As I travel across our state as Lieutenant Governor talking with people, I hear a lot of concerns and I realize people are frustrated. I understand that what they want is an opportunity to work and provide for their families. However, I have seen up close their determination and their hope for a brighter future.

I am asking you to join me now in equal determination to move our state forward. A brighter future depends on creating jobs and maintaining our historic commitment to quality education. After all, education is in North Carolina’s DNA – from the first public university, to the best community college system, to innovations in our public schools and investments in early childhood education. Education is what builds a stronger economy and better opportunities for future generations.

But North Carolina can’t move forward if we are pointed in the wrong direction. Pat McCrory and the Republican leadership are putting our state on the wrong path by cutting teachers, reducing scholarships and abandoning economic development. They are doing lasting damage to our state. They are wrong.

Stand with me against Pat McCrory and the GOP's anti-education agenda that is putting North Carolina's future in peril.

Together we can change the course. I’ve dedicated my career to improving education at all levels and making North Carolina a great place to do business. I have led efforts to pair businesses and schools to prepare our future workforce and I’ve fought to fund training programs for displaced workers. Because of Pat McCrory and the Republican leadership, education – and our future economy – are under attack.

That's why I announced yesterday that I am running to be your next Governor and I need your support. We need to get North Carolina back on the right track, toward a future with better jobs, a stronger economy, and a recommitment to quality education.

Lucille and I love this state and we understand tough political races. I am the only candidate who has run and won statewide and I look forward to waging an aggressive campaign. Elections are not easy but this race is important. As a state we must decide the direction in which we will turn. With this campaign , I choose to look ahead to a brighter future. I choose progress. I choose a future where public education is the foundation of our economy. Please join us in this fight.

Sincerely,

Walter Dalton