By Ann Forte

RALEIGH — When North Carolinians vote in the primary on May 6, the state of the economy is sure to have an impact on their decision. According to a recent Elon University Public Policy Poll, 35 percent of those surveyed said the economy was the most pressing issue facing the Tar Heel State; gas prices came in a distant second at 9 percent.

It’s no secret that gas prices are at record highs and the state unemployment rate is up for the third month in a row. Both are signs of the weakening U.S. economy. When voters head to the polls, many said it will definitely be on their minds…

Chapel Hill businessman Jim Neal and state Sen. Kay Hagen are the frontrunners in the race. Neal said, if elected, he will invest in what he calls homegrown wealth. He said he believes by ending the war in Iraq and repealing some of the Bush tax cuts, the country can invest money in small businesses and entrepreneurship.

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