2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election explained

Election Name:2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election
Country:North Carolina
Type:presidential
Ongoing:no
Previous Election:2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election
Previous Year:2008
Next Election:2016 North Carolina gubernatorial election
Next Year:2016
Turnout:67.30%
Image1:File:Pat-McCrory June-2015(crop).jpg
Nominee1:Pat McCrory
Party1:Republican Party (United States)
Popular Vote1:2,440,707
Percentage1:54.62%
Nominee2:Walter H. Dalton
Party2:Democratic Party (United States)
Popular Vote2:1,931,580
Percentage2:43.23%
Map Size:325px
Governor
Before Election:Bev Perdue
Before Party:Democratic Party (United States)
After Election:Pat McCrory
After Party:Republican Party (United States)

The 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election took place on November 6, 2012, concurrently with the 2012 United States presidential election, U.S. House election, statewide judicial election, Council of State election and various local elections.

The incumbent Democratic governor, Bev Perdue, was eligible to run for reelection, but announced on January 26, 2012, that she would not seek a second term. Incumbent lieutenant governor Walter H. Dalton won the Democratic nomination, while former mayor of Charlotte and 2008 gubernatorial nominee Pat McCrory won the Republican nomination. McCrory won the election with almost 55 percent of the vote to Dalton's 43 percent, the largest margin of victory for a Republican in a race for governor in history, surpassing the previous record set in 1868.

Libertarian nominee Barbara Howe took 2% of the vote. When he was inaugurated as the 74th governor of North Carolina in January 2013, the Republicans held complete control of state government for the first time since 1871. As of, this is the last time a Republican was elected Governor of North Carolina, and the only time since 1988. It was also the last time the state concurrently voted for a gubernatorial and presidential candidate of the same party, and the last time a Republican candidate won Mecklenburg County in a statewide election.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declined

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Bruce
Blackmon
Walter H.
Dalton
Gary
Dunn
Bob
Etheridge
Bill
Faison
Gardenia
Henley
Undecided
Public Policy Polling[21] May 5–6, 2012500± 3.1%2% align=center34%4%29%4%4%24%
Survey USA[22] April 26–30, 2012560± 4.2%2% align=center32%5%23%5%3%30%
Public Policy Polling[23] April 27–29, 2012500± 4.4%3% align=center36%2%26%5%3%25%
Civitas/Survey USA[24] April 20–23, 2012448± 4.7%3% align=center32%3%27%4%2%27%
Public Policy Polling[25] April 20–22, 2012500± 4.4%4% align=center26%4%25%5%2% align=center35%
Public Policy Polling[26] March 23–25, 2012505± 4.4%5%15%4% align=center26%3%2% align=center45%
Public Policy Polling[27] February 29 – March 1, 2012499± 4.4%5%19%2% align=center26%2%4% align=center41%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Dan
Blue
Walter H.
Dalton
Bob
Etheridge
Bill
Faison
Mike
McIntyre
Brad
Miller
Richard
Moore
Undecided
Public Policy Polling[28] February 3–5, 2012400± 4.9%13%10% align=center21%2%6%8%7% align=center33%
11%20% align=center24%4% align=center41%
22% align=center25%6%7% align=center40%
20% align=center24%4%11% align=center41%
21% align=center24%5%8% align=center41%
24% align=center30%6% align=center39%

Debates

A series of televised debates between candidates Dalton, Etheridge and Faison, held April 16–18, was considered potentially pivotal, since "the governor’s race has so far attracted little attention, created little buzz and produced few political commercials" and "polls suggest there is still a large swath of Democratic voters who have yet to decide" for whom to vote.[29] The first debate, conducted by WRAL-TV and broadcast statewide, featured few differences between the candidates, but Faison was seen as the aggressor.[30] The second debate (conducted by UNC-TV) was more contentious, with Dalton criticizing Etheridge's support of a free trade agreement while he was in Congress, and Etheridge attacking Dalton over his attendance record on boards and commissions and his alleged failure to speak out against the actions of the majority-Republican legislature.[31] In the final debate of the series, this one conducted by WNCN-TV and the North Carolina League of Women Voters, candidates were considered to be more "muted" in their criticisms of each other. All three spoke out strongly against a voter ID bill proposed by Republicans in the state legislature. Dalton emphasized modernizing the state's economy, Etheridge continued his themes of leadership and education, and Faison most sharply attacked Republicans and called for action on the state's unemployment problem.[32]

