Dispatches from the campaign trail, August 15, 2014

• The conservative group Carolina Rising produces a “back-to-school” ad praising Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and GOP House Speaker Thom Tillis for enacting a budget boosting teacher pay and other education spending.

• The latest Rasmussen Reports poll of 750 likely voters shows Tillis opening a 45-40 lead over incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. The previous Rasmussen survey had the race tied, and the polling group has moved the race from “tossup” to “leans Republican.”

• Matthew Boyle of Breitbart News contrasts Hagan’s campaign rhetoric on immigration reform with her voting record.

• U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-2nd District, who participated in the “ice bucket challenge” supporting research on ALS, or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” challenged new House Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana to get wet.