North Carolina Congressional race

So far this week we’ve talked with an expert about what to expect from the presidential candidates.

Today, we take a look at the two races to represent our area in congress.

With more than four months to go until election day, Republican Elizabeth Dole is already spending big money reminding voters of her record as she seeks a second term in the US senate.

And it’s that money, perhaps as much as $10 to $15 million in this race, that could make it an uphill climb for Democratic challenger Kay Hagan.

Political Consultant Susan Bulluck said, “For a state senator, no matter how popular, to raise that kind of money, that’s going to be one of the deciding factors for her.”

But Bulluck says Hagan does have resources at her disposal.

“Kay Hagan will have the backing of the national party and of everything the state can muster from the Democratic party,” said Bulluck.

Money aside, issues will also help decide the senate race.

Bulluck said expect them to be much the same the presidential candidates will run on.

“It will be those issues of how we’re using our national revenue in terms of providing support for pocketbook issues,” said Bulluck.

On the other side of the capitol rotunda, Republican challenger Will Breazeale is standing between Democrat Mike McIntyre and a seventh term in the house of representatives.

“I think every race ought to have a challenger. It’s what keeps our democracy moving,” said Bulluck.

Breazeale, an airline pilot and Gulf and Iraq War veteran, has challenged McIntyre to a series of debates.

Bulluck said, “I think Mike McIntyre has done a good job in the district. I think he would be very difficult to knock out.”

In a release today, Will Breazeale’s campaign said Mike McIntyre will not agree to a series of debates.

But this morning, the congressman told NewsChannel three he is willing to debate Breazeale.