Politics

Political campaigns set sights on North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hours after the vice presidential debate, both campaigns set their sights on Charlotte.

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick stumped for President Barack Obama.

U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner campaigned for Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

Patrick could go anywhere in the weeks leading up to the election, but he chose to come to Charlotte.

Eyewitness News asked Patrick about the Tarheel voters.

“You’re very important,” Patrick said. “Critically important.”

There are just 25 days until Election Day, so Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx expects more big name visits, but doesn’t want to overlook the grassroot efforts.

“It will not be a cakewalk, so I’m not trying to suggest that folks ought to rest,” Foxx said. “We need to get to work.”

Similar calls were made a few hours later at the Republican office in Dilworth.

Boehner urged Charlotte voters to keep fighting.

“Those phone calls, those door knocks really do matter,” Boehner said.

Political expert Michael Bitzer expects more, too, as North Carolina is still a battleground state and may be more important to Republicans in this election.

“Obama doesn’t necessarily need this state, but if he can pick this state off, it is much harder for Mitt Romney to try to figure out a way to get to the White House,” Bitzer said.

North Carolina went blue last presidential election, but is leaning red this time with its 15 electoral votes up for grabs.