GOP attacks Dalton spending bills

The state Republican Party is attacking Sen. Walter Dalton's proposed spending.

In a statement sent to the media, party chairwoman Linda Daves noted that — per a recent Dome item — the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor has sponsored or cosponsored appropriations bills totaling $277 million this session.

His Republican opponent, former state Sen. Robert Pittenger, cosponsored bills worth $1.9 million.

"There could not be a clearer contrast between two candidates on the issue of fiscal responsibility than what we have in this year's race for Lieutenant Governor," she said. "While Walter Dalton has been one of the top appropriators as part of the entrenched Democrat power in Raleigh, Robert Pittenger has consistently been an advocate for smaller, smarter, more efficient government."

She said Dalton has a "typical tax and spend mentality," while Pittenger "consistently opposed the excess, pork, and waste" of the legislature.