N.C.: Hunt On His Way To Fourth Term

RALEIGH, N.C. (AllPolitics, Nov. 5) -- Democratic Gov. Jim Hunt is well on his way to a fourth term as North Carolina's governor, CNN projects.

Hunt completed his first two terms as governor eight years before beginning his third in 1992. He had moved steadily to the right during his absence, but still campaigned in 1996 supporting abortion rights and opposing school vouchers, in contrast to the positions held by his Republican opponent, Christian Coalition conservative Robin Hayes.

Voters were apparently pleased with Hunt's record as governor.

"That was probably the easiest decision I had to make," said Kelly Williams, a 22-year-old law student who said he split his ballot between the GOP and the Democrats. "I like what he's been doing for the state and I think the Republicans are pretty pleased with him too."

Hunt advocated tougher criminal penalties and an early-childhood education program that he said would improve both schools and economic development.

Hayes opposed Hunt's "Smart Start" education program, claiming it would interfere with parents' child-rearing.

Exit polls showed that seven out of 10 voters who called themselves moderates said they went for Hunt, while nearly two-thirds of those who described themselves as conservative said they voted for Hayes.

Related Sites:

• North Carolina gubernatorial candidate - Jim Hunt(D)