With the Democratic primary less than a week away, the race for the state’s U.S. Senate seat has become a two-person contest, pollsters say.
And many voters still don’t know what makes one candidate different from the other.
Iraq war veteran and former N.C. Sen. Cal Cunningham, D-Davidson, now trails N.C. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall by only 3 percentage points, according to poll numbers released Tuesday by Public Policy Polling.
Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate
Name: Cal Cunningham
Current Position: Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves
Experience: Former N.C. Senator
Hometown: Lexington
Goals: “Creating jobs and restoring our economy are the top concerns for North Carolinians, including college students and recent graduates,” Cunningham stated in an e-mail.
Why students should vote for him: Cunningham said his life experiences, including serving as UNC’s student body president and as a military prosecutor in Iraq, will resonate with students and young voters.
“During my time in office, I focused on education, jobs and the environment,” he said.
Name: Ken Lewis
Current Position: Attorney
Experience: This is Lewis’ first time running for office.
Hometown: Chapel Hill
Goals: Lewis’ campaign said he has the ability to unite a coalition of young voters, progressive voters, forward-thinking business people and black voters.
“We know this coalition is necessary for Democrats to win,” said Sam Swartz, a spokesman for the campaign. “But they aren’t guaranteed to turn out.”
Why students should vote for him: Lewis will work to improve the economy and create jobs, issues which are important to young graduates, Swartz said.
Name: Elaine Marshall
Current Position: N.C. Secretary of State
Experience: Former N.C. Senator
Hometown: Lillington
Goals: As Secretary of State, Marshall recovered more than $500 million from banks for North Carolina. “She wants to take these guys on,” said A.J. Carrillo, her campaign manager, adding that Marshall is interested in getting credit to small businesses.
Why students should vote for her: “Elaine has been a strong advocate of extending public education,” Carrillo said.