2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election

none related races 2008 United States gubernatorial elections January 2025 September 2023 2008 North Carolina gubernatorial election North Carolina presidential no 2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election 2004 2012 North Carolina gubernatorial election 2012 November 4, 2008 150x150px File:Beverly Perdue official photo.jpg Bev Perdue Democratic Party (United States) 2,146,189 50.27% File:Pat McCrory in 2008 (cropped).jpg Pat McCrory Republican Party (United States) 2,001,168 46.88% 325px County results 325px Precinct results 1 325px Perdue: #A5B0FF 40–50% #7996e2 50–60% #6674de 60–70% #584cde 70–80% #3933e5 80–90% #0D0596 >90%McCrory: #FFB2B2 40–50% #E27F7F 50–60% #d75d5d 60–70% #D72F30 70–80% #C21B18 80–90%Tie: #d2b1d9 40–50% #ae8bb1 50% Governor Mike Easley Democratic Party (United States) Bev Perdue Democratic Party (United States) 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.Democrat Perdue becomes NC's 1st female governor Gary Robertson 2008-11-04 Associated Press 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 Dalton, Republican Robert Pittenger, and Libertarian Phillip Rhodes vied to replace term-limited Lieutenant Governor Perdue. Primaries May 6, 2008 – Primary elections.http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/content.aspx?id=72 North Carolina State Board of Elections Calendar North Carolina State Board of Elections 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20100618211919/http://www.sboe.state.nc.us/content.aspx?id=72 2010-06-18 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.https://www.wral.com/news/state/story/2359355/ Four N.C. Governor's Candidates Answer NAACP Questions in Durham January 28, 2008 Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. 2008-11-29 The statewide syndicated TV program, NC Spin, held debates for both parties' candidates in April.http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/n_c_spin_debates_set N.C. Spin debates set April 3, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081024212358/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/n_c_spin_debates_set October 24, 2008 Democratic Candidates Richard H. Moore, State Treasurerhttp://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/576689.html Moore: "We need a fresh approach." Beckwith Ryan Teague May 22, 2007 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918133340/http://www.newsobserver.com/front/story/576689.html September 18, 2008 Dennis Nielsen, Retired USAF Colonelhttp://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1035420.html Nielsen has principles but lacks staff and cash Bonner Lynn Apr 13, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134123/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1035420.html September 18, 2008 Bev Perdue, Lieutenant Governor of North Carolinahttp://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/722630.html Perdue announces bid for governor Johnson Mark October 1, 2007 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081006035544/http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/722630.html October 6, 2008 Campaign Moore and Nielsen appeared on the edition of NC Spin broadcast April 13 on most stations, but Perdue declined the invitation to participate.http://www.ncpolicywatch.com/cms/2008/04/09/dem-hopefuls-argue-issues-criticize-absent-opponent/ Dem hopefuls argue issues, criticize absent opponent Johnson Mark April 9, 2008 NC Policy Watch 2008-11-29 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.http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1046891.html Perdue, Moore hold civil debate Mark Johnson and Ben Niolet April 23, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134511/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1046891.html September 18, 2008 On May 6, 2008, Perdue won the Democratic nomination for governor, defeating State Treasurer Moore and Nielsen.http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/1875/4822/en/md.html?cid=108 North Carolina State Board of Elections May 27, 2008 2008-11-29 Results thumb|300px|Primary results by county: Perdue #011966 Perdue—71-80% #0030c0 Perdue—61-70% #154bef Perdue—51-60% #4872f1 Perdue—41-50% Moore #003900 Moore—61-70% #006400 Moore—51-60% #59d622 Moore—41-50% Democratic primary resultshttp://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/1875/4822/en/summary.html North Carolina elections 2008-06-13 2017-05-25 https://web.archive.org/web/20170525040551/http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/NC/1875/4822/en/summary.html dead Bev Perdue Democratic Party (United States) 840,342 56.21% Richard H. Moore Democratic Party (United States) 594,028 39.73% Dennis Nielsen Democratic Party (United States) 60,628 4.06% 1,494,998 100.00% Republican Candidates Bill Graham, Salisbury attorney and head of conservative group http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/575022.html Graham announces candidacy May 17, 2007 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918133645/http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/575022.html September 18, 2008 Pat McCrory, Mayor of Charlotte (re-elected in 2007)http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=96291&catid=57 https://archive.today/20130122071420/http://www.digtriad.com/news/local_state/article.aspx?storyid=96291&catid=57 dead January 22, 2013 Charlotte Mayor Running For Governor McKinney Matt January 15, 2008 digtriad.com 2008-11-29 Robert F. Orr, former state Supreme Court Associate Justice http://triangle.bizjournals.com/triangle/stories/2007/01/29/daily18.html Orr announces bid for North Carolina