Until recently, Perdue, a Democrat and the state's first female governor, was expected to face former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory in this year's gubernatorial election, the Republican opponent she won against in 2008. Public Policy Polling said that over the last three months of polling, McCrory was leading Perdue by about 10 points.
Governing political contributor Louis Jacobson has reported that previous low approval ratings and conflicts with the GOP-controlled Legislature would have given Perdue a challenge this election year.
In his latest analysis, Jacobson currently ranks North Carolina as a state that leans Republican, meaning that this office could very well switch parties. He wrote that this year's presidential election could have helped Perdue if President Barack Obama wins North Carolina, like he did in 2008. On the other hand, McCrory would benefit from the state's Republican lean. Observers predicted a "fluid race that will experience additional twists and turns as Election Day nears."
Party groups representing governors released statements addressing the North Carolina seat. Republican Governors Association Executive Director Phil Cox remarked: "North Carolina’s lost ground to its neighbors, and now has the worst unemployment rate in the region. It’s never been more clear that North Carolina needs a Republican governor who will bring fresh ideas and a new perspective to the governor’s office."
The Democratic Governors Association Chair, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, said in a statement that the DGA considers North Carolina in play. "The DGA will be fully engaged and energized to make sure this seat remains in Democratic hands," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
