Study: Obama spending more money in N.C.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Democrat Barack Obama is spending more money in North Carolina than Republican John McCain, according to a study by the University of Wisconsin.

The university analyzed political ads from across the country. For the week spanning Sept. 28 – Oct. 4 the study showed McCain’s camp spent $148,000 in the state compared to Obama’s $1.23 million.

“That is huge for North Carolina,” David McLennan, a political science professor at Peace College, said.

McLennan said the heavy investment from Obama’s camp is an effort to turn a traditionally Republican voting state Democrat.

“Yeah, it can make a difference,” McLennan said.

A recent WRAL News poll showed the presidential race in the state to be tight. Obama held a 49 to 48 percent lead in the poll, compared with a 50 to 47 percent lead in a WRAL News poll conducted a week ago.

It may not just be the money helping Obama in North Carolina polls. McLennan said the recent economic conditions have been tough on the McCain campaign.

Recent national polls have shown momentum in Obama’s favor. McLennan said that could explain the increased number of visits from the McCain campaign to the state. Vice Presidential candidate Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin visited Greenville on Tuesday and McCain plans a trip to Wilmington on Monday.

“They send in Palin first and now John McCain will be coming back next week,” McLennan said.

At Palin's rally in Greenville earlier this week, Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole complained of deep pocketed Democrats coming for her U.S. senate seat and “sending almost $10 million against me.”

State Sen. Democrat Kay Hagan held a 49 to 44 percent lead over Dole in a recent WRAL News poll.