My name is Hampton Dellinger, and I am running for Lt. Governor. I am a proud progressive Democrat who lives in the Triangle. I am honored to receive the Independent’s endorsement in the LG's race. For years, Indy has been holding government accountable, demanding transparency from elected officials, and urging greater social and economic justice, issues that I have made a centerpiece of my campaign. You can read more about what I've done and why I'm running at www.HD08.com. I appreciate Indy's vote of confidence and I would be honored to have every reader's vote. Regards, Hampton Dellinger Democrat for Lt. Governor

Thank you, Independent, for your endorsement and your excitement about my campaign! I intend to bring a proven, progressive voice to the State Senate. I encourage Indy readers to visit my website -- www.joshstein.org -- to learn more, and I ask for their vote on May 6th

That cover is hilarious! Kudos to the Indy for a good selection of endorsements....bonus points for the humorous cover page.

Thanks Indy! Your candidate endorsements reaffirm my commitment to vote Republican. Oh, and good call on your support of the home transfer tax in Orange County. Together, the Orange County liberals and Indy staff will finally succeed in creating NC's first socialist county. Look out San Francisco!

Whoisthat? You might want to take a closer look at your premise. What makes you think that Democrats would want you voting for their party? And, from the tone of your response I'd say the city of San Francisco isn't planning a big party for your arrival, either.

Indy Week. I salute you as a citizen and retired Marine on your endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President. I also salute the North Caroline legislators and candidates that endorsed Senator Obama for President. It is time to change the way Washingto D.C. does business in this country and time to recognize that this government, state and federal, is for the people, by the people. Senator Obama and those who have endorsed him for President recognize this. They will turn the page in American history that brings back honor and glory to this great nation. America will again be an admired nation and leader of this world. God bless and God speed! Citizen AJ

Bad choice in backing Richard Moore, Independent! Bev Perdue is the best choice for NC. She has done a fabulous job as Lt. Governor and will be a governor who considers the people, of our state, first as our new Governor. She has the backing of more than 10,000 women across our state, through Women for Perdue, and decided almost a month ago to discontinue the negative ads and focus on the positive things she will do to move our state forward. Do you more research into both candidates before taking the advice of one paper.

obama said sunday he intends to stay in the church which follows a racist doctrine, AFTER ALL THE FRUCAS, he chooses to stay. whatever else he has to say is of no consequence to me. He has totally lost my respect.

Loui, I don't want you to take this wrong but you're an idiot.

First off, on what exactly are you basing your judgement that the CHURCH follows a racist doctrine?

The 30 second clips you've seen of Rev. Wright? This man has been a pastor a that church since 1972. That's 36 years. Even assuming he only did a Sunday morning sermon and a Wednesday evening sermon (and I bet he does more than that), that's more than 3,6000 HOURS of preaching. Or 216,000 minutes. Or to put it in your terms that's at least 432,000 "30 second clips". And now based on seeing a handful of carefully selected clips, you are not only willing to pass judgement on this man who has served his God as a pastor more than 30 years AND served his Country as a marine, but you're willing to take it step further and pass definitive judgement on that entire church AND anyone who would be a member.

So let me ask you this, what exactly that Reverend Wright said do you disagree with? Was it the "chickens coming home to roost"? You believe that up until 9/11 we were the world's Saint that hadn't done anything wrong to anybody? Really? Btw, the full version of what he said can be found here http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/21/the-full-story-behind-rev-jeremiah-wrights-911-sermon/

Or maybe it's the "Goddamn America!" statement. I've heard that one over and over (and I have no idea what the context of the statement was because apparently that's not important). If that's the case then I'm sure you also denounce Pat Robertson and his 700 Club and everyone who is member of the 700 Club and Jerry Falwell (rest his soul) and Rev. Hagee since all of them had said numerous times that this country is essentially on it's way to hell for permitting gay marriage.

Meh, that can't be it. There's nothing intrinsically racist there.

So help me out. Which racist program is it that this church is following that you hate so much?

JohnD: i'm leaving your comment up because it does contribute to the conversation. however, please refrain from name-calling.

Hmmm... You raise an interesting question, Denise. Is it still name-calling if they actually ARE an idiot?

Or is it rather just the stating of an inconvenient fact that some would rather not hear?

There are numerous other words I could have chosen besides "idiot" and yet I find myself reminded of the Bard's insightful words, "that which we call a rose; By any other name would smell as sweet"

However, upon further reflection, I will agree that my statement was not 100% factual.

Loui, you are not necessarily an idiot.

All I can say for certain is that you are a person (well probably a person) who posts things on the internet very similar to those things that one might reasonably expect an idiot to post. I apologize for leaping to conclusions.

And to the Indy, I thank you for your gentle correction and for not engaging in censorship, which is abhorrent in all it's forms. It is a sad state of affairs when our society degrades to the point where one actually feels appreciative of being able to exercise the right of Free Speech, and yet that's where we're at in this country now.

Btw, Denise, as the Editorial Web Director, I have two suggestions that I think would enhance the website. The first would be enabling some sort of Preview Post feature. And the second would be permitting additional html markup. Even basic stuff font modifiers like italics and bold would be a nice addition.

Thanks,

JohnD