governor January 30, 2007 Triangle Business Journal 2008-11-29 Elbie Powers, farmer, crop duster,http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1035423.html Crop duster wants to run the state as a corporation Bonner Lynn April 13, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918134327/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1035423.html September 18, 2008 vice president of NC Pecan Growers Associationhttp://www.ncpecans.org/NCPGAleadership.htm North Carolina Pecan Growers Association Leadership NC Pecan Growers Association 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081123031425/http://www.ncpecans.org/NCPGAleadership.htm 2008-11-23 Fred Smith, North Carolina state senatorhttp://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/556651.html Fred Smith enters governor's race March 23, 2007 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080918132140/http://www.newsobserver.com/114/story/556651.html September 18, 2008 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.http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/mccrory_files_campaign_paperwork McCrory files campaign paperwork Beckwith Ryan Teague January 9, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081025031125/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/mccrory_files_campaign_paperwork October 25, 2008 He announced that he was running in his hometown of Jamestown on January 15, 2008.http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/882030.html McCrory announces run for N.C. governor Ingram David January 15, 2008 The News & Observer Publishing Company 2008-11-29 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080921194103/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/882030.html September 21, 2008 Debates Republican candidates Graham, Orr, and Smith held their first debate on October 20, 2007, at High Point University.newsobserver.com | Debate is first for GOP candidates for governor https://web.archive.org/web/20071022171146/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/744259.html 2007-10-22 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.Perdue, Moore to debate | newsobserver.com projects https://web.archive.org/web/20081024141109/http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/perdue_moore_to_debate 2008-10-24 http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/762356.html Mattress could be missing girl's - Crime/Safety - NewsObserver.com www.newsobserver.com 6 June 2022 https://archive.today/20120904080848/http://www.newsobserver.com/1565/story/762356.html 4 September 2012 dead 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.UNC-TV schedules gubernatorial forums | newsobserver.com projects https://web.archive.org/web/20081023223915/http://projects.newsobserver.com/blogs/unc_tv_schedules_gubernatorial_forums 2008-10-23 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.newsobserver.com | Candidates try to show GOP can-do https://web.archive.org/web/20080918132638/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/888697.html 2008-09-18 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."Rivals rip McCrory in GOP debate" https://web.archive.org/web/20080415143651/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1024505.html 2008-04-15 The same was true at another WRAL-TV debate, held on April 15.AP: "McCrory a target at debate" https://web.archive.org/web/20080918132924/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1038735.html 2008-09-18 The final Republican debate before the primary was held in Asheville, and featured the only appearance by Elbie Powers in a debate.GOP candidates for governor face off in final debate | CITIZEN-TIMES.com | Asheville Citizen-TimesApril 2023 InternetArchiveBot yes Results thumb|300px|Primary results by county: McCrory #6d0404 McCrory—71-80% #a70808 McCrory—61-70% #d60f0f McCrory—51-60% #ff0000 McCrory—41-50% #f29b8a McCrory—31-40% Smith #909121 Smith—71-80% #ddde1f Smith—61-70% #ffff00 Smith—51-60% #f2f26c Smith—41-50% #f2f2a0 Smith—31-40% Orr #59d622 Orr—41-50% Republican primary results Pat McCrory Republican Party (United States) 232,818 46.11% Fred Smith Republican Party (United States) 186,843 37.00% Bill Graham Republican Party (United States) 46,861 9.28% Robert F. Orr Republican Party (United States) 34,007 6.73% E. Powers Republican Party (United States) 4,444 0.88% 504,973 100.00% General election Candidates Pat McCrory (Republican) Michael Munger (Libertarian)News & Observer: State Recognizes Libertarians as party https://web.archive.org/web/20080527162700/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/state_recognizes_libertarians_as_party 2008-05-27 Beverly Perdue (Democratic) If he had been elected, McCrory would have been the first mayor of Charlotte to win the state's highest office.News & Observer: What is the Queen City Curse? https://web.archive.org/web/20120307194817/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/faq/what_is_the_queen_city_curse 2012-03-07 Predictions SourceRankingAs ofThe Cook Political Reporthttps://www.cookpolitical.com/ratings/governor-race-ratings/139082 2008 CPR Governor Race Ratings The Cook Political Report en December 9, 2025Toss UpOctober 16, 2008 Rothenberg Political Report2008 Gubernatorial Ratings https://www.insideelections.com/ratings/governor/2008-gubernatorial-ratings6 Gubernatorial Ratings The Rothenberg Political Report May 25, 2021 Tossup November 2, 2008 Sabato's Crystal BallTHE LAST LAST WORD The Crystal Ball's Final Projections for the 2008 Election https://centerforpolitics.org/crystalball/articles/ljs2008110301/ Sabato's Crystal Ball 3 November 2008 December 25, 2021 Lean D November 3, 2008Real Clear