Candidates Chosen in Race to Succeed Popular N.C. Governor

Democratic state Atty. Gen. Mike Easley and former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot, a Republican, won their party nominations for governor Tuesday in a race to succeed popular Gov. James B. Hunt Jr.

Thirteen candidates in all jumped into the race when Hunt, a Democrat who served four terms over the last 25 years, was barred by law from seeking another term.

With 74% of precincts reporting, Vinroot had 45% of the vote to state Rep. Leo Daughtry’s 36%. Former state Rep. Chuck Neely had 17%. Easley had 60% of the vote to defeat Lt. Gov. Dennis Wicker, who drew 35%.

To avoid a runoff, the winning candidate in each party had to get more than 40% of the vote.

In Indiana, conservative Rep. David M. McIntosh won the GOP nomination to challenge first-term Democratic Gov. Frank O’Bannon. With 74% of precincts reporting, he had 72% of the vote. He defeated John Price, a lawyer who toured the state in a red school bus. O’Bannon had no opposition.

Congressional races in both states drew heavy competition.

Turnout appeared light, with the Republican and Democratic nominees for president all but final. Republican George W. Bush and Democrat Al Gore already have won the necessary number of delegates, and they won more Tuesday.

In Indiana, Vice President Gore drew 75% of the Democratic vote, while former rival Bill Bradley won 21%. Lyndon LaRouche had 3%. Texas Gov. Bush drew 81% and former rival Sen. John McCain received 19% of the vote.

In North Carolina, Bush drew 78%, while McCain received 11% of the vote and Alan Keyes drew 8%. Gore had 70% and Bradley 19% of the ballots cast.

In Washington, D.C., Gore drew 95% of the Democratic vote. Bush had 73% in the GOP balloting, and McCain 24%.