Republican Tracking Poll: Governor

Pat McCrory 36
Fred Smith 29
Bob Orr 7
Bill Graham 5
Elbie Powers 1

His opponents have ratcheted up the attacks in recent days but Pat McCrory is holding steady with a seven point lead in the Republican race for Governor.

McCrory trails Smith when the Charlotte metro area is taken out of the equation, but his 70-11 lead at home exceeds Smith's margin in the rest of the state. McCrory will need to do more to build support beyond his geographic base if he hopes to win the general election.

Smith is still within striking distance but even after taking his criticisms of McCrory to the airwaves it hasn't put much of an immediate dent into his support. It could be that the attacks will become more effective with time.

Bob Orr and Bill Graham just haven't been able to get any traction since McCrory entered the fold.

Full results here.