Statewide candidates getting into the mix

Republican candidates are beginning to emerge for the various statewide races on the ballot in 2008. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, State Auditor Les Merritt and Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry are all seeking re-election.

Here are a few of the challengers for other Council of State offices (not including governor) that we've heard about:

Lt. Governor: State Senator Robert Pittenger of Charlotte and Greg Dority, who has run for U.S. Congress in the 1st District and considered challenging Rep. Walter Jones in the '06 Republican Primary.

Attorney General: Bob Crumley has been out of the gate for quite some time.

State Treasurer: State Reps. Dale Folwell and Bill Daughtridge

Secretary of State: Burlington attorney Jack Sawyer

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tryon resident Joe Johnson

At this point no Republican has announced for Commissioner of Insurance, which is one of the three races impacted by the public financing law the legislature passed in the last session.

If you know of others, please comment!