As news spread Gov. Beverly Perdue would not seek a second term we couldn’t help but think about the Kenny Rogers song, The Gambler. “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, know when to run.” Democratic leaders have been secretly suggesting to Perdue that she step down, so while her decision is surprising it isn’t shocking. Poll after poll has indicated she was unlikely to win.

Candidate filing opens Feb. 13 so the governor honorably gives time for candidates to consider the race. The big question is who the Democrats will choose to run against former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory? Political pundits are scrambling but a number of names are surfacing.

Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton is the next highest ranking elected Democrat and his recent flurry of support gives credence to speculation he might have known Perdue’s announcement was coming and wanted to get a jump on fundraising. Attorney General Roy Cooper has been known to want the job in the past but has already ruled out a gubernatorial run this year. U.S. Rep. Bill Faison has been traveling the state in recent months advocating the three-quarter cent sales tax Perdue recently endorsed, plowing the ground in hopes that if Perdue didn’t run he would be favored.

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