N.C. gubernatorial candidates spent the last day before the election presenting their platforms to potential voters one last time.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Vinroot started his whirlwind tour of the state in Asheville before visiting Greensboro, Raleigh, Greenville and Wilmington. The tour ended in Charlotte, home to Vinroot's campaign headquarters.
Democratic candidate Mike Easley attended a noontime rally in Raleigh with several other Democratic candidates from across the state before making a number of television appearances in the afternoon.
Vinroot visited N.C. GOP headquarters during his stop in Raleigh, where he promoted the Republican party as a whole and voiced his support for Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush.
About 100 people wearing "Vinroot 2000" stickers gathered to hear him speak.
"If you want real reform and don't want your taxes raised - if you want better government, not bigger government, then I'm your man, and so is George W. Bush," Vinroot said.
Vinroot also touted his plans for taxes and education. He said he wants to contain state spending to keep taxes low.
The former Charlotte mayor also reiterated his plan to improve education by implementing a system in which teachers are paid based on performance, not tenure. "I want tests given to make sure teachers are capable of educating our children," he said. Vinroot said he wants a system allowing lower-income families to receive vouchers for private schools.
While Vinroot was encouraging his supporters, about 150 people rallied in Durham to support Easley, even though the candidate himself was not there.
