Elite 8: The Ultimate N.C. Politics Showdown

You have one day to cast your vote to fill out the Final Four

We’re down to the Elite 8 in the our bracket, and it’s clear now — these are the heavyweight contenders.

The #1 seeds are holding strong, but a few underdogs have pulled off impressive runs. The John Locke Foundation knocked off Jesse Helms, proving that intellect can outlast even the most dominant political figures. And in one of the biggest surprises, the COVID lockdowns have fought their way past historical events and scandals to reach this stage.

From governors vs. think tanks to BBQ vs. basketball, these are the matchups that define North Carolina. Who moves on to the Final Four? You decide.

Power Players Region

(1) Jim Hunt vs. (11) The John Locke Foundation

This matchup is all about power — who has it, how they wield it, and which type of influence lasts longer.

Gov. Jim Hunt was a towering political force, a four-term governor who built a modern Democratic machine and left his fingerprints on the state’s economy and education system. The John Locke Foundation obviously never held o…