? The state’s dropout rate captures significant attention in the North Carolina governor’s race for the first time, reports the AP, with the candidates offering proposals such as free college and leadership changes in the education system.

? Profiling the Republican field, the Winston-Salem Journal provides each candidate’s argument for why he is the most electable.

? Among the gubernatorial aspirants, only Beverly Perdue offers Easley-like enthusiastic support for the North Carolina lottery.

? Fred Smith captures the endorsement of two notable conservative bloggers based in North Carolina. And Raleigh-based conservative blogger Katy Benningfield passes along insights and rumors gleaned from the GOP debate at the recent Conservative Leadership Conference.

? Bob Orr’s opposition to targeted business incentives gets a shout-out from the Wilmington Star-News.