Charlotte Election Key to Senate Rule

Sen. Fountain Odom, D-Mecklenburg, is in just such a situation as he battles Republican challenger Robert Pittenger.

"It pits the Republican quest for a majority in the Senate with the Democrats trying to defend and maintain one of their leaders," said Ferrel Guillory, director of UNC's Program on Southern Politics, Media and Public Life.

Democrats have controlled the Senate for more than a century, but many political pundits say that as a result of redrawn districts, Republicans might gain control.

Guillory said the Odom-Pittenger race is a prime example of new district lines' effects.

Republicans recognize this as one of their key races, said N.C. Senate Minority Leader Patrick Ballantine, R-New Hanover. "You have to win those races if you want to be in the majority," he said.

But Democrats say they are confident they will retain a majority in the Senate.

"Regardless of what happens, we will keep power," said N.C. Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand, D-Cumberland.

Though victory is not as certain as in previous years, Odom says he expects to be re-elected. "We're confident, but we're not taking anything for granted," he said.

Odom said he is going door-to-door, campaigning much as he has in the past.

The most difficult aspect of the campaign is convincing people who have never seen his name on the ballot that his ideas coincide with theirs, Odom said.

This week his campaign will highlight the need for a referendum on a state lottery, which he said his constituents favor.

But Pittenger said he thinks constituents no longer share Odom's views. Odom's position as co-chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee will reflect negatively because of state budget woes, Pittenger said.

Pittenger added that he is campaigning on fiscal responsibility and is using a grassroots strategy similar to Odom's.

Leaders from both parties have been helping their respective candidates.

Ballantine said he has been to several fund-raisers in support of Pittenger, while Odom said Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight, D-Dare, has been to two fund-raisers to support his campaign.

The Mecklenburg race is representative of state races overall, Pittenger says, and he expects Republicans to gain a majority in the Senate. "The races are competitive, and the issues are right."

Guillory said the stage is set for Republicans to pick up some seats in the Senate but would not hazard a prediction on the tight elections. "Trying to explain what's going on is hard enough."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.