Will there be a runoff in the Republican gubernatorial primary?

Citing mixed poll results, political observers are citing the possibility that none of the four candidates will achieve the 40 percent necessary to avoid a runoff. At least one of the candidates has openly worried about the possibility.

Right now, the most likely possibility would be a close split between state Sen. Fred Smith and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, the current front-runners. That would mean a faceoff between the conservative and moderate factions of the GOP.

The last time the Republican gubernatorial primary was not decisive was in 2004, when Patrick Ballantine edged out Richard Vinroot by half a percentage point. One day later, Vinroot abruptly withdrew and endorsed Ballantine, who went on to lose to Mike Easley.

The last Republican gubernatorial runoff was in 1976, when David Flaherty beat Coy Privette, then went on to lose to Democrat Jim Hunt in the general election.

Hat Tip: Brooke Cain

The Char-O's Jack Betts, writing about the reaction to charges of aiding and abetting prostitution against former legislator Coy Privette, reviews Privette's conservative credentials.

He was associated with many conservative social causes over the years and was regarded as a personable, voluble advocate for many causes and against all things sinful. His cheerful greetings in the halls of the legislature were always prefaced by "Hello, Brother" and accompanied by as warm and engaging a smile as you're likely to see in this old state.

Privette was suspended from the Christian Action League presidency late Thursday, the Char-O reports.

Former state Rep. Coy Privette of Kannapolis was charged today with six counts of aiding and abetting prostitution, the Salisbury Post is reporting.

Privette, a Republican, is a Cabarrus County commissioner and president of the N.C. Christian Action League.

The Salisbury Post says Privette appeared at the Rowan County Magistrate's Office today and was released on a written promise to appear in court on Aug. 22.

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that the misdemeanor charges stemmed from an investigation into a forged check at First Charter Bank in Kannapolis. Also charged was Tiffany Denise Summers, 32, of Salisbury. She was charged with six counts of prostitution.

Summers has been convicted of drug, prostitution and possessing stolen goods, according to court documents.