The questions follow several high-profile scandals in which elected officials have faced criminal charges related to their involvement with nonprofits.

Several candidates said they would not ban public officials' involvement with nonprofits.

"This is a challenge because we're all interested in having good boards [of directors]," said Bob Orr, a Republican and former N.C. Supreme Court justice.

"If a nonprofit receives public money, you ought to be ready for a higher degree of accountability," said Richard Moore, a Democrat and the state's treasurer. But, he added, "I do think we've gone too far in this area. I understand that I can't write a letter for a nonprofit. I think that's ridiculous."

The candidates spoke in Raleigh at a forum sponsored by the N.C. Center for Nonprofits and Generation Engage. All candidates attended except Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democrat, and Sampson County farmer Elbie Powers, a Republican.

Many public officials serve on the board of nonprofits -- usually without pay.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory was very critical of the recent scandals.

"The conflicts of interest by members of our state legislature have stained our reputation for years to come," he said. "We have to separate the politics from the nonprofits as much as possible."

State Sen. Fred Smith of Johnston County said officials need to be engaged in the nonprofit world. "We need to encourage public officials to give and not take," he said. "Where we need to draw the line is where someone is taking."