May 24, 2012
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Pat McCrory has a primary opponent.
A list on the State Board of Elections web site says Fayetteville resident James Harney filed Wednesday to run as a GOP candidate for governor. Harney didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment, but his entry means McCrory will have to run some kind of campaign for the May 8 primary.
McCrory has been considered the presumptive GOP nominee and spent the past several months trying to clear the field of high-profile candidates through speeches to party groups and fundraising. The former Charlotte mayor narrowly lost to Democrat Beverly Perdue in the 2008 general election. She isn't seeking a second term but at least four other Democrats are in the race.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
