All three candidates in the Durham County district attorney’s race are within striking distance, with just less than half of the precincts reporting.
Appointed incumbent Mike Nifong (of Duke lacrosse fame or infamy) leads the way with 36 percent of the vote. Former assistant D.A. Freda Black has 33 percent, while attorney Keith Bishop has 31 percent.
A candidate needs one vote more than 40 percent of the final total to win the D.A.’s job. Otherwise, the top two candidates head to a primary runoff.
The winner of this Democratic primary runs unopposed in November.