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.