In what is normally a quiet primary race for State Auditor, controversy is brewing over an alleged endorsement from Republican State Party Chairman Robin Hayes. Candidate Greg Dority has been accused of implying that he has been endorsed by the state’s Republican leader. “He’s certainly leading people to believe that he’s been endorsed,” said rival State Auditor candidate Rudy Wright, current mayor of Hickory. “In a disingenuous manner, my opponent's numerous claims of 'encouragement from Chairman Hayes and other party leaders' in his various press releases and candidate statements imply endorsement when, in fact, none exists...

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