For the longest time it looked as if the race for N.C. governor would be all about two familiar names: Beverly Perdue and Pat McCrory. But, as it turns out, the gubernatorial primary races for both major parties are jammed with candidates. John Locke Foundation President John Hood analyzes the race for the top job and key issues bound to dominate the discussion, including North Carolina’s economy and high unemployment rate. Hood also weighs in on the race for Lt. Governor. Next is a look at our nation’s finances. We have to balance our checkbooks, and the federal government ought to do the same. That’s the attitude of people supporting the group Americans for a Balanced Budget. President Dee Stewart discusses the group’s work and explains why a balanced budget is critical to the nation’s future. Then we turn to state finances. State government revenue has topped projections for this budget year by $145 million through January. Legislative economist Barry Boardman recently cautioned lawmakers that the state’s budget picture still faces much uncertainty. You’ll hear his comments, along with reaction from N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg. That’s followed by a look at college-level sports. During the NCAA college basketball tournament, it’s a good time to consider the impact of “big-time” sports on colleges and universities across the country. Charles Clotfelter, professor of public policy studies, economics, and law at Duke University, has written a recent book on the topic. He shares key elements of his research. And finally, Carolina Journal reporter David Bass looks at key Council of State races with an eye toward which jobs have attracted the most attention from candidates. Bass does the same for key legislative races.