I watched the gubernatorial debate hosted by WRAL's Pam Saulsby and David Crabtree.

I was very surprised at Richard Moore's condescending attitude toward Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue. Whether he was aware of it or not, he talked down to her several times as if she were ignorant.

This is the first time I've seen either candidate in action, and I can honestly say that I found him unbelievable and sexist.

Her candor, on the other hand, was reflective of her recent move to sponsor a completely positive campaign. She showed great poise and respect for Moore and the moderators.

She has definitely secured my vote. In fact, I am going to vote early, because of Richard Moore's behavior.

He affirmed my support of Perdue through his unprofessional belittling of his superior.

Bobi Gregory
Wilson

I'll make this simple and short. Richard Moore's ads are toxic and hurtful against Bev Perdue. The tone drives me away from supporting him. This note represents many thousands who are sick and tired of his voice and the smirk you detect in each attack.

Alvin Hickman
Wilson

Beverly Perdue's decision to pull her negative ads is a great step in engaging voters in the issues of the gubernatorial campaign. The mudslinging ads encourage me and probably other voters to either mute the sound or to flip to another station to avoid the disparaging comments. Political pundits and consultants argue that you can't win an election without the negative ads - that's what catches voters' attention. But what the negative ads really do is discourage people from voting because they think all the candidates have only negative things to say about each other. Voters want to hear positive messages about what a candidate is going to do to improve access to health care, bring more better paying jobs to North Carolina and increase education opportunities not only for our young people but also for those workers who want to return to a community college or college to improver their job opportunities. Beverly Perdue should be commended for having the courage to stop her negative ads and for focusing on what she wants for North Carolinas future. That's what the people of North Carolina deserve and want. Brenda Summers
Raleigh

I am with the April 15 letter-writer. If Bev Perdue keeps her word "No negative campaigning," she has my vote. I'm in that minority with the writer. Let's see if we can't change us into a majority. Who else is sick of the negativity?

James Turner
Cary

I have been observing the Perdue TV ads since December, so I've been turned off by the particularly vicious attacks against Richard Moore for months. Perdue's declaration to go positive seems like a ploy. When I heard Perdue speak at this year's annual M. L. King prayer breakfast in RTP, I was not impressed with her, her speech or the grand gesticulations she used whenever she thought she was making an important point. I have not decided on who I think should be the next governor, but there is no way I'm voting for her. To me she seems too disingenuous and unscrupulous to trust with such an important job. Carrie Harris
Raleigh

I want to thank Bev Perdue for her brave decision to stop running attack ads. Nasty attack ads worked for Jesse Helms as he beat Hunt and Gantt. The lies and nastiness of Carl Rove and G.W. Bush condemned the country to 8 years of humiliation.

I am one of the voters who e-mailed both Perdue and Moore asking them to stop the ads. Bev chose the high road.

Recently on an evening newscast, in just a few minutes, I saw Perdue and Moore attack ads followed by informative ads by Republicans McCrory, Smith and Graham addressing important issues. The N&O analyzed the attack ads and indicated that they were not accurate. I hope that Perdue will provide information about important issues such as alternative energy and illegal immigration. Please ignore the rabid attacks ads. Use the mute button or switch to another channel till the ad is over

Hank Macknee
Durham

Any man who would be associated with such an ad as was on TV this night against Perdue should not be allowed to live in a Southern state, let alone hold office.

Wallace Cleve
Richlands