NC campaign filing season begins

RALEIGH (AP) -- North Carolina election offices will be buzzing Monday as the filing period for candidates begins. Starting at noon, hopefuls for state and local offices fill out paperwork and pay the filing fee to get on this year's ballot. The filing season ends February 29. Primary elections are set for May 6, with the general election November 4. It's considered a "long ballot" year in North Carolina, with president, governor, U.S. Senate and several Council of State races up for election. There will also be candidates for judgeships and legislative and county government seats. Many candidates already have been campaigning for months and raising money. Depending on the race, candidates file at the state election board office in Raleigh or in their home county. (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)