NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Pat McCrory +1 In New Poll

The Raleigh News & Observer reports:

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory has closed a significant gap between himself and Democratic challenger Roy Cooper in a Monmouth University Poll released Monday. While the latest polling from Monmouth shows McCrory with a mere 1-point lead, two months ago the incumbent Republican governor was 9 points behind in that poll.

In that time, there have been two televised debates, a hurricane and continued controversy over House Bill 2. McCrory has held almost daily news briefings around the state since Hurricane Matthew and ensuing flooding hit in late September, including right up to Monday.

The Monmouth poll puts McCrory ahead 48 percent to 47 percent. Those surveyed gave McCrory improved job performance numbers: 49 percent approval to 45 percent disapproval. Personal rating of the governor is 43 percent favorable and 42 percent unfavorable. Cooper’s net positive personal rating is 40 percent favorable and 26 percent unfavorable.

“HB2 seems to be the contest’s driving factor during the summer, but the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew may be a more immediate concern for many voters,” said Patrick Murray, poll director, in a statement.