Results

Republican primary

Candidates

Declined

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Jim
Harney
Scott
Jones
Jim
Mahan
Pat
McCrory
Charles
Moss
Paul
Wright
Undecided
Public Policy PollingMay 5–6, 2012496± 4.4%2%3%2% align=center70%1%2%20%
Survey USAApril 26–30, 2012451± 4.5%3%3%2% align=center65%3%2%21%
Public Policy Polling[44] April 27–29, 2012486± 4.4%4%2%2% align=center66%0%2%24%
Public Policy Polling[45] April 20–22, 2012521± 4.3%3%1%2% align=center67%1%2%23%
Public Policy Polling[46] March 22–25, 2012561± 4.1%2%1%3% align=center64%2%0%28%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Pat
McCrory
Someone more
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling[47] September 1–4, 2011400± 4.9%40% align=center46%15%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Phil
Berger
Cherie
Berry
Tom
Fetzer
Virginia
Foxx
Pat
McCrory
Patrick
McHenry
Sue
Myrick
Fred
Smith
Other/
Undecided
Public Policy Polling[48] November 19–21, 2010400± 4.9%2%3%12%11% align=center37%3%6%4%22%

Results

General election

Candidates

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
align=left The Cook Political Report[50] November 1, 2012
align=left Sabato's Crystal Ball[51] November 5, 2012
align=left Rothenberg Political Report[52] November 2, 2012
align=left Real Clear Politics[53] November 5, 2012

Debates

Dalton and McCrory met for their first televised debate at the studios of UNC-TV on October 3, 2012. Two debates were sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Educational Foundation, with the third and final debate sponsored by WRAL-TV and the Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce. Howe was not invited to participate in any of the scheduled debates. The Associated Press characterized Dalton as going "on the offensive" against McCrory in the first debate.[54] The final encounter between the two candidates, held Oct. 24 on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan College, featured "more subdued disagreements over taxes, education, health care and mental health."[55]

