DELLINGER OUTLINES FUNDAMENTAL POLICY DIFFERENCES WITH DALTON
On Array of Major Issues -- including Roe v. Wade, Mentally Retarded Execution Ban,
Affirmative Action, and the Environment — Differences are Stark

(11/27/07) With polls showing the vast majority of likely Democratic primary voters undecided about the Lt. Governor's race, Hampton Dellinger today outlined major differences between himself and state Senator Walter Dalton on several major policy issues. Dellinger, a former Deputy Attorney General and Chief Legal Counsel to Gov. Mike Easley, details the stark contrasts at www.HD08.com/differences.

"I respect Mr. Dalton personally. But we have major differences on major issues," Dellinger said. "I am a proud progressive and my views -- support for Roe v. Wade, affirmative action, improved air quality measures, and a ban on executing the mentally retarded -- reflect those held by a solid majority of voters within the Democratic Party. Mr. Dalton's refusal to support Roe's essential elements and affirmative action, coupled with his votes against the Clean Smokestacks Act and landmark death penalty reform, confirm that major policy differences exist between us."

Specifically, Mr. Dalton was one of eight Senators to vote against the landmark 2001 legislation that banned the execution of defendants with IQs of 70 or below. (Vote on Senate Bill 173, 4/23/2001). He has opposed Roe's essential requirement that a woman's health be protected throughout pregnancy and he would deny, except in the narrowest of circumstances, any reproductive rights after the first trimester. (Candidate questionnaire). He has not supported the position that "[s]tate government agencies should take race and sex into account" through affirmative action programs. (Candidate questionnaire). And, in 2001, Mr. Dalton was one of only two Democrats to vote against the Clean Smokestacks Act, which passed the Senate 43-5. (Vote on Senate Bill 1078, 4/23/2001).

Dellinger outlined the two candidates' differing views on these and other issues in a letter sent to Democrats statewide. In the letter and at www.HD08.com/differences, Dellinger presents the policy disagreements straightforwardly using recorded votes and verbatim quotes.

"Before casting their ballots, voters deserve to know where candidates stand on major issues. And candidates for public office should be encouraged to discuss meaningful policy disagreements provided they do so openly and fairly," said Dellinger. "I look forward to continued joint appearances with Mr. Dalton and the other Democrats running, as well as debates, so that voters can probe about our differing experiences and views."

Two other candidates are pursuing the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor. The most recent Public Policy Polling survey showed the race in a statistical tie with no candidate garnering more than 12% of the vote. In terms of fundraising, Dellinger and Dalton have been the frontrunners with both reporting five (5) times more cash-on-hand than their nearest competitor in the most recent State Board of Elections filings.

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Campaign Contact Information: Hamp@HD08.com 919-306-3065
Authorized and Paid for by the Dellinger Committee * PO Box 27374 * Raleigh, NC 27611