In North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms, a republican, is retiring after twenty nine years in office. This is an empty seat election. Referring to Helms in a recent interview on CNN, Mrs. Dole stated, "On most of the issues, I'm right where he is.” In fact, Helms has endorsed Mrs. Dole’s campaign. Mrs. Dole’s primary opponent is Democrat Erskine Bowles. Currently, the latest numbers from WFMY News2 Voter Poll show Republican Elizabeth Dole still leading the race for the open North Carolina Senate seat, 48% to Democrat Erskine Bowles' 42%. Just two weeks ago, Dole had a 10-point lead over Bowles, 50% to 40%. Back in September, shortly after the Primary Election, Mrs. Dole had a commanding lead, 49% to 35%. Dole still leads in most regions of the state, running strongest in the Greensboro/Winst

There are sixteen candidates running for this Senate seat election. There are seven candidates running under the Republican party. The front runner for the Republican party is Elizabeth Dole. Mrs. Dole would become North Carolina's first female senator, if elected. There are also some minority candidates running under the Republican party. Wake Forest University professor, Dr. Venkat Challa, is of Asian Indian origin. Also running on the Republican ticket is Dr. Ada Fisher, an African-American woman. Other Republican candidates include Tim Cook, Dr. Jim Parker, Doug Sellers, and Jim Snyders.

There are nine contenders running under the Democratic party. The front-runner for the Democrats is former Clinton White House Chief of Staff, Erskin Bowles. Minority candidate Elaine Marshall is also running under the Democrat party. Mrs. Marshall would also be the first woman in North Carolina elected to state post, if elected. More minority candidates include Dan Blue and Cynthia Brown, who are both African American politicians competing for the Democratic nomination. Also running are Bob Ayers, Randy Crow, David Tidwell, Duke Underwood, and Albert Lee Wiley, Jr. I believe Mrs. Dole is most qualified out of any of the other candidates running in this election. Recent polls also back up my opinion. Mrs. Dole has been leading by various percentages the entire election, but has always maintained a comfortable lead.

Mrs. Dole also has well thought ideas on protecting the families of North Carolina. These include, confirming common sense Conservative Judges who won’t raise taxes from the bench, trample Second Amendment and private property rights, or strike “Un

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