Cooper maintains lead over Whatley as pocketbook issues dominate NC’s critical US Senate race

With just over a month until early in-person voting begins on Oct. 15, North Carolinians are squarely focused on pocketbook issues. According to a new Elon University poll released Thursday, 86% of registered voters surveyed said inflation and the cost of living are “very important” issues, with 73% describing the general economy and healthcare as most important issues this fall. Husser said that probably won’t help Republicans in competitive races in November. “President Trump largely was re-elected because people thought he was going to handle the economy better than [Kamala] Harris,” said Jason Husser, director of the Elon University Poll....