Dalton files for empty governor seat

Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton kicked off his campaign for governor in Durham, where he stressed that his campaign would focus on better jobs, a stronger economy and a re-commitment to quality education.

“We all know our economy is in transition,” Dalton said. “Tobacco, textiles and furniture are not the giants of the North Carolina economy they once were. Competition today is global, and North Carolina must be ready and able to compete in this 21st century economy."

Durham Mayor Bill Bell said Dalton offered a bright future for the state.

“He will fight for good-paying, skilled jobs and a strong public education system that is the foundation for our economy," Bell said.

Dalton is a former small-town lawyer from Rutherfordton, in western North Carolina. He served six, two-year terms in the state Senate before becoming the understudy to Gov. Beverly Perdue almost four years ago.

He noted that Republican leadership in the General Assembly promised to eliminating fraud and waste but wound up cutting teaching positions and student financial aid.

"Pat McCrory and the Republican leadership are doing lasting damage to our state, and they are wrong," he said. "But together we can change the course."

McCrory, a former Charlotte mayor, has filed for The Republican nomination for governor.

State Rep. Bill Faison of Orange County, Gary Dunn of Matthews and Gardenia Henley of Winston-Salem have filed as official candidates for the May Democratic primary. Former 2nd District Congressman Bob Etheridge also said he's running.

Faison is launching the first television ad in the in governor's race, airing the 30 second spot in all statewide markets beginning Wednesday. The ad portrays him as someone who fights "for the little guy" and pitches his plan to create jobs statewide.