20,000 at Obama rally in Charlotte today

Sen. Obama visits Charlotte today speaking about the Wall Street crisis and the economy. According to the Charlotte Observer the police department estimated 20,000 people inside the gates and another 5,000-10,000 outside.

Obama criticized McCain over his economic philosophy saying, "...I do fault the economic policy he's followed during his 26 years in Washington. It's a philosophy that says it's ok to turn a blind eye to practices that reward financial manipulation..." 

As the economic crisis deepens, both candidates have to stick to a very specific plan. The most promising plan will definitely turn out more voters. 

Unemployment rate skyrockets

Today the Employment Security Commission of North Carolina reported the highest unemployment rate since 2002. There was a 6.9% increase with over 4,400 jobs lost since August. This is the eighth consecutive month for the NC rate to rise, now putting the unemployment rate over the national average. 

The economy for the '08 election is North Carolinians number one priority. Although NC is usually a Republican state, it will depend on which economic policy will help their economy recover faster. 

National Race hurting Local Races?

According to the Charlotte Observer, the state elections are having difficulties getting air time and PR due to all the national election coverage.

The Obama campaign hosted a major registration drive which now has the democratic voters outnumbering the republican voters at an 8 to 1 ratio. Sept. 6 - net gain of 176,806 new democrat voters compared to 21,672 new republican voters.

Palin is still a positive for North Carolinians however. Republican Sen. Richard Burr said, "Any woman who can skin a moose has a home in North Carolina..."

Gov. Race - Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue (D) vs. McCroy (R)

Senate Race - GOP incumbent Elizabeth Dole (R) vs. Kay Hagan (D)

Both races are extremely close. The Dems are hoping for a push from the national Dem. attention. Although the state officials are being covered up, maybe the national ticket will be helpful! 

More to come! 

national election making it harder on state

According to the Charlotte Observer, the state elections are having difficulties getting air time and PR due to all the national election coverage. 

The Obama campaign hosted a major registration drive which now has the democratic voters outnumbering the republican voters at an 8 to 1 ratio. 

Poll tossup

Published on CQ Politics Poll Tracker says that according to numerous surveys, it is a tossup whether McCain has a comfortable lead on Obama. 

Research 2000 poll (Sept.8-10): McCain 55 - Obama 38

Civitas Institute poll (Sept 6-10): McCain 47 - Obama 44

Public Policy polling survey (Sept 9): McCain 48 - Obama 44

Although the margins are inconsistent, it still looks like a win for McCain.

Only 50 days to go

In NC there are more registered Democrat voters than Republicans. (2,533,424 to 1,922,047), so why has the state voted Republican the last 8 years? In 2000, Bush won 56% to 44%, and in 2004 Bush won 56% to 43%. Also, NC has been represented by more Democrats in the House & Senate. (National Journal Online Almanac)

 Senate: 31 D   19 R

House: 68 D  52 R

I call this a McCain win. Even with their Dem. backings. 

More to come! 

NC-A Woman's World

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/politics/story/177566.html

Women are taking over the political arena more than ever in North Carolina. Democratic hopeful, Beverly Perdue is running for NC's first female governor spot. To top it off, six women are running for Council of State. 

As the article states, women make up a mere 16 percent of house and senate, but in NC women are 26 percent of General Assembly! 

NC also ranks #19 for number of women in state legislature (Center for American Women and Politics)

Needless to say, Gov. Palin is a hit for NC!