Perdue’s decision surprises some local officials

N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue visits the Yadkin River bridge project on I-85. She announced Thursday she would not seek a second term. File photo by Karissa Minn, Salisbury Post.

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By Karissa Minn

kminn@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Local officials from both political parties say they’re surprised Gov. Bev Perdue isn’t seeking re-election, but they’re confident their own candidate will replace her.

Perdue announced her plans Thursday in a prepared statement.

Veleria Levy, chair of the Rowan County Democratic Party, said the announcement saddened her. She called Perdue “an outstanding governor.”

“She has fought to create jobs and protect funding for our schools,” Levy said. “Her leadership — and her willingness to make tough decisions — has kept our state afloat during the toughest economic times since the Great Depression.”

She said it’s important to her, as the mother of a child in the public school system, that Perdue wants to reverse Republican budget cuts to education.

Levy said she’s sad that both of the country’s two female Democratic governors — the other is Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire — now will be stepping down.

“There is no doubt,” Levy said, that Perdue could have won a re-election campaign against a Republican who supports the party’s education cuts.

“The Democratic Party was unified behind Governor Perdue and while we are disappointed, we understand and respect her decision,” Levy said. “I know that the Democratic Party will have no trouble selecting a strong gubernatorial candidate and we are confident we will win the governor’s race next November.”

Both of Rowan County’s state representatives, though, said they expect to be working with a particular Republican in the governor’s office next year.

“I think (former Charlotte mayor) Pat McCrory has a good chance to win for governor, no matter who his opponent is going to be,” said Rep. Fred Steen. “I think he’ll do a great job.”

Steen said he was shocked by Perdue’s announcement and didn’t see it coming.

“Nobody really knew she wasn’t going to run again,” Steen said. “It was a surprise to me, anyway.”

Less surprised was Rep. Harry Warren, who said some Democrats had begun pressuring her not to run.

“She vetoed some legislation that had quite a few of her own party members voting for it,” Warren said. “I think by taking the stances she did... it caused division within the Democratic caucuses.”

Steen said the General Assembly was able to override some of those vetoes through a bipartisan effort.

If the party maintains its majority, Warren said, having a Republican governor like McCrory would make it easier to get legislation passed and create a “less contentious political atmosphere.”

Sen. Andrew Brock, who represents Rowan and Davie counties, said he thinks Perdue decided not to run because she knew she wouldn’t win the election.

“Her policies have been rejected by the public,” Brock said. “If it wasn’t for the sheer turnout for President (Barack) Obama, she would not have won the race four years ago.”

Brock said he doesn’t believe Perdue would have had that advantage this year, because support for Obama will be less than it was in 2008.

Warren said he knows Perdue’s decision must have been a difficult one, whatever the reason.

“She’s served the state to best of her ability, and she’s had a long career in politics,” Warren said. “I think she deserves respect for what she’s given to North Carolina.”

Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.

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