I’m a typical North Carolina voter.

I came to that conclusion as I was going through my preferences in the upcoming November election. In the top races in the state and nation, I find myself planning to cast votes for Democrats, Republicans and Libertarians.

Here’s a brief look at my ballot:

President: John McCain (R)

I’m not particularly a big fan of Sen. McCain, but I feel it necessary to choose experience in this election. I want the guy who understands how to get things done in Washington, D.C. and has a track record of accomplishment.

I’d rather hear Senator Barack Obama speak for the next four years, but I’d rather have McCain lead.

U.S. Senate: Kay Hagan (D)

Kay Hagan lives in North Carolina. Elizabeth Dole does not.

Governor: Bev Perdue (D)

I’m not excited about Bev Perdue though my reaction to her is fairly positive. I have not and will not vote for anyone from Charlotte to be Governor of our state. We get overlooked badly enough now without adding to it a governor who couldn’t find the Roanoke-Chowan region on a map.

Lt. Governor: Phil Rhodes (L)

I don’t agree with Phil Rhodes on some issues, such as abortion and gun rights, but I do agree with his stance on marriage and the legal issues surrounding it. I also believe it’s high time we elect a Libertarian candidate to state office and I like him better than his opponents.

Attorney General: Roy Cooper (D)

I think Roy Cooper has been a very good attorney general for North Carolina. I’m pleased with his handling of some difficult situations and I think he is the type of leader we need. Honestly, I’d rather be voting for him to be the next governor.

Commissioner of Agriculture: Steve Troxler (R)

I voted for Steve four years ago because I hoped he would clean out the state’s department of agriculture and I believe he did that. I think four more years is appropriate before we judge just how good a job he is doing for our farmers.

Auditor: Beth Wood (D)

I’m not excited about this race, but I haven’t been a big fan of Leslie Merritt in that office and am convinced I would rather see a change. I was a fan of Ralph Campbell who I believe should have sought the office again, but that didn’t happen. That leaves me with voting for Wood and hoping she will get the job done.

Commissioner of Insurance: Wayne Goodwin (D)

He’s good enough for Jim Long and that’s good enough for me.

Commissioner of Labor: Mary Fant Donnan (D)

I admit to having a tough time with this one. I’m not really opposed to the current commissioner – Cherie Berry – but this is one place where partisan politics won with me. I can’t vote for a Republican to run the department of labor. I think the department should be about the workers, not the employers and I don’t think that’s possible under a Republican administration.

Secretary of State: Elaine Marshall (D)

Elaine Marshall has been a good Secretary of State in my opinion and I’m pleased with the way she represents North Carolina. I’ll remain loyal to the support I’ve given her since her first campaign.

Superintendent of Public Instruction: Richard Morgan (R)

Again, this is not about being a big fan of the person I’m voting for. I’m not a huge supporter of Richard Morgan but I’m not at all happy with June Atkinson’s administration so that leaves me with little choice.

Treasurer: Janet Cowell (D)

Richard Moore should have run for re-election to this post and spent another four years running this department, but instead decided to seek the governor’s post. I looked at both candidates and their stances and Cowell seems to make the most sense to me and will get my vote.

That’s my state ballot – minus the judges of course. I don’t know if it helps you, but it helped me realize for sure that I’m no longer what we used to call a “yellow dog” Democrat.

Thadd White is a Staff Writer and Sports Editor for the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald and Gates County Index. He can be reached at 332.7211 or via email at thadd.white@r-cnews.com.