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2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election

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2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election

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FieldValue
election_name2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election
countryNorth Carolina
typepresidential
ongoingno
previous_election2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election
previous_year2004
next_election2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election
next_year2012
election_dateNovember 4, 2008
image_sizex150px
image1File:Beverly Perdue official photo.jpg
nominee1**Bev Perdue**
party1Democratic Party (United States)
popular_vote1**2,146,189**
percentage1**50.27%**
image2File:Pat McCrory in 2008 (cropped).jpg
nominee2Pat McCrory
party2Republican Party (United States)
popular_vote22,001,168
percentage246.88%
map_image
map_size325px
map_caption**Perdue:**
**McCrory:**
**Tie:**
titleGovernor
before_electionMike Easley
before_partyDemocratic Party (United States)
after_electionBev Perdue
after_partyDemocratic Party (United States)

McCrory:
Tie:
The 2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election was held on November 4, 2008, coinciding with the presidential, U.S. Senate, U.S. House elections, Council of State and statewide judicial elections. Democrat Bev Perdue won the election. With a margin of 3.39%, this election was the closest race of the 2008 gubernatorial election cycle. This was the first time that the same party that was elected governor won the state in presidential election as well since 1988. This was the first time Democrats did so since 1976.

Because incumbent Governor Mike Easley was term-limited, the open-seat race was contested between Democrat Beverly Perdue, Republican Pat McCrory, and Libertarian Michael Munger. Likewise, Democrat Walter H. Dalton, Republican Robert Pittenger, and Libertarian Phillip Rhodes vied to replace term-limited Lieutenant Governor Perdue.

Primaries

  • May 6, 2008 – Primary elections.
  • Oct. 10, 2008 – Last day to register to vote in general election.
  • Oct. 16 – Nov. 1, 2008 – "One Stop" registration and early voting
  • November 4, 2008 – General election.

Candidates Richard Moore, Dennis Nielsen, Robert Orr, and Bev Perdue took part in a forum on January 26, sponsored by the state chapter of the NAACP.

The statewide syndicated TV program, NC Spin, held debates for both parties' candidates in April.

Democratic

Candidates

  • Richard H. Moore, State Treasurer
  • Dennis Nielsen, Retired USAF Colonel
  • Bev Perdue, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Campaign

Moore and Nielsen appeared on the edition of NC Spin broadcast April 13 on most stations, but Perdue declined the invitation to participate. Perdue and Moore met for their final pre-primary debate at WRAL-TV, which was broadcast on several stations across the state on April 22.

On May 6, 2008, Perdue won the Democratic nomination for governor, defeating State Treasurer Moore and Nielsen.

Results

Primary results by county:

| | | | | | | ]]

Republican

Candidates

  • Bill Graham, Salisbury attorney and head of conservative group
  • Pat McCrory, Mayor of Charlotte (re-elected in 2007)
  • Robert F. Orr, former state Supreme Court Associate Justice
  • Elbie Powers, farmer, crop duster, vice president of NC Pecan Growers Association
  • Fred Smith, North Carolina state senator

Campaign

The Raleigh News & Observer reported on January 9, 2008, that McCrory had filed the necessary paperwork with the State Board of Elections to run for governor. He announced that he was running in his hometown of Jamestown on January 15, 2008.

Debates

Republican candidates Graham, Orr, and Smith held their first debate on October 20, 2007, at High Point University. The two Democratic candidates held their first debate at the annual conference of the N.C. School Boards Association on Nov. 6, 2007, which hosted a Republican candidates' debate the same day.

UNC-TV invited the three announced Republican candidates and two announced Democratic candidates to participate in the campaign's first debates (officially called "forums") to air on statewide television. Each forum is intended to focus on a single topic: on Jan. 10, the state's economy; on Feb. 7, health care; and on April 24, education. Video of the forums is available on the UNC-TV website.

The Republican candidates, now joined by new challenger Pat McCrory, debated on WRAL-TV on January 17. The debate was also broadcast on stations in Charlotte and Wilmington.

