AdvertisementThough we've seen a lot of movement and noise in key Senate races in states like Michigan and Maine over the last several weeks, the North Carolina Senate race featuring former Gov. The investment, shared first with POLITICO, is the first tranche of Senate Leadership Fund’s previously announced plan to spend $71 million in North Carolina this year. A person familiar with SLF’s plans in North Carolina, granted anonymity to speak candidly, said the investment reflects the party’s growing confidence that a sustained advertising blitz will expose vulnerabilities in Cooper’s record. Even when NC finally elected a Republican governor (Pat McCrory) in 2012, Cooper was still winning his attorney general races. AdvertisementHopefully, the infusion of cash by the SLF will breathe much-needed new life into this race at a critical time.