Wake Sheriff Wants 7th Term; Challenger Wants 2nd Time To Be Charm

In Wake County, one of the hottest contests outside the U.S. Senate is the race for sheriff.

John Baker, who is already the longest serving sheriff in the state in office, wants a seventh term. He is credited with equipping Wake County patrol cars with computers and placing deputies in Wake County public schools.

"One of the things that I am most proud of is elevating this office to professionalism," Baker said. "I am confident that as a result of the outstanding record that I have been able to generate here, they are going to return me back to office."

Donnie Harrison, Baker's challenger, is using the sheriff's record against him.

"Sheriff Baker came in and did a good job for about 10 to 12 years, now it's time for a new sheriff with new ideas and new programs," he said.

Harrison narrowly lost to Baker in 1998. He said he still has a map in his campaign office that shows he won most of the county precincts, but he lost big with city voters.

"I'm a much better candidate this time," Harrison said.

Voters will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 5.