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The top two North Carolina Democratic challengers vying for incumbent U.S. senator Elizabeth Dole's seat are in a dead heat in polls among likely voters. State senator Kay Hagan and gay businessman Jim Neal are virtually tied, according to a SurveyUSA poll of likely voters. Neal is the preference of 20% of respondents, while Hagan is favored by 21%. Fifteen percent of voters prefer other candidates, and the remaining 45% are undecided.
"This proves that grassroots politics works and people power trumps the power of money," Neal said in a press release on Tuesday. "Despite being outspent two to one, our message is getting through. The average contribution to our campaign is $80, and I am honored that thousands of North Carolinians are putting their hard-earned money behind us. I will continue reaching out to people across the state, listening to their concerns, and learning from their ideas so we can have a government that works for all the people."
The winner of the May 6 primary will run against Dole in a November election. (The Advocate)
