One Week to Go

The money-starved Democratic U.S. Senate primary limps to a finish next Tuesday – with a runoff possible and Richard Burr sitting on $5 million for the fall.
 
Elaine Marshall’s campaign promises a healthy TV buy this week. They hope it will check Cal Cunningham’s comparative blitz of ads.
 
Her campaign even talks hopefully of winning 40 percent and avoiding a runoff.
 
Here’s the math: Ken Lewis and the minor candidates have to get more than 20 percent combined to prevent a runoff.
 
I think that’s unlikely. Lewis has little money for TV. And I doubt his numerous endorsements will deliver many votes.
 
So the only question may be whether Marshall’s early lead in name recognition – and whatever TV she puts on – can slow down Cal.
 
In a low-turnout race, a few thousand votes either way could give Cunningham or Marshall a clean win.
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Gary Pearce

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One Week to Go

The money-starved Democratic U.S. Senate primary limps to a finish next Tuesday – with a runoff possible and Richard Burr sitting on $5 million for the fall.
 
Elaine Marshall’s campaign promises a healthy TV buy this week. They hope it will check Cal Cunningham’s comparative blitz of ads.
 
Her campaign even talks hopefully of winning 40 percent and avoiding a runoff.
 
Here’s the math: Ken Lewis and the minor candidates have to get more than 20 percent combined to prevent a runoff.
 
I think that’s unlikely. Lewis has little money for TV. And I doubt his numerous endorsements will deliver many votes.
 
So the only question may be whether Marshall’s early lead in name recognition – and whatever TV she puts on – can slow down Cal.
 
In a low-turnout race, a few thousand votes either way could give Cunningham or Marshall a clean win.
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Gary Pearce

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