Polling

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=100pxWalter H.
Dalton (D)
width=100pxPat
McCrory (R)
width=100pxBarbara
Howe (L)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling[56] November 3–4, 2012926± 3.2%43% align=center50%4%3%
Public Policy Polling[57] October 29–31, 2012730± 3.6%39% align=center50%4%7%
WRAL News/SurveyUSA[58] October 26–29, 2012682± 3.8%36% align=center53%11%
Elon University[59] October 21–26, 20121,238± 2.8%38% align=center52%2%8%
Rasmussen Reports[60] October 25, 2012500± 4.5%35% align=center54%1%10%
Public Policy Polling[61] October 23–25, 2012880± 3.3%37% align=center50%5%8%
Rasmussen ReportsOctober 17, 2012500± 4.5%42% align=center53%4%
Public Policy Polling[62] October 12–14, 20121,084± 3%37% align=center47%5%11%
Rasmussen Reports[63] October 9, 2012500± 4.5%38% align=center52%10%
Gravis Marketing[64] October 6–8, 20121,325± 2.9%33% align=center50%17%
Rasmussen Reports[65] October 2, 2012500± 4.5%38% align=center54%1%7%
Survey USA[66] September 29 – October 1, 2012573± 4.2%39% align=center51%3%7%
Public Policy Polling[67] September 27–30, 2012981± 3.1%37% align=center47%5%10%
WSJ/NBC News/Marist[68] September 23–25, 20121,035± 3.4%39% align=center52%8%
Civitas[69] September 18–19, 2012600± 4%38% align=center49%3%10%
Rasmussen ReportsSeptember 13, 2012500± 3.4%38% align=center51%1%10%
Survey USA/Civitas[70] September 4–6, 2012500± 3.4%39% align=center55%4%29%
Public Policy Polling[71] August 31 – September 2, 20121,012± 3.4%39% align=center45%5%10%
Elon Univ./Charlotte Observer[72] August 25–30, 20121,089± 3.4%37% align=center52%11%
Public Policy Polling[73] August 2–5, 2012813± 3.4%38% align=center45%7%11%
Rasmussen ReportsJuly 27, 2012500± 4.5%41% align=center46%3%10%
Civitas[74] July 16–18, 2012600± 4%37% align=center47%6%4%
Public Policy Polling[75] July 5–8, 2012775± 3.5%36% align=center43%9%12%
Survey USA[76] June 29 – July 1, 2012558± 4.2%44% align=center46%7%3%
Rasmussen ReportsJune 25, 2012500± 4.5%35% align=center49%4%12%
NBC News/Marist[77] June 24–25, 20121,019± 3.1%41% align=center43%17%
Public Policy Polling[78] June 7–10, 2012810± 3.4%40% align=center47%13%
Survey USA[79] May 18–21, 2012524± 4.4%39% align=center44%7%10%
Civitas[80] May 19–20, 2012600± 4%38% align=center48%12%
Rasmussen ReportsMay 14, 2012500± 4.5%41% align=center50%1%8%
Public Policy Polling[81] May 10–13, 2012666± 3.8%40% align=center46%13%
Rasmussen ReportsApril 10, 2012500± 4.5%36% align=center45%5%14%
Public Policy Polling[82] March 8–11, 2012804± 3.5%35% align=center46%19%
Civitas[83] February 27–28, 2012600± 4%29% align=center49%22%
Public Policy Polling[84] January 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%35% align=center50%15%
Public Policy Polling[85] September 30 – October 3, 2011760± 3.6%32% align=center46%23%
Public Policy Polling[86] March 17–20, 2011584± 4.1%27% align=center47%26%

Democratic primary polling with Perdue

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Bill
Faison
Bev
Perdue
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling[87] December 1–4, 2011392± 5.0%23% align=center55%23%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 30 – October 3, 2011353± 3.6%18% align=center62%20%
Republican primary with Ellmers, Troxler
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Renee
Ellmers
Pat
McCrory
Steve
Troxler
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingSeptember 1–4, 2011400± 4.9%10% align=center61%29%
align=center51%15%34%
10% align=center52%19%19%

General election polling
With Blue

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxDan
Blue (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%31% align=center49%19%
Public Policy PollingMarch 17–20, 2011584± 4.1%28% align=center48%16%

With Blackmon

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBruce
Blackmon (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingMarch 8–11, 2012804± 3.5%33% align=center48%18%

With Bowles

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxErskine
Bowles (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%42% align=center44%14%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 30 – October 3, 2011760± 3.6%42%42%16%

With Cooper

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxRoy
Cooper (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingSeptember 30 – October 3, 2011760± 3.6%39% align=center42%19%
Public Policy PollingMarch 17–20, 2011584± 4.1%35% align=center43%22%

With Foxx

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxAnthony
Foxx (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%32% align=center50%18%

With Etheridge

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBob
Etheridge (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingMarch 8–11, 2012804± 3.5%36% align=center46%18%
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%35% align=center50%16%

With Faison

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Bill
Faison (D)
Pat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%31% align=center50%19%
Public Policy Polling[88] January 5–8, 2012780± 3.5%27% align=center47%26%
Public Policy PollingDecember 1–4, 2011865± 3.3%26% align=center47%26%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 30 – October 3, 2011760± 3.6%30% align=center45%25%
With Henley
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxGardenia
Henley (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingMarch 8–11, 2012804± 3.5%29% align=center49%22%

With Hagan

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxKay
Hagan (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%41% align=center48%11%

With Joines

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxAllan
Joines (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%30% align=center50%21%

With McIntyre

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxMike
McIntyre (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%30% align=center50%20%

With Meeker

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxCharles
Meeker (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%29% align=center49%22%

With Miller

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBrad
Miller (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%35% align=center49%16%

With Moore

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxRichard
Moore (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%36% align=center47%17%

