Democrat Jim Hunt, the former four-term governor, has written members of the North Carolina delegation urging them to back the financial bailout package.

"I am writing to urge you as strongly as I know how to support the bill to build back America's economy — it is not simply about Wall Street," said in an email letter. "I have had numerous business leaders around the state tell me that they are losing their business deals and their companies will be badly hurt."

"In addition, Carolyn and I are facing the loss of our retirement funds — much of which was planned to pay college tuition for our ten grandchildren.  I assure you that we are going to be watching this vote as no other — ever."

Former Sen. Jean Carnahan will again tour North Carolina.

The former Missouri senator previously visited the state in April as part of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's primary battle.

On Tuesday, she will stop in Wilson at 10:30 a.m. for an economic community meeting with former First Lady Carolyn Hunt. Carnahan's husband, Mel, and Hunt's husband, Jim, were governors of Missouri and North Carolina during the mid to late 1990s.

She'll then hold another community meeting at Print Products Etc. in Louisburg, and a meet and greet with Durham women at the home of Jean O'Barr.

The trip is part of a recent string of high-profile visits by Obama and his surrogates, including his wife Michelle and running mate Joe Biden. 

Former Gov. Jim Hunt and his wife Carolyn showed at a Wilson rally over the weekend for former President Bill Clinton.

Hunt, the former four-term governor who is still probably the state’s most influential Democrat, has not endorsed in the May 6 Democratic primary, Rob Christensen reports.

But Hunt likely knows how his appearance the Clinton rally is likely to be perceived.

Hunt’s former chief political lieutenant, former state Democratic chair Betty Rae McCain introduced Clinton at the Wilson rally. And helping Hillary Clinton in the state are a number of top Hunt loyalists including former state party chairman Tom Hendrickson, Winston-Salem businessman Bert Bennett and Jane Patterson, the former secretary of administration.

Hunt and Bill Clinton had a close working relationship. Hunt’s last two terms as governor coincided with Clinton’s presidency.

Earlier: Hunt endorsement would matter. 

Friday's political fundraiser by Lillian's List brought in more than $100,000, organizers said in a news release.

Lillian's List raises money to help female Democratic candidates for the state legislature who support abortion rights. The group, which has a political action committee, is named after the state's first female lawmaker, Lillian Exum Clement.

Among the attendees were former Gov. Jim Hunt and his wife, Carolyn; Democratic gubernatorial candidates State Treasurer Richard Moore and Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue; U.S. Rep. Brad Miller; and former ambassador Jeanette Hyde.

The fundraiser, held in Cary, commemorated Lillian's List's 10th anniversary.