Checking the pulse. The final Civitas Poll (PDF download) before the election shows Mitt Romney with a slim lead over Barack Obama, along with plenty of undecided voters in Council of State races.

 

• Letter sweater. Democrat Phil Feagan, who’s challenging incumbent Rep. Ralph Hise in House District 47, is accusing the state Republican Party of sending a false political mailer related to same-sex marriage and other liberal social issues.

 

Outside help. The Tea Party Express bus rolled into Salisbury this week, boosting the candidacy of 8th District Republican challenger Richard Hudson.

 

• Machine politics. The Republican National Committee is asking election officials in six states — including North Carolina — to take special precautions making sure that electronic voting machines tally votes accurately.

 

Tax dollars at work. The State Employees Association of North Carolina rolls out a last-minute ad attacking GOP nominee for lieutenant governor Dan Forest.