? A raft of new polls show close races in NC. Barack Obama leads John McCain slightly in most, as does Kay Hagan over Elizabeth Dole. In the governor’s race, a simple average of the latest surveys ? from PPP, Research 2000, Civitas, and Survey USA/WTVD puts Beverly Perdue at 46, Pat McCrory at 44, Mike Munger at 4, with 7 percent undecided.
? McCrory and Perdue pledge to run a more-open state government if elected. McCrory calls attention to Democratic politicians supporting his candidacy, including Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton. Campaigning in the east, Perdue dismisses polls showing a tight race with McCrory and accuses him of wanting to stiff North Carolina’s small towns. Both candidates say they want to enact state tax cuts, though a looming budget deficit may affect their plans. McCrory will speak at a Parents for Educational Freedom event in Durham.
? Hagan attracts some unwelcome media attention for her husband’s membership in a exclusive country club that was segregated until 1995. Dole’s personal loan to her campaign totals $3 million. Hagan’s personal loan is $350,000. Speaking in Greenville, she argues that her record in the legislature contrasts favorably with the performance of Congress. Dole explains her vote against the financial bailout and discusses her record on other issues. She picks up the support of an immigration-control group. National support for Democratic challengers for Senate, including Hagan, significantly outpaces national GOP support for its candidates.