PoliticsNovember 4, 2008 2008 North Carolina Governor Race https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/governor/nc/north_carolina_governor-582.html March 5, 2021 RealClearPoliticsTossupNovember 4, 2008 Polling Despite a "national Democratic tide" and Perdue's fundraising edge,Mark Johnson Benjamin Niolet Race for Governor Remains Close http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1278609.html The News & Observer 2008-11-02 2008-11-24 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090104115742/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1278609.html January 4, 2009 McCrory led Perdue at first; Perdue slowly gained with help from Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential candidate. Is the Southern Strategy Dead? American Prospect 2008-10-24 http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=is_the_southern_strategy_dead 2008-10-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20110810205539/http://prospect.org/cs/articles?article=is_the_southern_strategy_dead 2011-08-10 dead Perdue and McCrory remained close, with the two often polling in a statistical tie in what was the closest race for governor in the nation. Perdue ran slightly behind her opponent in polls released the week before the election. Pundits speculated that Perdue was hurt by current Democratic Governor Mike Easley's decreasing popularity due to the aftermath of the 2008 Financial Crisis, and McCrory's efforts to tag her as part of corruption in Raleigh—consultants mentioned Perdue's "difficulty of being the candidate of continuity in a change election." Poll source Date(s)administered Samplesize Marginof error BevPerdue (D) PatMcCrory (R) MichaelMunger (L) UndecidedPublic Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingOctober 31 – November 2, 20082,100 (LV)± 2.1%49%48%2%1%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingOctober 18–19, 20081,200 (LV)± 2.8%48%44%4%5%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingOctober 11–12, 20081,196 (LV)± 2.8%45%44%4%7%Public Policy PollingPublic 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 PollingPublic Policy PollingSeptember 17–19, 20081,060 (LV)± 3.0%44%43%6%7%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingAugust 20–23, 2008904 (LV)± 3.3%43%38%4%15%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingJuly 23–27, 2008823 (LV)± 3.4%46%37%6%11%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingJune 26–29, 20081,048 (LV)± 3.0%42%41%5%12%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingMay 28–29, 2008543 (LV)± 4.2%43%39%4%14%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingMay 8–9, 2008616 (LV)± 4.0%45%45% -9%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingFebruary 18, 2008720 (LV)± 3.7%41%41% -18%Public Policy PollingPublic Policy PollingJanuary 21, 2008809 (LV)± 3.4%41%39% -20%Public Policy PollingPublic 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." Libertarian Duke professor wants to be N.C. governor Raleigh News and Observer 2008-02-14 http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/943804.html 2018-12-19 https://archive.today/20130814223603/http://web.archive.org/web/20080709085051/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/943804.html 2013-08-14 dead Prior to May 2008, the North Carolina Libertarian Party and Munger gathered 100,000 signatures of voters in order to qualify to appear on North Carolina's ballot. They, along with the Green Party, sued the state unsuccessfully over the ballot access rules. Munger appeared as one of two keynote speakers at the national Libertarian convention in Denver in May 2008.Michael Munger Hall Christine 2008-10-29 Duke Chronicle https://www.dukechronicle.com/article/2008/10/michael-munger 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.Kate Zernike She Just Might Be President Someday https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/18/weekinreview/18zernike.html The New York Times 2008-05-18 Munger called himself "the only liberal in the race." Statewide Offices Independent Weekly 2008-10-22 http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A267320 2008-11-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20081117165948/http://www.indyweek.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A267320 2008-11-17 dead Munger took more socially liberal positions on many issues than Democratic candidate Perdue. "One reason I haven't been allowed in all the debates is that I'm taking votes from the Democrats. Sixty percent of my supporters are voting for Obama. I'll talk about gay marriage, and Perdue isn't, or doesn't want to." The Third Man Reason 2008-10-27 https://www.reason.com/news/show/129671.html 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. The State of Things: Issues Roundup WUNC 2008-10-28 http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/sot1028abc.mp3/view 2008-10-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20110716090306/http://wunc.org/tsot/archive/sot1028abc.mp3/view 2011-07-16 dead Perdue raised $15 million and ran attack ads against McCrory, criticizing him for not being tough enough on illegal immigration.Romoser James April 16, 2021 Perdue, in a first, edges McCrory Winston-Salem Journal November 5, 2008 https://journalnow.com/perdue-in-a-first-edges-mccrory/article_381b09eb-7177-5312-9dfb-73b8defd5a0e.html live September 12, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210912103112/https://journalnow.com/perdue-in-a-first-edges-mccrory/article_381b09eb-7177-5312-9dfb-73b8defd5a0e.html September 12, 2021 In October 2008, McCrory received the endorsement of most major newspapers in the state, which typically endorse Democrats.McCrory visits