N&O endorses Bowles

Enthusiastically, at that.

The News & Observer's editorial page enthusiastically endorses Bowles for the office because of the thoughtful and specific aims he has articulated in this, his second Senate campaign.
...
Bowles, 59, has effectively communicated with voters in a hopeful, positive way. In a state battered by textile plant closings, shrinkage in the tobacco industry and outsourcing in the
technology sector, he would trim what he regards as unnecessary regulation on small businesses and reduce tax breaks for companies that move jobs overseas. His range of experience equips him splendidly to make headway against these challenges

He offers specific and sensible proposals for providing health insurance to thousands in North Carolina who are priced out of the market, or to those whose employers can't offer coverage. In that regard he would expand the state program for uninsured children, allow more low-income
adults to join the program, and pass tax credits for small businesses so they could offer coverage to more workers. He offers a tailored approach to tort reform, supporting a cap on damages in medical malpractice lawsuits but only if exceptions are made for intentional or reckless acts by medical workers.
...
Burr is reliably pro-business, but he hasn't come close to matching Bowles in effectively presenting positive ideas about how to bring better paying jobs to North Carolinians.

In short, there is indeed a stark choice in this Senate race. Erskine Bowles offers North Carolina a stellar history of public service, a wealth of experience in business, and a view of government that reaches out to people. North Carolina deserves no less.

I gotta say I'm more emotionally wrapped up in Erskine's race than the one for the presidency, or any other. He'll be a great Senator. Al Hunt agrees.