Once Battleground State, Finally Called

North Carolina's 15 electoral votes are finally decided in Obama's favor. 50% to 49% with less than 200 votes making the difference. What a change for the usually Conservative state. Obama is the first Democratic president-elect to win since 1976 when Jimmy Carter carried the state. 

Obama and McCain both spent much time traveling all over NC. Obama, of course, out-spent McCain by millions in TV ads and paid staff. 

Another tight race was the Senate between incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Dole and Kay Hagan. North Carolinians also elected Beverly Perdue, their first female Governor. 

Tar Heel Students Eager to Attend Inauguration

North Carolina senator Richard Burr and various congressman have been bombarded by calls and letters from college students wanting to attend the 2009 inauguration in Washington D.C. They have made thousands of phone calls. Burrs spokesman says "We are trying to be as fair as possible." Hopefully these college students will get the chance to attend this historical event. 

24 hours and counting...

With only one day until election, North Carolina is completely on the line. According to Real Clear Politics NC polls show a dead tie between McCain and Obama. 

Obama is holding a rally in Charlotte today, hoping to make a last push for North Carolinian votes. NC has voted Republican in the past, and even through this historical election it has been closer than ever. I still call this a McCain win tomorrow. He definitely needs NC's 20 electoral votes to have a shot at winning. 

Also tomorrow will determine the intense senate race between incumbent Elizabeth Dole (R) and challenger Kay Hagan. There has been a lot of religious bashing which led to an unsettled lawsuit. I do think, however, that Dole will pull this one out. She is more experienced, and I don't see a Democratic senator this year. 

Young Voters get Involved...Before They Can Vote

High schools all around North Carolina report feelings of excitement with the upcoming presidential election. A small percent of seniors will have the opportunity to vote for the first time, but it is even younger students becoming involved. Hundreds are volunteering for both the McCain and Obama campaigns in their cities. From handing out flyers to putting together yard signs, these high schoolers will not be left out of this historical election. 

About 30 students from Providence High will have the chance attend the inauguration in January with one of their teachers. SMU is offering the same chance. Students will be able to intern for various organizations through our Corporate Communications department. 

Myers Park High had a 300 student turn out for an after school debate between pro-McCain and pro-Obama students. The Young Republicans and Young Democrats organized Facebook events for students to RSVP to the debates. 

Obama is a said to be a role model for the 87% of Black students at West Charlotte High.16-year-old Angelique Robertson noted how important it is that he has gotten this far. "If he is not elected, maybe America still looks to a white man to run the country...but he is still a Senator. Black people still have power in high places." History and Government teachers here are using the election to relate the race issue to the suppression of Blacks in America. 

It is important for high schools to excite students about the elections. Students are at the age where the issues are beginning to make sense. Some may see the struggles of their parents, others may recognize the historical significance of a female vice president or a Black president. Groups like Young Republicans and Young Democrats are great volunteer sources for campaigns. High school kids travel in packs. When one person is involved, they bring the whole crew. This is the future if higher young vote turn out. If kids are excited to finally be able to vote, they will. 

2.5 Million Early Voters

The Charlotte Observer reports that a record breaking 2.5 million North Carolinians voted early this year, which makes up 41 percent of registered voters in the now battleground state. 

With the Dole - Hagan race becoming tighter, Obama and McCain are putting enormous efforts to win North Carolina's 15 electoral votes in the next 2 days. 

Election officials at the polls did release information on the types of voters who cast their ballots early - more Democrats than Republicans and more Blacks than in 2004. Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling says that "Obama will go into Election Day with a 200,000 to 300,000 lead." The GOP "72-hour project" has a lot of work to do before Tuesday...people need an incentive to get to the polls. 

Palin Wants the Job

"We want to work for you! Will you hire us?" asked Palin at a rally in Raleigh today. This marks Palin's fourth visit to North Carolina. The rally attracted 5,000 people at the State Fairgrounds. Palin stayed close to her usual stump, promising victory in Iraq, no more corruption on Wall Street, and a stable economy. Sen. Richard Burr and Sen. Bob Dole also delivered enthusiastic speeches after Palin. 

Gov. Palin also addressed the possibility of Democrats ruling government if Sen. Obama wins. With House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and numerous others, Palin warns "It's the far left-wing of the Democrat Party that is preparing to take over your entire federal government." With the tight Dole-Hagan race expected, people booed at the comment. 

On a more personal note, Gov. Palin was greeted at the airport by 5 families of children with Down Syndrome and other disabling diseases. She reenforced the GOP plan to aid families of children with special needs. "These children are not a problem; they are a priority," she said. 

I think 71-year-old retiree Robert Worthington shared sentiments of many elderly North Carolinians when he said he is excited with Palin on the GOP ticket, calling her the "moral backbone" of the campaign. Palin has a way of reaching out to others and seems to be making an impact in NC. In 2 days, we'll see how big of an impact.