Bev Perdue Will Not Seek Reelection in 2012

Statement from NC Democratic Party expected around noon

FOX8 Staff Writer 11:47 a.m. EST, January 26, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C.—
A democratic official has confirmed to The Associated Press North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue is set to announce Thursday that she will not seek reelection in 2012.

Perdue, the first woman elected governor in North Carolina history, was facing a hard fight for a second term. That included a possible rematch against former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory.




In 2008, Perdue narrowly defeated McCrory in North Carolina's closest gubernatorial contest since 1972, thanks partly to Barack Obama's surprise win in the state.

The Democratic official spoke on condition of anonymity because Perdue was expected to make a formal announcement later Thursday.

Sources told the Washington Post she labored over the decision over the past few months.

According to The Washington Post, some names that are likely to be bandied about as possible Democratic replacements include Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton, former White House chief of staff Erskine Bowles and Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx.

On Thursday, Brad Miller announced will not run for another term in Congress. Miller told FOX8 he hasn't given running for governor "even the first thought."

The News & Observer of Raleigh reports another likely candidate for governor is state Rep. Bill Faison, an Orange County Democrat. He told the paper he will make an announcement next week about his plans. When asked if he will run, Faison said "You should probably expect the announcement will be in that direction."

Bev Perdue Will Not Seek Reelection in 2012 - WGHP