? During a debate in Henderson County, Fred Smith goes after Pat McCrory for putting “bells and whistles” above law enforcement in Charlotte-Mecklenburg’s spending priorities.

? Bob Orr stresses his ties to WNC at the same event.

? The N&O covers Gov. Easley’s speech to the state chamber about his record as governor, while also rounding up recent PPP polls of the Democratic and Republican fields.

? Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue increase the intensity of their TV advertising ? and challenges each other’s records and promises.

? Columnist Jack Betts calls for Perdue to accept Moore’s invitation to more “real” debates.