He is this year running up against the state's two-term limit for governors for the second time. He was re-elected in 1996. Recent polls gave the Republican nominee, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, a significant but not commanding lead over Gore in North Carolina. When pollsters added Hunt as the hypothetical Democratic vice presidential pick, Bush's lead in the state virtually disappeared. Bush probably has the slight advantage.
Nobody has any illusions about what the reality is right now.
Who knows what the dynamics of the race will be in a few months. By serving as chair of the convention's platform drafting committee, Hunt will have already played a prominent role in the national Democratic campaign. He is an honorary co-chairman of the North Carolina delegation, along with Edwards. The successes of Clinton and Gore are due in many respects to the New Democrats who have emerged in the 1990s. North Carolina Democrats can certainly vouch for the political potency of a unifying and moderate message.