RALEIGH — Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory collected high profile endorsements today after they won their parties' nominations for governor.

Gov. Mike Easley endorsed his fellow Democrat, Perdue, in her campaign to be the first female governor of North Carolina today.

And McCrory picked up the support of three of his Republican primary opponents -- state Sen. Fred Smith, former Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and Salisbury lawyer Bill Graham.

Smith and Orr appeared at a news conference with McCrory, as did former Gov. Jim Holshouser, also a Republican.

McCrory said his support would reach beyond party lines in a state where Democrats have held the governor's office for much of the past century.

"Independent voters and a lot of Democrats believe in true leadership," he said. "I am proud to announce that North Carolina is once again a two-party state."

Earlier in the day, Easley spoke at a news conference with Perdue at the Democratic Party headquarters.

"Her commitment to the kids of this state started a long time ago," Easley said.

Easley also endorsed Walter Dalton, the party's nominee for lieutenant governor.

In a brief speech, Perdue said her campaign will focus on education as the key to better opportunity.

"This race is going to be decided by which candidate is the best for the middle class of North Carolina," Perdue said.