? Beverly Perdue, Pat McCrory, and Mike Munger prepare to debate tonight in Charlotte. Perdue challenges McCrory on his own turf. On education, McCrory talks up vocational programs, more local flexibility in teacher compensation, a replacement for the current testing program, and school-choice programs for students with special needs. Perdue argues for an expansion of Easley’s Earn and Learn program, as well as more state spending on technology, early childhood education, and teacher raises. Munger sets the bar for success in his Libertarian candidacy.

? Scott Mooneyham wonders how McCrory would fill out an administration after 16 years of Democratic rule. My guess is that ?gleefully? would about cover it.

? Some pollsters see Nash County as a bellweather for the key North Carolina races.

? The State Board of Elections dismisses a complaint against out-of-state groups, one Democratic and one Republican, that are raising and spending money to influence NC races.

? A national labor federation touts is key role in Democratic campaigns this year, including Kay Hagan’s challenge of Elizabeth Dole. Dole and Rep. Robin Hayes speak at a GOP rally in Cabarrus County. Dole says that if her legislation reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had passed years ago, the current financial meltdown wouldn’t have been as serious. In Richmond County, she discusses her role in the tobacco-quota buyout. Democrats slam three Republican senators, including Dole, on their advocacy of personal accounts for Social Security.

? The latest PPP survey puts the Senate race at 46-44 Hagan and the presidential vote in NC at 49-46 Obama. Gubernatorial numbers should be out this morning. The latest Rasmussen poll in NC has the presidential race tied at 48.