With Perdue

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBev
Perdue (D)
width=110pxRenee
Ellmers (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling[89] September 1–4, 2011520± 4.3% align=center45%35%20%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBev
Perdue (D)
width=110pxTom
Fetzer (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy Polling[90] November 19–21, 2010517± 4.3%40% align=center42%19%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
Bev
Perdue (D)
Pat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 5–8, 2012780± 3.5%41% align=center52%7%
Public Policy PollingDecember 1–4, 2011865± 3.3%40% align=center50%10%
Public Policy Polling[91] October 27–31, 2011615± 4.0%39% align=center48%13%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 30 – October 3, 2011760± 3.6%42% align=center47%10%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 1–4, 2011520± 4.3%41% align=center45%14%
Public Policy Polling[92] August 4–7, 2011780± 3.5%39% align=center47%14%
Civitas Institute[93] July 12–13, 2011600± 4.0%35% align=center55%8%
Public Policy Polling[94] July 7–10, 2011651± 3.8%39% align=center47%14%
Public Policy Polling[95] June 8–11, 2011563± 4.1%39% align=center45%16%
Public Policy Polling[96] May 12–15, 2011835± 3.4%39% align=center46%15%
Public Policy Polling[97] April 14–17, 2011507± 4.4%38% align=center49%13%
Survey USA[98] April 14–15, 2011500± 4.5%39% align=center51%5%4%
Public Policy PollingMarch 17–20, 2011584± 4.1%36% align=center50%14%
Public Policy Polling[99] February 16–21, 2011650± 3.8%37% align=center49%15%
Public Policy Polling[100] January 20–23, 2011575± 4.1%40% align=center47%14%
Civitas Institute[101] December 15–16, 2010600± 4.0%36% align=center51%12%
Public Policy PollingNovember 19–21, 2010517± 4.3%37% align=center49%14%
Civitas Institute[102] June 15–18, 2010600± 4.0%37% align=center46%17%
Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxBev
Perdue (D)
width=110pxSteve
Troxler (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingSeptember 1–4, 2011520± 4.3% align=center42%37%22%

With Shuler

Poll sourceDate(s)
administered
class=small Sample
size
Margin of
error
width=110pxHeath
Shuler (D)
width=110pxPat
McCrory (R)
OtherUndecided
Public Policy PollingJanuary 27–29, 2012554± 4.2%31% align=center48%21%

Results

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

By congressional district

McCrory won 10 of the state's 13 congressional districts, including one held by a Democrat.[103]

DistrictMcCroryDaltonRepresentative
29.35%69.26%G. K. Butterfield
60.13%37.63%Renee Ellmers
59.34%38.22%Walter B. Jones Jr.
31.29%65.74%David Price
63.66%34.12%Virginia Foxx
61.21%36.51%Howard Coble
61.37%36.63%Mike McIntyre
62.7%35.59%Larry Kissell
Richard Hudson
67.81%30.47%Sue Myrick
Robert Pittenger
61.68%36.3%Patrick McHenry
63.14%34.18%Heath Shuler
Mark Meadows
26.85%71.37%Mel Watt
59.34%38.49%Brad Miller
George Holding

