Until September it seemed like the North Carolina gubernatorial race was going to be a cakewalk for Democrat Mike Easley, leaving his Republican opponent, Richard Vinroot, with only crumbs. With Easley sitting atop a 15-point lead and a large stash of cash, it looked like another Democrat would soon be unpacking boxes at the governor's mansion-but that was then.
Recent polls by WTVD and WBTV indicate a narrow one- to two-point margin between these two gubernatorial candidates.
But the candidates are not taking this opportunity to push their policies. Instead, they have chosen to focus on snide allegations and attacks on character.
Citing Vinroot's lack of political experience outside of the Charlotte metro area, Easley has painted Vinroot as a "city slicker," out of touch with eastern North Carolinians' interests.
Similarly, Vinroot has tried to paint Easley as an "Al Gore liberal." Vinroot hopes to profit from Bush's broad voter base, and Gore's consequent troubles. "I don't like the ideas you and Al Gore have," Vinroot said at a debate with Easley, frustrating his Democratic rival.
On policy, the candidates have focused on the state's education and health care systems.
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