Senate races here have been quite a bit more competitive over the last 30 years.  But this year will not be.  Elizabeth Dole brought a wealth of public service accomplishments to her first attempt at the Senate in 2002.  Since taking office, she has been a solid, if not spectacular, conservative voice for the voters of North Carolina.  She will win re-election by a good margin, one made more comfortable by an absence of first-tier Democratic challengers willing to take her on.

One race that does appear to be comptetive this year is the race for the Governor's Mansion.  Though I hate to admit it given my support for State Senator Fred Smith (R), I have to say the Democrats have the inside track to replace term-limited Governor Mike Easley.  Either Lieutenant Governor Bev Purdue or State Treasurer Richard Moore will be tough for the GOP nominee to beat.  So, this one starts off as a Weak DEM Hold.

In the House, the race for the seat in District 8 stands out immediately as a barnburner.  When a race features a rematch between two candidates who were separated by roughly two tenths of one percent, a thrill ride the second time is almost certain.  Such is the case here where GOP incumbent Robin Hayes will face school teacher Larry Kissell.  The Democratic "powers that be" provided very little support for Kissell in 2006, a fact which probably saved Hayes' seat.  This time that will change.  Even so, The Blogging Caesar is rating this one a Weak GOP Hold to start.  Of all the races I've handicapped so far, however, this is among the most likely to switch back and forth before Election Day.

See the rest of the goods on the North Carolina state page.

Next stop:  North Dakota