He proposed the federal government provide funds to help local communities hire 50,000 new police officers, a constitutional amendment guaranteeing victims' rights in the criminal justice system, new anti-gang laws, and a requirement that prisoners be free of drugs before being released from prison. Thirteen candidates vied in North Carolina today for the chance to succeed retiring Gov. Jim Hunt, with Democrats sparring over education programs and Republicans challenging each other's conservative credentials.
Hunt is barred by state law from seeking another term.
The leading Republicans fought over who was more conservative. Ex-Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot and state Rep. Leo Daughtry criticized each other's conservative record on spending and abortion, while debating whether to use attack ads. Former state Rep. Chuck Neely avoided most of that fight. . . . Indianapolis attorney John Price, who promised to visit all 92 counties in his red bus, trailed McIntosh in recent polling. Among the 11 candidates were former radio talk show host Mike Pence and Republican state Rep. Jeff Linder.