Speaker Bob Kiss told a radio talk show host that if he runsfor statewide office next year, he would rather run for Supreme Courtthan governor.

Kiss told MetroNews "Talkline" host Hoppy Kercheval today that thethings Kiss would like to see accomplished in the state would beaccomplished easier from the Supreme Court bench, not the governor'soffice.

"The Supreme Court (race) next year may be far more important thanthe governor," said Kiss, D-Raleigh, on the talk show. "I wish thatwasn't the case."

Kiss, who has been in the Legislature since 1989, said he might beready for a change.

"I never planned on staying in the Legislature," he said. "I'm ata crossroads."

Kiss would be taking on Justice Warren McGraw in the spring 2004Democratic Party primary as McGraw seeks re-election to a 12-yearterm. Some political observers predict it could be one of the mostexpensive Supreme Court races in state history.

Fundraising has already started in both camps, although Kisshasn't officially announced what elected position, if any, he willseek. Kiss told Kercheval today he plans to announce his intentionsno earlier than the end of this summer.

In the meantime, Kiss has been traveling the state gaugingsupport.

"I think my name recognition is higher than I thought," Kiss said,adding that it wouldn't match the well-known McGraw name.

Writer Deanna Wrenn can be reached at 348-1796 or by e-mail atdwrenn@dailymail.com.