While neither is an attack ad, both have drawn sharp criticism. Within hours, these two political spots had critics firing away and the campaigns on the defensive.
The two ads tackle different topics. McCrory promised energy exploration. Walter Dalton spoke of reform. However, critics found fault in both.
In Dalton's ad, it was his promise to end outsourcing.
"People who work hard have taken it on the chin and that's got to change, no more outsourcing our jobs," said Dalton in the ad
However, Dalton has personally invested in companies that have been criticized for doing just that -- outsourcing American jobs. Records filed with the state show he's invested in more than 20 large companies that show up on a list of alleged outsourcers put out by journalist Lou Dobbs when he was with CNN.
"You can't criticize policy that you profit from, period," said McCrory strategist Brian Nick. "Walter Dalton in his very first commercial, coming right out of the gate has shown complete hypocrisy and double talk."
McCrory, however, also came under fire for his ad promoting energy development in North Carolina.
"The path to prosperity and thousands of jobs is right under our feet and off our coast," said McCrory in the ad
"There's clearly a conflict of interest here," said Progress North Carolina's Justin Guillory.
Guillory pointed out that McCrory is a consultant to a law firm that works with the American Petroleum Institute, a lobbyist for energy exploration.
Guillory worries that if McCrory wins, he could be appointing people to the state's new Energy and Mining Commission with API whispering in his ear.
"Is Pat McCrory going to listen to fisherman and tourism officials or is he going to listen to the Petroleum Institute, one of his law firm's clients, when it comes to issues of how to regulate drilling in North Carolina," said Guillory.
Both campaigns had counter-arguments ready to go.
McCrory's camp reminded people that he worked for Duke Energy for nearly 30 years.
"He's been on the record for energy exploration for many years before this campaign," said Nick.
And Dalton defended his investments by distancing himself from them.
"That is a managed account," said Dalton. "I don't buy and sell on that account on my own. My broker has complete discretion."
With less than 60 days before the election, more commercials will be coming and more back and forth will follow.
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