Wake County Democrats hold Early Voting rally

The Wake County school board races were the centerpiece today of a Wake Democratic Party campaign kickoff event.

All five party-backed candidates were on hand for today's press conference/campaign rally marking the start of Early Voting. Former Wake County school board member Susan Parry set the tone as the emcee for the event held on the steps of the Wake County Democratic Party's offices

"We have a great deal to lose this time and a lot to gain," Parry said of the school board races.

Raleigh City Councilman Eugene Weeks, one of the Democratic-endorsed candidates, told the crowd they need to get out the message of voting for all Democrats.

Weeks introduced school board member Keith Sutton as a "foot soldier of the school board" who has been beaten up but is still standing.

"Reasoned advocacy and seasoned leadership are what we need today," Sutton said.

Sutton introduced Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, who praised the school board and municipal candidates on stage.

"These are the leaders that have the vision for the future," Dalton said. "They can fix the problems we face."

Afterward, the crowd of around 50 people marched over to the Wake County Board of Elections to vote. Parry told the crowd that the good thing about Early Voting is that they can use every day between now and Oct. 11 to encourage other people to vote.