CHARLOTTE -- As filing for the 2007 municipal elections race winds to a close, a democrat candidate has finally jumped into the fray against Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory.

Andy Silver, a certified hypnotherapist who operates a conflict resolution consulting firm in Dilworth, has signed up to run against McCrory, who will be seeking his seventh term in office. Silver might not remain in the hunt for mayor very long, having already said that he will withdraw if another democrat enters the race.

“I do know this, there are still others actively considering,” said David Erdman with the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. “There are some who said no, but there are some still actively considering.”

Several democrats considered running against McCrory, but were hesitate to battle against a candidate with the name recognition and campaign funding that McCrory already has built up.

Despite this, democrats still feel optimistic that they can defeat the longest serving mayor in the history of Charlotte.

“Of the November ballot, which will be one of the most controversial in history because of the tax repeal issue and the school bonds which went down last time,” said Erdman. “Because of the cross currents, no one can be sure they will be re-elected.”

The filing candidate period ends at noon Friday, July 20. Be sure to check back with News 14 Carolina and News14.com for more updates on the filing period and the 2007 Charlotte mayoral race.