A new candidate is set to enter the race for Senate in North Carolina, with Democratic state Senator Kay Hagan expected to announce her campaign.

An expert in North Carolina politics told The Hill that he does not expect the race to be competitive, but that Hagan's presence would force Dole and the Republicans to spend some money. On the other hand, Dole's approval ratings have been decidedly lackluster — the challenge Democrats face is to parlay that into a victory in a state likely to vote GOP in the presidential election.

Hagan had previously passed on the race, but national Democrats renewed their entreaties to her — possibly because it came to light that the only announced candidate, businessman Jim Neal, is openly gay.