The greater Wilmington area is not Raleigh or Charlotte, or the NC Bar Association, but still we are an important political area of the state. It seems that the leading Democrats such as Bev Purdue feel our vote in southeastern NC is a given for their party, and they need not attend our political events. I also believe that a televised debate between our two candidates for Governor would be the best way for voters to size up the two contenders. I know many would watch. Ms. Perdue must feel the debate would hurt her position.