Chapel Hill Daily Tar Heel 2008-10-30 http://www.dailytarheel.com/news/state_national/mccrory_visits_chapel_hill 2008-11-25 December 2016 InternetArchiveBot yes McCrory's candidacy for governor was endorsed by the Raleigh News and Observer,http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/editorials/story/1269143.html newsobserver.com McCrory's time 2013-01-18 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081029073227/http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/editorials/story/1269143.html 2008-10-29 The Charlotte Observer,http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/story/233637.html We recommend McCrory for governor | CharlotteObserver.com & the Charlotte Observer Newspaper 2012-05-20 dead https://archive.today/20120722091204/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/opinion/story/233637.html 2012-07-22 the Greensboro News & Record,http://www.news-record.com/content/2008/10/10/article/editorial_endorsement_mccrory_for_governor Editorial endorsement: McCrory for governor : News-Record.com : Greensboro, North Carolina 2008-11-25 2008-10-15 https://archive.today/20081015140427/http://www.news-record.com/content/2008/10/10/article/editorial_endorsement_mccrory_for_governor dead the Winston-Salem Journal,http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/oct/12/election-08-governor/ Election '08: Governor 2008-11-25 2008-10-15 https://archive.today/20081015032703/http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2008/oct/12/election-08-governor/ dead and the UNC-Chapel Hill Daily Tar Heel.McCrory for governor: Charlotte mayor would bring fresh and innovative leadership to Raleigh Daily Tar Heel 2008-10-26 http://www.dailytarheel.com/opinion/mccrory_for_governor_charlotte_mayor_would_bring_fresh_and_innovative_leadership_to_raleigh 2008-10-28 December 2016 InternetArchiveBot yes Perdue received the endorsement of actor and director Andy Griffith, who filmed a campaign ad on her behalf.http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdues_mayberry_miracle Perdue's Mayberry Miracle? News & Observer 20 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080720134001/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/perdues_mayberry_miracle dead 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.http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news%2Fstate&id=6219615 ABC 11/Associated Press: Crime among topics at NC gubernatorial debate 2019-08-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20110521094932/http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news%2Fstate&id=6219615 2011-05-21 dead The first debate between the two that was televised live was conducted by WTVD on August 19.https://abc11.com/archive/6337624/ ABC11 Eyewitness News' Gubernatorial Debate 2019-08-28 https://web.archive.org/web/20080918173931/http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news%2Fpolitics&id=6337624 2008-09-18 live Gov. candidates spar on offshore drilling https://web.archive.org/web/20080917001258/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1185061.html 2008-09-17 Another televised debate was held by WRAL-TV on September 9.Perdue, McCrory bicker over drilling, vouchers 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.YouTube: Everybody's Business Coalition Debate Part 1News & Observer: McCrory, Perdue offer views on education https://web.archive.org/web/20081226031203/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1225622.html 2008-12-26 News 14: Gubernatorial candidates on education 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.News & Observer: McCrory, Munger debate; Perdue sits outFebruary 2018 InternetArchiveBot yes All three candidates debated for the first time on October 15, in the final debate before the general election.News & Observer: Governor candidates meet in final debate https://web.archive.org/web/20081017125442/http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1256941.html 2008-10-17 The hour-long debate, sponsored by WTVI, WSOC-TV and the League of Women Voters, aired in several television markets.WSOC: 3 N.C. Governor's Candidates Meet In Last Debate https://web.archive.org/web/20110522205334/http://www.wsoctv.com/politics/17724948/detail.html 2011-05-22 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."News & Observer: Dome's Take: Perdue's missed opportunity https://web.archive.org/web/20081023190254/http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/domes_take_perdues_missed_opportunity 2008-10-23 Results North Carolina gubernatorial election, 2008Results Democratic Party (United States) Bev Perdue 2,146,189 50.27% -5.34% Republican Party (United States) Pat McCrory 2,001,168 46.88% +4.00% Libertarian Party (United States) Michael C. Munger 121,584 2.85% +1.34% 145,021 3.40% -9.34% 4,268,941 100.00% N/A Democratic Party (United States) 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) See also 2004 North Carolina gubernatorial election References External links North Carolina State Board of Elections North Carolina Governor candidates at Project Vote Smart North Carolina Governor race Lt. Governor from OurCampaigns.com North Carolina Governor race from 2008 Race Tracker Campaign contributionsAugust 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes from Follow the Money Collected polls from RealClearPolitics McCrory (R) vs Perdue (D) graph of collected poll results from Pollster.com Official campaign websites Pat McCrory, Republican nominee Michael Munger, Libertarian nominee Bev Perdue, Democratic nominee Primaries OurCampaigns.com – Democratic Primary for Governor OurCampaigns.com – Republican Primary for Governor North Carolina 2008 Gubernatorial