Perdue to attend NC Dem party reception

RALEIGH — Gov.-elect Bev Perdue plans to attend a state Democratic fundraiser honoring her birthday less than two weeks after she takes office.

The North Carolina Democratic Party is hosting a “birthday reception” on Jan. 22 at a Raleigh home. Invitations ask attendees to give between $500 and $10,000.

Perdue will be sworn in as governor Saturday. She turns 62 next week.

Party spokeswoman Kerra Bolton says donations will rebuild party coffers following the November election. Donors can’t earmark money for any particular use.

Campaign finance records show the party gave more than $2 million to Perdue’s campaign over the past four years, including $875,000 in one transaction in late October. Many outside groups made large contributions to the party in the fall.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)