Dan Besse is running for lieutenant governor — figuratively and literally.

In an online campaign ad, the Winston-Salem city councilman is shown running through his neighborhood to the sounds of rhythmic clapping.

Text flashes over him, boasting of his track record in his two terms in office, his 12 years on the N.C. Environmental Management Commission, his ieight years on the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission and other positions.

At the same time, it also boasts of his track record, um, on the track: 21 marathons, 52 ultramarathons, a 4:55 minute mile and a 38-minute 10K.

Hat Tip: Trail Mix 

Dan Besse wants in on the spat in the lieutenant governor's race.

The Winston-Salem City councilman e-mailed his positions on abortion, affirmative action, capital punishment and the environment to reporters today.

He noted that two of his opponents—unnamed, but they are state Sen. Walter Dalton and Hampton Dellinger—have "engaged in a rhetorical battle over their positions." He says this makes it a good time to present his opinions.

"I emphasize experience not just because of how valuable it is to an elected official in translating stated positions into effective action," he writes. "I believe that candidates' records tell you what they genuinely believe in, far more than what they say during the heat of a campaign."

To summarize, Besse says he has worked as a consultant to Planned Parenthood, established minority business goals for city contractors, called for a moratorium on executions and served on the N.C. Environmental Management Commission.

Hampton Dellinger, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, had a jazzy fundraiser over the weekend featuring saxophonist Branford Marsalis.

The event drew 145 people at Hopper's Piano Showroom in Raleigh. Among those who spoke at the event was Raleigh attorney Wade Smith, a former state Democratic Party chairman, Rob Christensen reports.

Others attending included Durham Mayor Bill Bell, Pittsboro Mayor Randy Voller, and state Reps. Larry Hall, Ty Harrell and Deborah Ross. The event ended a a kick off fundraising swing for Dellinger, a Raleigh attorney and former legal counsel to Gov. Mike Easley.

One of Dellinger's competitors, Winston-Salem City Councilman Dan Besse, had a meet-the candidate event in Chapel Hill on Sunday. The event was hosted by Dave Moreau, chairman of the N.C. Environmental Management Commission, and his wife Polly; Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton; and John Runkle, an environmental attorney.