See also

External links

Official campaign websites

Notes and References

  1. http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/90year_old_physician_files_in_democratic_primary_for_governor News & Observer: 90-year-old physician files in Democratic primary
  2. http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/dalton_makes_it_official_he_will_seek_governors_office Dalton makes it official: He will seek governor's office | newsobserver.com projects
  3. Web site: State Board of Elections: candidate filing list. https://web.archive.org/web/20130311182107/http://www.ncsbe.gov/content.aspx?id=82. dead. March 11, 2013.
  4. Web site: A Closer Look: Dunn making second run for Governor. wect.com.
  5. News: Former Rep. Bob Etheridge to run for governor . . February 2, 2012 . September 1, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130718183528/http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news%2Fpolitics&id=8529264 . July 18, 2013 . live .
  6. Web site: Bill Faison announces run for governor. January 28, 2012. WRAL.com.
  7. Web site: Winston-Salem Journal . February 21, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120220232256/http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/feb/17/3/local-elections-critic-files-for-governor-ar-1942992/ . February 20, 2012 . dead .
  8. Web site: Dan Blue rules out governor's race. February 28, 2012. February 28, 2012. The News & Observer. Rob. Christensen.
  9. Web site: Bowles won't run for governor. David. Catanese. POLITICO.
  10. Web site: Perdue will not seek re-election. January 26, 2012. WRAL.com.
  11. http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/democratic_state_treasurer_wont_seek_higher_office_in_2012 Democratic state treasurer won't seek higher office in 2012 | newsobserver.com projects
  12. Web site: Cunningham, Dellinger considering NC lieutenant governor's bids as Dalton runs for governor | the Republic. www.therepublic.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20120130075301/http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/3152d6db07254b2e93a187d23d09b194/NC--Democrats-Lt-Governor/ . January 30, 2012.
  13. http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/charlotte_mayor_anthony_foxx_wont_run_for_governor News & Observer: Charlotte mayor Anthony Foxx won't run for governor
  14. Web site: VOTE 2012: Hagan not running for governor. January 30, 2012. January 30, 2012. WWAY NewsChannel 3.
  15. Web site: Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines won't run for governor. January 30, 2012. January 30, 2012. Winston-Salem Journal. Laura. Graff.
  16. Web site: McIntyre withdraws name from gubernatorial run. February 10, 2012. February 10, 2012. WRAL-TV. Matthew. Burns.
  17. News: Brad Miller won't run for governor. February 16, 2012. News and Observer. February 16, 2012.
  18. Web site: Moore won't run for governor. February 24, 2012. February 24, 2012. The News & Observer. Rob. Christensen.
  19. News: Frank. John. Gov. Bev Perdue will not run for re-election. January 26, 2012. Raleigh News & Observer. January 26, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20121025123616/http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/01/26/1808371/gov-bev-perdue-will-not-run-for.html. October 25, 2012. mdy-all.
  20. Web site: North Carolina: Heath Shuler Decides Against Gubernatorial Bid. January 31, 2012. January 31, 2012. Roll Call. Joshua. Miller.
  21. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_506.pdf Public Policy Polling
  22. http://www.surveyusa.com/client/PollReport.aspx?g=0466764c-d59a-490d-997e-5b76c057bbf4 Survey USA
  23. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_430.pdf Public Policy Polling
  24. http://www.nccivitas.org/2012/civitas-poll-lt-gov-dalton-is-the-leading-dem-candidate Civitas/Survey USA
  25. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_423.pdf Public Policy Polling
  26. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_032812.pdf Public Policy Polling
  27. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_302Dem.pdf Public Policy Polling
  28. http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/2011/PPP_Release_NC_020812.pdf Public Policy Polling
  29. http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/16/2004259/debate-athon-democratic-gubernatorial.html News & Observer: Democratic gubernatorial candidates' hopes ride on three nights of debate
  30. http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/17/2006172/little-discord-at-north-carolina.html News & Observer: Little discord at NC Democratic gubernatorial debate
  31. http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/17/2008344/democratic-gubernatorial-debate.html News & Observer: Democratic gubernatorial debate: Criticism grows sharper
  32. http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/04/18/2010404/candidates-vow-to-veto-voter-id.html News & Observer: Democratic candidates vow to veto voter ID bills
  33. Web site: Jim Harney of Cumberland County is running for N.C. Governor. February 23, 2012. February 24, 2012. The Fayetteville Observer. Andrew. Barksdale. https://web.archive.org/web/20120320173721/http://blogs.fayobserver.com/peoplesbusiness/February-2012/Jim-Harney-of-Cumberland-County-is-running-for-N-C. March 20, 2012. dead.
  34. Web site: Baker's dozen seek to succeed Perdue as governor. February 29, 2012. WRAL.com.
  35. http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/another_republican_candidate_for_governor News & Observer: Another Republican candidate for governor
  36. News: Pat McCrory '100 percent' in for NC gov race. December 19, 2011. February 24, 2012. WRAL-TV. Associated Press.
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