Gay NC Senate
Candidate Wins Endorsements

Jim Neal, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from North Carolina, won two endorsements Tuesday for the May 6 primary against his chief rival, state senator Kay Hagan. Neal, who is gay, picked up the first media endorsement of the primary from Yes! Weekly in Greensboro, N.C., as well as the endorsement of Guilford County chapter of the Progressive Democrats of America, according to a press release by the campaign.

"Neal is the more progressive of the two candidates, particularly in his opposition to granting immunity to telecommunications companies that cooperated with the Bush administration's warrantless wiretapping program," the newspaper wrote. "He has been unequivocal about this."

The Guilford County group also announced its endorsement on Tuesday, calling Neal the most progressive candidate in the primary and the best suited to beat longtime incumbent Elizabeth Dole.

Neal has picked up other endorsements on the campaign trail, including that of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The organization's chair, Dwayne Collins, said in a press release that Neal was the best candidate for African-Americans and that Neal will work toward improving "the lives of the human family of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County."

Neal won the 10th congressional district straw poll with 54% of the vote. (The Advocate)