RALEIGH, N.C. – A turf battle between Attorney General Roy Cooper and State Treasurer Richard Moore may be more than just two state agencies vying for power in North Carolina.

It could preview a Democratic race to challenge Republican Sen. Richard Burr.

Cooper and Moore are among the top Democratic names mentioned as possible hopefuls following Democrats’ successful November election as the party begins early planning to expand its margins in Congress. Democratic strategist Gary Pearce said both men are strong candidates with the tools to win.

The two already appear to be jostling for position as they’re locked in a dispute in New York federal court over who has the power to hire attorneys on the state’s behalf.