Candidates running for national and state Senate and House seats and Orange County Board of Commissioners slots gathered at the Hillsborough House Inn to articulate their platforms.
Despite the fact that the candidates' social was open to the public, few people attended other than the candidates themselves. "The candidates can vote too," said Orange County Commissioner Margaret Brown, half-joking. "I'd appreciate (other candidates') votes as much as anyone else's."
Although the wicker furniture and rocking chairs were not filled with many prospective voters, candidates still turned up the rhetoric as to why they should occupy the coveted seats.
"I want to do something to inspire the next generation," said Jess Ward, a Republican challenge for the U.S. House seat for the N.C. 4th District. "I want to show people that an ordinary guy from the wrong side of the tracks can achieve political office."
N.C. Senate incumbent Howard Lee, D-Orange, said he has an advantage over the opposition because he knows the rigors of office.
"People don't want a brand new pilot flying their plane," Lee said. "I'm experienced; I've been flying this plane."
Vickie Hargrove, a Republican challenger for the state Senate, who spent 16 years working in child development, responded to Lee's pilot analogy with one of her own. "I've seen little children grow up to attain their vision of being successful young adults," she said. "I learned that potential is even greater than experience."
N.C. Senate Republican candidate Bill Boyd, who was diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and has since been cured, spent his time in the limelight talking about insurance policy.
"I found out about the North Carolina health care system the hard way," he said. "If elected, I will support legislation to make insurance companies accountable. The forms need to be readable."
