Perdue hits the Uptown stump

Nearly 100 people donned “Bev Perdue for Governor” stickers and purchased mugs of coffee, hot chocolate and sweet tea Wednesday at Uptown Greenville's Tipsy Teapot.

The lieutenant governor stumped for about 20 minutes at the meet and greet event, renewing her pledges to advance North Carolina by creating jobs — especially in “green” industries — and give equal attention to both rural and urban areas.

“The stakes in this election are so high,” she noted, early in the speech. “The economy is in a mess. We have a continuing, escalating unemployment rise. The times demand that North Carolina have a strong, serious governor who understands that one governor can't fix a global economic crisis. And I will never promise you I can fix that. But...this is one governor who can lead North Carolina through these challenging times.”

The crowd included some supporters and some still on the fence.

Beth Sanchez, an Obama supporter and Greenville resident, was there to ask Perdue about her views on home schooling. Her two sons, 9-year-old Wesley and 6-year-old Greyson, were at her side to hear the answer.

“She's in support of all types of education,” Sanchez said, visibly pleased, after consulting Perdue on her way out.

East Carolina University student Chris Kent, a Tarboro native, said his vote for governor swayed toward Perdue after hearing her talk about serving rural North Carolina.

“We're not a big city, but we need things that other cities around, like Charlotte, have the money for,” he explained. “I work for the Department of Transportation. I've learned a lot about how we do our roadways here and how much of the funding comes from who...I like that she's trying to spread the wealth to everybody and not just sticking to the city areas.”

With less than two weeks to go, Kent said he was still undecided about the presidential contest and other state races.

Perdue was introduced by Pitt County Commissioner Beth Ward and N.C. Rep. Edith Warren. The latter described her as go-getter and involved leader who has worked her way to the top.

Among the supporters were others running for state offices, including N.C. Senate District 5 Democratic candidate Don Davis, County Commissioner Melvin McLawhorn and Clerk of Superior Court Sara Beth Fulford Rhodes. State Board of Education member Kathy Taft, Greenville City Councilman Calvin Mercer and Pitt County School Board Member Betsy Leech were also present.

Purdue's opponents are Republican Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory and Libertarian Mike Munger. Perdue led McCrory 48-44 in the latest Public Policy Polling survey, conducted Tuesday. Munger had 4 percent.

Republicans rallying with Burr

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C, is scheduled to speak at the Greenville Victory 2008 Early Vote rally being held at 10:15 a.m. Friday in front of the Pitt County Community Schools Building, 4561 County Home Road. For further information, call the Pitt County Republican Party Headquarters at 321-1996.