With Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton dominating public attention before North Carolina's May 6 primary, the race to take on Republican U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole has won little notice. But five candidates are vying for the Democratic nomination.

Kay Hagan and Jim Neal are running organized, relatively well-funded campaigns. The other three are running low-profile, low-budget campaigns. Each has his reasons for mounting a long shot effort.

Truck driver Duskin C. Lassiter sees the effect of free-trade deals in his work. Podiatrist Howard Staley thinks a medical professional could reform health care better than career politicians could. Lawyer Marcus W. Williams wants to provide an alternative voice to candidates he says are backed by the Democratic establishment.