Plans to build a $2.7 million topless club in a fast-growing corridor of northwest Raleigh took a hit today when the N.C. Supreme Court ruled that neighboring businesses have the right to oppose a city permit for the club on the grounds it would hurt them financially.

The decision is the latest in a three-year battle between the club's partners and neighboring businesses to the property on Mount Herman Road near Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Dan Kane reports.

The club would be called The Runway, and could seat as many as 560 people. It would be the city's first topless club in 16 years.

The Raleigh Board of Adjustment is required to approve a special use permit for such businesses. Phong Nguyen, a Raleigh doctor who practices in Virginia, and his partners won the permit in 2005. But then two neighboring businesses and a third nearby convinced a state Superior Court judge to throw out the permit.

The businesses said the topless club would cause economic hardship and reduced property values through increased traffic and an unsavory clientele.

The Christian group Called2Action has also sought to prevent the club's construction.

The N.C. Court of Appeals ruled that the businesses — Triangle Equipment Co., Triangle Coatings and the Angus Barn Restaurant — did not have standing to challenge the permit. The high court reversed the appellate court decision. Supreme Court Associate Justice Patricia Timmons-Goodson dissented from the opinion.

Nguyen has since sold out his interest in the club to David "Slim" Baucom, a Charlotte-area businessman who owns adult establishments in North Carolina and the Southeast.

Called2Action has made its picks in the Republican primary.

The conservative Christian group in Wake County has created a sample Republican ballot for members to use when voting next Tuesday. (It did not create a Democratic ballot.)

In statewide races, the group endorsed John McCain for president, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, Fred Smith for governor, Robert Pittenger for lieutenant governor, Eric H. Smith for superintendent of public instruction, John M. Tyson and Dean R. Poirer for state Court of Appeals.

In local races, it also endorsed Augustus Cho for the Congressional seat held by U.S. Rep. David Price and Marty E. Miller for District Court Judge.

Called2Action hopes to start a radio show.

The Raleigh-based Christian political advocacy group plans to start a radio show next month on WTRU, 1030 AM, if it can raise $30,000 for a six-month contract and related expenses. The show would also air on the Sirius satellite network.

According to an e-mail from Steve Noble, the show will be a live call-in show with a "how to" focus:

We will be seeking callers who have grassroots experience and "war stories" to share, as well as those who need help getting started.  I will also be sharing our own experiences and those of other successful organizations around the country.

The show would air on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon.