? Even as GOP hopes dim at the federal level, the governor’s race continues to be neck-and-neck. Several factors distinguish the Perdue-McCrory contest from past, easy Democratic wins, including McCrory’s campaign style and anti-corruption campaign. He receives the editorial endorsements of the Greensboro News & Record and the Winston-Salem Journal. McCrory and Perdue react to the possibility of a large budget deficit in 2009. Perdue praises the Community Care program within Medicaid and emphasizes economic challenges during an Orange County appearance.
? Elizabeth Dole fights for her political life as Kay Hagan continues to register a small lead in the polls. The News & Record analyzes the latest ads in the race. Hagan discusses the financial crisis and mortgage meltdown during a Morganton campaign stop. Dole says that if her 2003 legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had been enacted, the crisis could have been averted.
? At Saturday’s Lowe’s Motor Speedway race, McCrory, Dole, and Cindy McCain work the crowd.
