Marshall looks for another statewide win in Senate primary

In a WRAL News Poll, Marshall is the leader among the six people seeking the Democratic nomination in the race for Republican Sen. Richard Burr's seat.

Marshall said she expects this year's race to be different than eight years ago, when she lost in another U.S. Senate bid.

"It was a first time meeting a lot of the players and the issues (in 2002), and I have matured in my array of skills (and) in my familiarity with issues," she said. "That is certainly a stronger springboard."

She said her understanding of where the points of power are and who controls them will make her a strong player if she gets to Washington, D.C.

Marshall was the first woman elected to a statewide office in North Carolina when she defeated NASCAR legend Richard Petty in 1996 for secretary of state. She's won re-election three times, most recently in 2008, and said the job has honed her problem-solving skills.

"It's trying to figure out the right way to solve problems, to get as much of a win-win solution as you possibly can," she said.

Her platform focuses on financial reform, job creation and government accountability.