To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

RALEIGH -- One week after Gov. Bev Perdue said "No, thank you" to running for a second term, one of the top polling democrats, Erskine Bowles, also passed at the opportunity to run.

In a statement he said: "I've spent a lot of time trying to think what is the right thing for me to do,” he said. “I don't think anyone questions my love for North Carolina or my efforts to make our state a better place to live, work , or raise a family . I've done my best in this regard and I plan to continue to do so.”

State party leaders are reacting to the news.

“This is a major disappointment for them,” sayid Rob Lockwood with the N.C. Republican Party. “He was their candidate of choice.”

“No, not at all,” said Jay Parmley with the N.C. Democratic Party. “This is normal part of the process.”

Pair this with the fact that former N.C. House speaker and current Minority Leader Joe Hackney also said he is hanging up his hat and Democrats lost two strong candidates for 2012.

Political observer Jonathan Kappler says Hackney was not only a strong candidate himself, but also heavily relied upon for his fundraising skills.

“It doesn't bode well for the Democrats chances of retaking majorities in the House and the Senate as well,” he says.

Kappler points out Hackney's departure is just one of many from the state legislature, but these retirements are coming from both sides of the aisle.

“We are up to 29 House seats that are open, 8 in the Senate,” he said, “and I think that that may be just the beginning.”

Republicans said whomever ends up running, the winds are blowing in their favor because fundraising numbers are giving them a huge leg-up.

“With great power comes great responsibility,” said Lockwood, “and with great responsibility and responsible action people invest in that initiative and agenda.”

But Democrats said don't count them out just yet.

“We're going to have more than enough candidates in this race,” said Parmley, “and quality candidates.”

Candidate filing begins in North Carolina on Feb. 13.