N.C. takes center stage in presidential race

Raleigh, N.C. — After years of being considered strictly Republican turf, North Carolina is getting attention from both presidential campaigns each hoping to win the state on Nov. 4.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden took a bus tour across North Carolina Thursday, and spoke at three college campuses.

“Our goal is to have one of the biggest voter turnout in North Carolina history and it’s up to you,” Biden said.

Biden said the two primary goals for himself and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama could be printed on bumper stickers: Restore the nation's middle class and reclaim global respect for America.

Biden’s Republican counterpart, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is also planning a campaign appearance in the state. Palin will speak at the Asheville Civic Center on Sunday. Doors open at 4 p.m. and tickets are available through the campaign’s Web site.

Palin’s visit marks her third trip to the state this month.

Republican presidential nominee John McCain will hold a rally at Fayetteville's Crown Coliseum on Tuesday. Tickets are available at campaign headquarters in Raleigh and Fayetteville.

The latest Winthrop/ETV Poll survey showed that among likely voters in North Carolina and Virginia, there is a statistical dead heat between Obama and McCain.

About 25 percent of undecided voters in North Carolina said they were leaning towards McCain. Just over 18 percent said they favored Obama.