You would have to travel nearly 3,000 miles to find a state that has had a longer run of Democratic governors than North Carolina -- all the way to Oregon and Washington.

After a 16-year run in charge, North Carolina Democrats are feeling almost cocky about their prospects for renewing their lease on the governor's mansion. They have two high-profile, well-financed candidates and a favorable political environment for Democrats.

On Monday, the Democratic effort to renew their lease on the governor's mansion will enter a more intense phase when Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue formally enters the campaign.

But some Democrats worry about the possibility of a bruising primary between Perdue and State Treasurer Richard Moore that will leave their nominee damaged when they face the Republicans in November 2008.

"It's always a concern," said state Democratic Chairman Jerry Meek. "Both candidates very much want to be governor. Any time you have a divisive primary, it makes it more difficult in preparation for the general election."

The two candidates have been preparing for this election for years -- raising money, lining up endorsements and hiring staffs.

Little divides the candidates on the issues. Both are in the Democratic mainstream of two-term Gov. Mike Easley and former four-term Gov. Jim Hunt. They want to protect business interests, make education a top priority, sustain the death penalty, support civil rights and expand health care.

Perdue leads Moore in the early polls but does not have a huge lead.

"When there are not really many ideological differences, you look for personal attributes, such as character," said Andy Taylor, a political science professor at N.C. State University.