For governor, Spaulding definitely seems to be the underdog running a grassroots campaign. He seems to be good on the issues. I'll probably vote for him in the primaries.

The democratic rival for governor, Roy Cooper, is definitely the establishment choice, but not the worst candidate in the world either. I'm suspect about his positions on criminal justice reform as NC Attorney General, but he is miles better than McCrory regardless. You can check out a little about him here: http://www.ontheissues.org/Roy_Cooper.htm

I'm less concerned with the Governor's race than I am with the Senate race.

Deborah Ross seems to be the odds-on favorite for the Democrats. She's as a former member of the NC house and fromer leader of the NC ACLU. Maybe that's "establishment" but she's a progressive fighter too as far as I can tell from her history. Her basic platform:

Ross says her campaign will focus on “economic security” issues, such as raising the minimum wage, making college more affordable, ensuring equal pay for women and stabilizing Medicare and Social Security.

Kevin Griffin seems to be trying to run the 'insurgent' liberal campaign, and I like most of his positions on the issues (http://gowithgriffin.org/category/on-issues/), but I don't like he's been trying to take down Ross. He seems to be suggesting she's too vulnerable to attacks from the right because of her liberal history, and that as a non-politician, he doesn't have the same vulnerability. Unfortunately, to me it sounds more like he's simply trying to attack her from the right.

Chris Rey and Ernest Reeves both seem to be running as moderate Dems. Reeves has extensive military experience, and Rey has some military experience but is also is a sitting mayor. I don't think either are Sanders-style progressive democrats from what I can tell.

The good news is that there is a debate for the senate candidates on WRAL tonight! http://www.wral.com/4-democratic-senate-hopefuls-participating-in-tv-debate/15423785/ Check it out to learn more.