Dalton in race for lieutenant governor

State Sen. Walter Dalton announced today his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

Dalton, a 57-year-old attorney from Rutherfordton, trumpeted his work to reduce class size, increase teacher pay, make college more affordable and help senior citizens pay for their prescription drugs.

“As lieutenant governor, I will continue fighting to improve education, create new jobs and increase access to health care for every citizen in North Carolina,” Dalton said in a statement. “Our state has come a long way in improving the quality of life for our citizens, but there is much more to be done.”

Dalton is one of a handful of Democrats who are interested in seeking the post held by Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, who is expected to run for governor next year.

A recent poll found that most Democratic primary voters have not made a choice in the race. A survey this month by the Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling found Canton Mayor Pat Smathers with 12 percent, Dalton with 11 percent, Hampton Dellinger, a former aide to Gov. Mike Easley, with 8 percent, and Winston-Salem City Councilman Dan Besse with 7 percent.

Dalton was first elected to the state Senate in 1996.

While the powers of the lieutenant governor have sharply declined in recent decades, the post is still widely regarded as a potential stepping stone to the governor's mansion.