Media Advisory: Perdue’s decision not to run for reelection makes 2012 governor election more competitive, says Wake Forest University political analyst

Governor Bev Perdue’s decision not to run for a second term increases the chances that Democrats can hold on to the office, said Wake Forest University professor of political science John Dinan, an expert on state politics. “It was very difficult to foresee a path to reelection for Perdue, in light of her continuing low approval numbers and polls that consistently showed her running well behind expected Republican nominee Pat McCrory,” said Dinan. “And so Perdue’s decision, which is in some respects surprising because it comes rather late in the campaign calendar, is a recognition of the difficulty she would have faced in holding the seat.  And her decision now clears the way for Democrats to nominate someone with a better chance of keeping the seat in Democratic hands.”