The candidate field is set for North Carolina’s March 15 primary election, resulting in some fascinating races. Carolina Journal Managing Editor Rick Henderson discusses the race for governor, where incumbent Republican Pat McCrory has a primary challenge, and the race for Lt. Governor, where four Democrats are vying for the chance to face off against incumbent Republican Dan Forest. Henderson also looks at the matchups in the U.S. Senate race and several key Council of State races. Then we turn from politics to higher education. The new year brings a new president to the University of North Carolina system, but not everyone will be happy to see her. Kari Travis, associate editor of Carolina Journal, explains why some UNC faculty and students are protesting the hiring of Margaret Spellings as the university’s new president. Travis also discusses reaction to the protest from the UNC Board of Governors. Next is a look at a looming financial challenge for the state. North Carolina has an unfunded liability for government retiree health benefits that tops $25 billion. That means the Tar Heel State ranks No. 41 among the 50 states in setting aside money to meet that obligation, according to a recent report from the General Assembly’s Program Evaluation Division. You’ll hear highlights from a recent legislative discussion about plans to help pay that bill. Meantime, the Program Evaluation Division has recommended that state lawmakers scrap a three-tier system designed to help steer economic development to the state’s most “distressed” counties. Critics say the system has done little to help counties with the greatest economic struggles. You’ll hear lawmakers’ reactions to proposals for changing the system.