? Campaigning in Rowan County, Beverly Perdue says that as a ?coal miner’s daughter? she understands the economic challenges the state faces and the importance of completing an education. Later, in an appearance in Hickory, she explains her opposition to allowing illegal immigrants to pursue degrees at community colleges, and restates that she is opposed to drilling off the NC coast but will be willing to authorize a study. The Perdue campaign also seeks to makes stem-cell research an issue, with one ad calling Pat McCrory ?against hope.?
? Bob Dole will campaign for his wife today in Greensboro. Both Kay Hagan and Elizabeth Dole endorse offshore drilling, after opposing the idea a few months ago. Rep. John Blust, also a former state senator, writes that Dole is a more independent-minded politician than Hagan is, citing legislative votes.
? New Democratic polls show tight races in NC, with small leads often within the margin of sampling error. A survey for the Perdue campaign has her up 6, Dole up 2, and McCain up 3. A PPP survey shows Perdue up 1, Hagan up 1, and McCain up 4.
