By Josh Bergeron
josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson, R-8, and Republican 13th District candidate Ted Budd last week enjoyed the fruits of downtown Salisbury as part of an event promoted by the congressman’s office.

Joined by Budd, Commissioners Chairman Greg Edds, Salisbury Mayor Karen Alexander and others, Hudson on Tuesday toured downtown Salisbury. The event served as a way for Hudson to introduce Budd to the Salisbury community. The pair purchased frozen slushies at Innes Street Drug, explored Pottery 101, received a guided tour through New Sarum Brewing and wrapped up the public part of Tuesday’s events with a meal at Go Burrito. Hudson also sampled a couple different types of beer from New Sarum during the event.

Hudson has represented part of Rowan County since being elected. Maps redrawn because of a court decision mean Hudson will represent a majority of Rowan County residents if he wins re-election in November against Democratic challenger Thomas Mills. The winner of the 13th Congressional District race will represent the remainder of Rowan. The 13th District race includes Budd and Democratic candidate Bruce Davis.

Unsurprisingly, Hudson on Tuesday predicted that Budd would serve as the 13th District congressman. In addition to both being Republicans, Hudson and Budd say they’ve been friends for years. They’re also the same age.

The pair’s Tuesday stroll through downtown was guided by Alexander. Edds, local Republican organizer Terry Osborne and staffers of Budd and Hudson trailed along behind.

When asked afterward about introducing Budd to the Salisbury and Rowan community, Hudson listed a few reasons for Tuesday’s event.

“I want Ted to know about some of the special places here,” Hudson said. “We’ve been friends for 15 years. He’s a good man. He’ll be a good member of Congress.”

In a similar event, the pair of Republicans toured Lexington together on Oct. 12. Hudson’s current district includes part of Davidson County. If he’s reelected, his district will no longer include Davidson County.

“Richard’s just been a longtime friend, predating politics for me, and I’m just grateful for the introductions,” Budd said. “People here have just been very welcoming and I think they want to know just who they are going to be working with.”

NC polls show little movement since one week ago

Polling averages in North Carolina’s most contested races — president, governor and U.S. Senate — show minimal movement of races as election day inches closer.

The leaders haven’t changed — Democrat Hillary Clinton in N.C.’s presidential race, Democrat Roy Cooper in the gubernatorial race and Republican Sen. Richard Burr in the U.S. Senate race.

With the release of four polls this week, Cooper’s lead grew from less than 1 percent to 1.5 percent, according to the Real Clear Politics average. The race remains a toss up and is the closest among North Carolina’s big three, according to Real Clear Politics averages.

Meanwhile, Clinton’s lead in North Carolina over Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump remained virtually the same.

The difference between Burr and Democrat Deborah Ross —2.8 percentage points — hasn’t changed with the latest batch of polling, according to the Real Clear Politics average.

Presidential campaign visits continue next week

North Carolina’s status as a battleground state means campaign visits will continue right until election day.

Next week, the state will see several visits from surrogates of presidential campaigns and candidates themselves.

On Monday, Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Kaine is scheduled to appear in Jacksonville and Sanford.

On Tuesday, Vice President Joe Biden will host an event in Charlotte.

President Barack Obama will have an event in Raleigh.

Clinton is scheduled to campaign in North Carolina at a yet-to-be-named location on Thursday.

Neither Trump nor Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence have visits scheduled in the state next week, according to the campaign website.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.