North Carolina is a diverse state producing figures like Jesse Helms and John Edwards. This mix has led to a variety of election trends, voting Republican for President but Democratic for Governor.

President: North Carolina is one of the states that Senator Obama has talked about targeting, but the state has not voted Democratic for President in 32 years so it will be an uphill climb.

Leans Republican

Governor: Incumbent Mike Easley (a possible cabinet pick in an Obama administration) is barred from seeking a 3rd term.

Since the end of the Civil War, the state has elected a grand total of 3 Republican governors and it seems unlikely that this will change in the near future.

Republicans have nominated Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory while Democrats are supporting Lt. Governor Beverly Perdue. Polls have shown Perdue with a small but steady lead and, since the last time the GOP won a Governor’s race was in 1988, it seems likely the Democrats will retain the edge.

Leans Democrat

Senate: Incumbent Elizabeth Dole (R) is seeking a 2nd term and will be challenged by State Senator Kay Hagan. At one point Democrats had hoped to target this contest but polls have been showing Dole with a steady lead.

Dole will probably face more problems dealing with her fellow senators who have not been happy with her work as head of the GOP Senate campaign committee.

Leans Republican

House:  Democrats currently hold the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 11th, 12th and 13th district and seem likely to retain all seven. Republicans will hold on to at least five seats in the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 9th and 10th.

In the 8th District, we will see a rematch between incumbent Robert Hayes (R) and 2006 nominee Larry Kissell (D). Hayes won by just 329 votes in 2006.

In a rare bright spot for Republicans, they have led in both fundraising and recent polls. The contest will still probably be decided by less that 1000 votes but, in my opinion, Hayes has the edge

Leans Republican