McCrory, Orr, Graham, and Smith met in a televised debate held by WTVI in Charlotte on April 3. Media accounts said that McCrory was the primary target of attacks by his rivals. The same was true at another WRAL-TV debate, held on April 15.

The final Republican debate before the primary was held in Asheville, and featured the only appearance by Elbie Powers in a debate.

Results

Primary results by county:

| | | | | | | | | | | ]]

General election

Candidates

  • Pat McCrory (Republican)
  • Michael Munger (Libertarian)
  • Beverly Perdue (Democratic)

If he had been elected, McCrory would have been the first mayor of Charlotte to win the state's highest office.

Predictions

SourceRankingAs of
The Cook Political ReportOctober 16, 2008
Rothenberg Political ReportNovember 2, 2008
Sabato's Crystal BallNovember 3, 2008
Real Clear PoliticsNovember 4, 2008

Polling

Despite a "national Democratic tide" and Perdue's fundraising edge, McCrory led Perdue at first; Perdue slowly gained with help from Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate.{{cite magazine | access-date = 2008-10-26 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110810205539/http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=is_the_southern_strategy_dead | archive-date = 2011-08-10 | url-status = dead

Poll sourceDate(s)
administeredSample
sizeMargin
of errorBev
Perdue (D)Pat
McCrory (R)Michael
Munger (L)Undecided
Public Policy PollingOctober 31 – November 2, 20082,100 (LV)± 2.1%**49%**48%2%1%
Public Policy PollingOctober 18–19, 20081,200 (LV)± 2.8%**48%**44%4%5%
Public Policy PollingOctober 11–12, 20081,196 (LV)± 2.8%**45%**44%4%7%
Public Policy PollingOctober 4–5, 20081,202 (LV)± 2.8%**46%**43%4%7%
Public Policy PollingOctober 4–5, 20081,041 (LV)± 3.0%41%**44%**5%10%
Public Policy PollingSeptember 17–19, 20081,060 (LV)± 3.0%**44%**43%6%7%
Public Policy PollingAugust 20–23, 2008904 (LV)± 3.3%**43%**38%4%15%
Public Policy PollingJuly 23–27, 2008823 (LV)± 3.4%**46%**37%6%11%
Public Policy PollingJune 26–29, 20081,048 (LV)± 3.0%**42%**41%5%12%
Public Policy PollingMay 28–29, 2008543 (LV)± 4.2%**43%**39%4%14%
Public Policy PollingMay 8–9, 2008616 (LV)± 4.0%45%45%-9%
Public Policy PollingFebruary 18, 2008720 (LV)± 3.7%41%41%-18%
Public Policy PollingJanuary 21, 2008809 (LV)± 3.4%**41%**39%-20%
Public Policy PollingDecember 12, 2007457 (LV)± 4.5%**41%**39%-20%

Campaign

Early in 2008, Libertarian nominee Munger called Perdue a "Stepford Wife" and said the Republican nominees were "circus clowns."{{cite news |access-date = 2018-12-19 |archive-url = https://archive.today/20130814223603/http://web.archive.org/web/20080709085051/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/943804.html |archive-date = 2013-08-14 |url-status = dead |access-date=2018-12-19

When Hillary Clinton dropped out of the 2008 presidential election The New York Times mentioned Perdue as a potential pick for Obama's vice president.

Munger called himself "the only liberal in the race."{{cite news | access-date = 2008-11-24 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081117165948/http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A267320 | archive-date = 2008-11-17 | url-status = dead | access-date = 2008-10-28 }} While Democratic candidate Perdue took a hard line on illegal immigration similar to that of Republican Pat McCrory, Munger took a position more aligned with Barack Obama. | access-date = 2008-10-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716090306/http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/sot1028abc.mp3/view | archive-date = 2011-07-16 | url-status = dead

Perdue raised $15 million and ran attack ads against McCrory, criticizing him for not being tough enough on illegal immigration.

