Michael F. Easley

Because education is the backbone of a competitive workforce and successful economy, making it a priority is not uncommon.

Early college high schools in North Carolina and across the country show us that challenge - not remediation - is an approach to education that works.

We must remember that North Carolina is more than a collection of regions and people. We are one state, one people, one family, bound by a common concern for each other.

I love North Carolina.

While Obama might not push college education exclusively, like most Democrats he does oversell it and does shortchange the alternatives. And millions of young Americans pay the price.

And I think Governor Romney has a shot if the 'R' next to his name doesn't just stand for 'Republican,' it stands for 'reformer.'