Although initially reluctant to seek political office , Bowles reconsidered a run for the United States Senate after the September 11 attacks and , in October 2001 , declared his candidacy for the Senate as a Democratic candidate . Seeking to fill the seat being vacated by Jesse Helms , Bowles secured the party 's nomination , but was defeated in the 2002 general election by Republican contender Elizabeth Dole
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Erskine Bowles