RALEIGH, N.C. — According to unofficial returns, North Carolina Rep. Richard Burr has won an

easy victory in the Republican U.S. Senate primary.

Burr's victory set up a much-anticipated November general election battle against former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Polls show Bowles with a big lead.

"This is a choice for North Carolina between someone with the experience to come and start on Day 1, or somebody who is really from the left-over administration," Burr said. "I'm convinced that North Carolinians want true representation in Washington, and that is what I have to offer."

Burr is a five-term member of the House. He has been running against Bowles for months and generally ignored his primary opposition.

"You're looking at a guy who likes to work," Bowles said. "We're starting a 40-city bus tour all through North Carolina."

Burr said it is too early to talk momentum.

"We're going to give (Bowles) a good race," Burr said. "I'm not sure I've started on the momentum side. We're putting together a grassroots organization that won't be matched by anybody in the history of North Carolina."