In October 2008, McCrory received the endorsement of most major newspapers in the state, which typically endorse Democrats.{{cite news |access-date=2008-11-25 |access-date=2008-10-28

Perdue received the endorsement of actor and director Andy Griffith, who filmed a campaign ad on her behalf.

Perdue defeated McCrory and Munger on November 4, 2008, to win the election.

Debates

The first general election debate between Perdue and McCrory was a forum at the North Carolina Bar Association meeting in Atlantic Beach on June 21. The first debate between the two that was televised live was conducted by WTVD on August 19. Another televised debate was held by WRAL-TV on September 9. Next, McCrory and Perdue met for a debate on education issues at SAS Institute on September 19. The debate was sponsored by business and education groups and was covered by News 14 Carolina.

Duke University professor and Libertarian candidate Michael Munger made history as the first third-party candidate to participate in a live, televised gubernatorial debate in North Carolina. He made his first debate appearance with McCrory on September 24 at UNC-TV. Perdue declined to participate in that debate. All three candidates debated for the first time on October 15, in the final debate before the general election. The hour-long debate, sponsored by WTVI, WSOC-TV and the League of Women Voters, aired in several television markets.

Analysts said that McCrory tended to perform better than Perdue in the debates, particularly in "sit-down debates that allowed more back-and-forth between the candidates."

Results

Counties that flipped from Republican to Democratic

  • Onslow (largest town: Jacksonville)

Counties that flipped from Democratic to Republican

  • Alamance (largest municipality: Burlington)
  • Ashe (Largest city: Jefferson)
  • Brunswick (largest municipality: Leland)
  • Camden (Largest city: Camden)
  • Cleveland (largest town: Shelby)
  • Harnett (Largest city: Anderson Creek)
  • Pender (largest municipality: Hampstead)
  • Polk (Largest city: Tryon)
  • Rutherford (Largest city: Forest City)
  • Surry (Largest city: Mount Airy)
  • Transylvania (Largest city: Brevard)

