Dec. 17. Natasha Marcus, a Democrat from Davidson, says she will not file to run against incumbent Rep John Bradford, the Cornelius businessman who replaced Thom Tillis in the District 98 seat.

Bradford got 14,558 votes, or 54.98 percent, to Marcus’ 11,922 votes, or 45.02 percent, in the 2014 general election. Bradford defeated former Cornelius Mayor Lynette Rinker in the primary.

Despite her loss, political observers said Marcus put in a good showing in a Republican district which stretches from Cornelius and Davidson to Huntersville and Highland Creek. Bradford had the endorsement of Tillis back in 2014.

Tillis, the former Speaker of the House, said, “Just as I am running to help restore a commonsense, business minded approach to Washington, John Bradford will continue to support those ideals for which I have fought in Raleigh.”

Marcus said she remains passionate about the issues but she could not take the time away from family that is required for fundraising and campaigning.

The state legislature has also moved up the deadline for candidate filing to Dec. 21, giving incumbents a potential leg up because of the tighter time frame.

“The change was a flagrant self-serving act to hide from their constituents by shutting out potential challengers. This is one more way in which the incumbents are using their power to keep their power, to the detriment of the voters. It’s more bad government by our current elected officials and one of many reasons why Rep. Bradford should not be re-elected in 2016,” Marcus said.

In a statement, she also pointed out that Bradford has changed his position on I-77 tolls. To read Marcus’ statement, click here.

“When Bradford had a chance to vote on the toll road, he voted yes, and continued to argue in favor of tolls on I-77. Now that the contract is signed and construction has begun, he sends ineffective letters expressing opposition and attempts amendments that are out of order,” she said.

Bradford could not be reached for comment, but he has played an active role in the I-77 Business Plan, an ad hoc anti-toll group that meets at the Lake Norman Chamber on a weekly basis.

Presumably Bradford will run unopposed in the Republican primary. Marcus urged someone to run against him in her statement.

“If you are someone who will stand up for all the people of the district, rather than the wealthy and powerful few, I encourage you to give serious thought to running. The district is winnable by a Democratic challenger,” she said.