Political campaigns heading into the home stretch

Now that the political conventions are over, elections offices in Craven and Pamlico counties are getting calls from voters ready to mark their ballots.

Candidates needing only local or regional approval have been lobbying more quietly, but their signs are beginning to show up by the roadsides, and forums are being scheduled for voters to hear their messages.

The Pamlico County Committee of 100 has scheduled a 7 p.m. Oct. 1 forum for all candidates of all parties who face Pamlico County voters, said Lisa Bennett, Pamlico elections director.

A campaign breakfast was canceled Sept. 6 by Rep. Alice Underhill of New Bern, the incumbent Democrat in the N.C. House District 3 seat for both Craven and Pamlico counties, because of tropical storm Hanna. It has been rescheduled to Sept. 20 at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center. Underhill faces Republican Norman Sanderson and Libertarian Herb Sobel who are both actively campaigning.

Some Craven County voters live in state House District 12, represented by Democrat William Wainwright of Havelock. He is being challenged by Republican Mark W. Griffin of Dover, who is becoming more visible at his party's events.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones of Farmville, a Republican representing U.S. Congressional District 3, faces a challenge by Democrat Craig Weber of Morehead City. Rep. G.K. Butterfield of Wilson, Democratic incumbent in U.S. Congressional District 1, is challenged by Republican Dean Stephens of Colerain.

Sen. Jean Preston, Republican incumbent in the N.C. State Senate District 2 race, faces Democrat Greg D. Muse in her bid for re-election.

Craven voters have other candidates facing local or district election but only one, Becky Kafer, the District 5 member of the Craven County Board of Education, has a ballot challenge in the nonpartisan race. It comes from Joshua Pope.

Board of Education members Linda Thomas of District 2, Carroll G. "Carr" Ipock II of District 3, and Joseph L. Walton of District 7, Craven County Register of Deeds Sherri B. Richard, and Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor Gretchen C. Davis are also on the ballot but do not face opposition.

Other district offices on the ballot for Craven and Pamlico include District 3 judges Karen Alexander, Peter Mack Jr., L. Walter Mills, Paul M. Quinn, Cheryl Spencer, and Jerry F. Waddell.

The Pamlico County Board of Commissioners has three seats on the election ballot, two with challenges to incumbents and one unopposed now that District 1 Commissioner Roy Brinson Sr. successfully defended his seat from a primary election challenge.

Republican Pamlico Commissioner Christine Mele faces Democrat Phillip Willis in her bid to keep the District 2 seat. Both are from Oriental.

Democratic Commissioner Doug Brinson is opposed by Republican Kenny Heath for the District 5 seat. Both are from Arapahoe.

Sue Whitford, the Democratic Pamlico County Register of Deeds, faces no opposition, nor does James "Bossy" Hardison, the incumbent Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor on the ballot.