? The governor’s race features some new attack ads, with Beverly Perdue accusing Pat McCrory of caring only about cities, while the Republican Governors Association uses Richard Moore’s primary comments against Perdue. During a Kinston interview, she declines to criticize her opponent by name while seeking to distinguish herself from Gov. Easley. Campaigning in Greenville, she emphasizes rural issues. McCrory continues to hold a slight edge in mountain counties. Whoever is elected will have to grapple with a budget deficit next year approaching $2 billion. Both say they won’t raise taxes. Congressional Quarterly still rates the race as Democratic leaning, but adds that a McCrory win would be only a ?mild upset.?
? Speaking in Franklin, Elizabeth Dole discusses energy issues, transportation, and immigration. In Onslow County, she urges young people to follow their dreams, after remarking on her own career in Washington. The N&O fact-checks the latest DSCC ad targeting Dole. Both she and Kay Hagan talk up the importance of helping to shape future banking regulations.
? There’s two more statewide polls out this week, from WSOC-TV in Charlotte and CNN/Time. The WSOC poll has Obama leading 48-46, Hagan leading 44-43, and McCrory and Perdue tied at 44 apiece. Obviously, all are within the margin of sampling error. CNN has Obama leading by four.
? McClatchy profiles the lieutenant governor contest between Robert Pittenger and Walter Dalton. Some fool from the John Locke Foundation says they’re both popular in the business community.
