Wake county democrats received some encouraging news a few days ago when the News and Observer officially endorsed several NC House candidates in districts throughout the state, most notably House District 49 Democrat Kim Hanchette.

For most of you, this is not the first time you're hearing Kim's name in this election cycle. I personally think that is because over the past few months she has proved to all the doubters that she has exactly what it takes to win a tightly contested district, that as a whole, could be used to represent an average NC voter. District 49 is split nearly dead even in voter registration - almost 33% for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.

Hanchette has notably surprised former Wake County Commissioner and HD49 appointee Gary Pendleton, at every turn in this election. Therefore, she has more than proven that she is worthy of the N&O's endorsement.

Kim Hanchette, a Democrat, is another splendidly qualified candidate for this Raleigh district. She started a nonprofit firm that focuses on helping people with diabetes deal with the disease. Her focus as a lawmaker would be public education, health care access, clean energy and helping the disadvantaged.

Republican Gary Pendleton, former Wake County commissioner and a businessman, has long been a hard-right conservative presence in the county. But he hasn’t brought any fresh or thoughtful ideas to this campaign.

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/10/27/4269684_democrats-offer-a-needed-change.html

In a state that is now projected by most pollsters to re-elect a Democratic Senator, one has to hope that Hanchette's chances of victory in the 49th are good. With a crucial pick-up of a formerly Republican seat, an energetic, progressive candidate like Hanchette maybe just the "needed change in NC House" that the N&O suggests.