By Bertrand M.  Gutiérrez and Sean Mussenden
MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE

Bill Clinton called it “critical.“ Hillary Clinton called it a “game changer.“ They were both talking about North Carolina.

A local government could replicate his computer modeling and reset the timing of its traffic lights. Cars would flow through intersections more smoothly, reducing emissions and fuel consumption.

Five Republican candidates for North Carolina held their final debate in Asheville, with at least two emphasizing their connections to western North Carolina.

Obama’s struggle to find the right tone — six weeks ago he said he couldn’t disown the pastor he’s known for 20 years — reflects a striking difference in how Democratic voters view the controversy and its proper handling, a point made clear in interviews in North Carolina this week, ahead of the May 6 primary.

Congress is considering proposals to increase veterans education benefits. The military, however, worries that better benefits will prompt excessive numbers of men and women to leave the services.

The Triad and outlying counties are emerging as a key battleground for the two candidates.

Florida and Michigan Democrats will finally get a hearing on the national partys decision to disqualify their national convention delegates - but not until the end of May.

Lawmakers consider tax plans as a way to fill a $1 billion gap

Overall, the two Democrats’ platforms are very similar. But a few specific differences - in both policy, and in how government should work - became clear in Tuesday’s debate.

Clinton won at least 66 delegates to the party’s national convention, with 35 still to be awarded, according to AP’s analysis of election returns. Obama won at least 57. A final count could come Wednesday, or later. Obama still leads in pledged delegates.

The two Democratic hopefuls barnstormed the state in a final pitch for votes in the most populous and delegate-rich state remaining in the nominating contest.

Obama camp declines to agree to participate

Authorities say the man accused of shooting a Virginia state trooper has been caught in Texas.