Chad Barefoot, former aide to Republican House Majority Leader Paul “Skip” Stam of Wake County, plans to run in Senate District 18 (M2M Politics)
  • Cleveland County lawmakers ranked among most conservative in North Carolina (Shelby Star)
  • Following indictments for illegal activity associated with the financing of Gov. Perdue’s campaign in 2008, Politico ranks N.C.’s gubernatorial race third most competitive in the nation (Politico)
  • Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler announces that he will seek re-election in 2012 (Dome)
  • Chairwoman of the Wilkes County Democratic Party hopes to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx in the 5th Congressional District (The Yadkin Ripples)
  • N.C. Rep. Tim Spear, D-Washington, announces that he won’t seek re-election in 2012 (Beaufort Observer)
  • Pat McCrory says a State Board of Elections investigation into his 2008 campaign is an unfair attack on his integrity (WSOCTV)
  • David Rouzer, Ilario Pantano a “study in contrasts” in the 7th Congressional District GOP primary (WWAY)

VIDEO: Tony Gurley, a GOP candidate for lieutenant governor, praises the Tea Party in a new Web ad.