WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — State Schools Superintendent June Atkinson says the success of women candidates in last week's primary show North Carolinians are progressive.

Seven of the eleven women on the ballot for statewide offices were successful against men. An eighth woman, Mary Fant Donnan, was the top vote getter among Democrats for commissioner of labor and may face a runoff.

Atkinson told The Winston-Salem Journal for a story Monday that women have been working to be prepared for public office.

The U.S. Senate race in November features two women, incumbent Republican Elizabeth Dole against Democrat Kay Hagan.

The Democratic candidate for state treasurer, Jane Cowell, says some women vote for women, especially if they don't know much about the candidates.

But Atkinson says some people won't vote for a woman.

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