In new numbers released this week by Public Policy Polling (PPP), the Democratic race for Governor appears to be a dead heat! Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue leads by a 38% to 37% margin over state Treasurer Richard Moore. The poll was taken March 29-30. In the same firm’s March 24 survey, Perdue led 41% to 34%.

Perdue has maintained a significant lead in the Democratic governor’s race for months; this new essentially even result indicates the momentum is now with Moore, whose TV spots have been attacking Perdue. Perdue responded with attacks of her own against Moore. 

In more bad news for the Perdue campaign, polls released Friday show Moore with his first lead in the race with a large percentage of voters undecided.

This blogger has encountered feelings of negativity against both Moore and Perdue in the past weeks.  I have spoken with once leaning Perdue voters who are now having second thoughts about who they will cast their ballot for in the race.

In the Republican matchup, the latest PPP survey showed Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory with 35%, state Sen. Fred Smith 23%, attorney Bill Graham 7% and ex-state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr 7%.  

McCrory is an impressive candidate who could give Democrats a run for the Governor's mansion in November.  He has financial resources, a moderate record, and possibly history on his side.  The last time Democrats squared off in a negative primary campaign (1984 Charlotte Congressman James Martin defeats Rufus Edmisten), Republicans were able to capture the Governor's office.