• Outside groups have launched new ads attacking Republican U.S. Senate nominee Thom Tillis (Senate Majority PAC) and Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan (Crossroads GPS). The spots echo familiar themes.
http://youtu.be/VOphgAp6l8w
• President Obama will visit North Carolina tomorrow to speak at the American Legion convention, but he’s not likely to receive a welcome from Hagan. On Twitter, New York Times political reporter Jonathan Weisman notes that Hagan says the administration has “not yet done enough to earn the lasting trust of our veterans.”
• The Washington Blade, which covers issues in the gay-rights community, notes that the fundraising efforts of 2nd Congressional District Democratic nominee Clay Aiken have disappointed many political insiders. Second-quarter figures show Aiken with about $700,000 raised and $200,000 cash on hand — about half the amounts generated by incumbent GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers. Democratic consultant Thomas Mills thinks Aiken has done pretty well, considering he’s a first-time candidate running in a difficult district for Democrats.
• The Associated Press examines how recent retirements on North Carolina appellate courts have added extra elements of intrigue and potential confusion for voters.
