Moore accuses Perdue of ducking debates during governors race

DURHAM (AP) — Organizers of a water policy forum at Duke University were hoping that Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and State Treasurer Richard Moore would answer questions together on the same stage.

It didn’t work out that way for the Democratic gubernatorial contenders.

Moore and Perdue appeared separately today, sitting at different times in the same red wing-back chair. The format provided more ammunition for Moore, who again accused Perdue of purposefully avoiding one-on-one debates in the final weeks of their high-stakes
campaign.

Perdue entered the room a few minutes later and scoffed at Moore’s accusation. She pointed to their four previous televised debates and an upcoming event on April 24.

Two other candidates — Republican Bob Orr and Libertarian Mike Munger — also participated. All four candidates were given questions in advance, but were asked to respond in person.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)