References

References

  1. Gary Robertson. (2008-11-04). "Democrat Perdue becomes NC's 1st female governor".
  2. "North Carolina State Board of Elections Calendar". North Carolina State Board of Elections.
  3. (January 28, 2008). "Four N.C. Governor's Candidates Answer NAACP Questions in Durham". Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc..
  4. (April 3, 2008). "N.C. Spin debates set". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  5. Beckwith, Ryan Teague. (May 22, 2007). "Moore: "We need a fresh approach."". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  6. Bonner, Lynn. (Apr 13, 2008). "Nielsen has principles but lacks staff and cash". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  7. Johnson, Mark. (October 1, 2007). "Perdue announces bid for governor". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  8. Johnson, Mark. (April 9, 2008). "Dem hopefuls argue issues, criticize absent opponent". [[NC Policy Watch]].
  9. Mark Johnson and Ben Niolet. (April 23, 2008). "Perdue, Moore hold civil debate". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  10. (May 27, 2008). "North Carolina State Board of Elections".
  11. "North Carolina elections".
  12. (May 17, 2007). "Graham announces candidacy". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  13. McKinney, Matt. (January 15, 2008). "Charlotte Mayor Running For Governor". digtriad.com.
  14. (January 30, 2007). "Orr announces bid for North Carolina governor". Triangle Business Journal.
  15. Bonner, Lynn. (April 13, 2008). "Crop duster wants to run the state as a corporation". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  16. "North Carolina Pecan Growers Association Leadership". NC Pecan Growers Association.
  17. (March 23, 2007). "Fred Smith enters governor's race". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  18. Beckwith, Ryan Teague. (January 9, 2008). "McCrory files campaign paperwork". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  19. Ingram, David. (January 15, 2008). "McCrory announces run for N.C. governor". The News & Observer Publishing Company.
  20. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/744259.html newsobserver.com. Debate is first for GOP candidates for governor] {{webarchive. link. (2007-10-22)
  21. [http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/perdue_moore_to_debate Perdue, Moore to debate. newsobserver.com projects] {{webarchive. link. (2008-10-24)
  22. "Mattress could be missing girl's - Crime/Safety - NewsObserver.com".
  23. [http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/unc_tv_schedules_gubernatorial_forums UNC-TV schedules gubernatorial forums. newsobserver.com projects] {{webarchive. link. (2008-10-23)
  24. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/888697.html newsobserver.com. Candidates try to show GOP can-do] {{webarchive. link. (2008-09-18)
  25. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1024505.html "Rivals rip McCrory in GOP debate"] {{webarchive. link. (2008-04-15)
  26. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1038735.html AP: "McCrory a target at debate"] {{webarchive. link. (2008-09-18)
  27. CITIZEN-TIMES.com. Asheville Citizen-Times]{{Dead link. (April 2023)
  28. [http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/state_recognizes_libertarians_as_party News & Observer: State Recognizes Libertarians as party] {{webarchive. link. (2008-05-27)
  29. [http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/faq/what_is_the_queen_city_curse News & Observer: What is the Queen City Curse?] {{webarchive. link. (2012-03-07)
  30. "2008 CPR Governor Race Ratings".
  31. "2008 Gubernatorial Ratings". The Rothenberg Political Report.
  32. (3 November 2008). "THE LAST LAST WORD The Crystal Ball's Final Projections for the 2008 Election".
  33. (November 4, 2008). "2008 North Carolina Governor Race". [[RealClearPolitics]].
  34. Johnson, Mark. (2008-11-02). "Race for Governor Remains Close". [[The News & Observer]].
  35. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_1103173.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  36. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_1021582.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  37. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_1015353.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  38. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_1007456.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  39. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_92245.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  40. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_827.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  41. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC_730.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  42. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_NC702_1.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  43. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_060208.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  44. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_051308.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  45. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_022008.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  46. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_0123.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  47. [https://www.publicpolicypolling.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PPP_Release_121807.pdf Public Policy Polling]
  48. Zernike, Kate. (2008-05-18). "She Just Might Be President Someday". The New York Times.
  49. Romoser, James. (April 16, 2021). "Perdue, in a first, edges McCrory". [[Winston-Salem Journal]].
  50. "newsobserver.com {{!}} McCrory's time".
  51. "We recommend McCrory for governor | CharlotteObserver.com & the Charlotte Observer Newspaper".
  52. "Editorial endorsement: McCrory for governor : News-Record.com : Greensboro, North Carolina".
  53. "Election '08: Governor".
  54. "Perdue's Mayberry Miracle?". News & Observer.
  55. "ABC 11/Associated Press: Crime among topics at NC gubernatorial debate".
  56. "ABC11 Eyewitness News' Gubernatorial Debate".
  57. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1185061.html Gov. candidates spar on offshore drilling] {{webarchive. link. (2008-09-17)
  58. [http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/story/3516756/ Perdue, McCrory bicker over drilling, vouchers]
  59. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtzwGfaJ-iY YouTube: Everybody's Business Coalition Debate Part 1]
  60. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1225622.html News & Observer: McCrory, Perdue offer views on education] {{webarchive. link. (2008-12-26)
  61. [http://news14.com/content/top_stories/599515/gubernatorial-candidates-on-education/Default.aspx News 14: Gubernatorial candidates on education]
  62. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1231357.html News & Observer: McCrory, Munger debate; Perdue sits out]{{dead link. (February 2018)
  63. [http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1256941.html News & Observer: Governor candidates meet in final debate] {{webarchive. link. (2008-10-17)
  64. [http://www.wsoctv.com/politics/17724948/detail.html WSOC: 3 N.C. Governor's Candidates Meet In Last Debate] {{webarchive. link. (2011-05-22)
  65. [http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/domes_take_perdues_missed_opportunity News & Observer: Dome's Take: Perdue's missed opportunity] {{webarchive. link. (2008-10-23)
  66. [https://web.archive.org/web/20100325012601/http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/7937/21334/en/summary.html Results]
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