Hunt: N.C. could be in play

Jim Hunt says North Carolina could be in play.

The former governor told Dome that he believes the state could go for the Democratic presidential nominee for the first time since 1976, though he stressed it's too early to know for sure.

"There's a real chance it will stay in play all the way through," said Hunt, who did not endorse Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton in the state primary. 

North Carolina has been thought to be up for grabs before, notably in 1992 when Bill Clinton contested the state and early in the 2004 race when John Edwards was on the ticket. But Hunt said this year's election is different.

"I think it's the fact that so many things are messed up in the country," he said. "I think there's just tremendous enthusiasm for Barack Obama, particularly among young people and African-Americans, but also in an awful lot of other people."

Though he said he'll work to get Obama elected, Hunt said he isn't looking for a job in his administration.

"I think those days are gone," he said. "I'm not interested in leaving North Carolina. I want to see big changes in education made across the country, but there are a lot of good people who can make that happen. I'd rather support them."