Moore, Perdue keep icy distance

Gubernatorial candidates sit on opposite sides of Durham stage, making last-ditch bids for votes

DURHAM -- After months of slugging it out in a bitter Democratic race for governor, state Treasurer Richard Moore and Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue shared a stage one last time Sunday -- without acknowledging each other.

Moore and Perdue sat on opposite sides of the stage after they spoke, separately, to an audience of 400 community activists in Durham. Moore and Perdue gave their five-minute speeches, shook a few hands and left, through opposite ends of First Presbyterian Church.

The battle to win votes before Tuesday's primary didn't take a day off Sunday as candidates for president, governor, local school boards and every office in between made their pitches.

It's been a long slog for a lot of campaigns, and the candidates are about out of time to change minds. There will be one final push today, especially in the tightening presidential race. Both Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, along with their spouses, are making appearances around the state.

On Sunday, candidates wore big smiles and used soaring language as they addressed the audience of Durham CAN (Congregations, Associations, Neighborhoods), which works for issues such as higher wages, better housing and a cleaner environment.

"I invite you to be part of this campaign as we strike out together to fundamentally change the backbone of North Carolina," said Perdue, who is sparring with Moore in a hard-fought race for the Democratic nomination for governor.

"I'm very proud that I fought for many of the issues that brought you here together today," said Moore.

The Durham CAN event was a magnet for candidates and volunteers.

People who came had to walk the usual gauntlet of eager volunteers passing out material about candidates for Durham district attorney, county commissioner or lieutenant governor.

And inside, when the speeches started, there were the promises.

"I will work tirelessly to make North Carolina a great state," said Hampton Dellinger, a Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor.

"You can absolutely count on me to be bringing your leaders to the table," said Brenda Howerton, a candidate for Durham County's board of commissioners.

Even two days before the election, some voters are still undecided.

"I'm going to pray on it and vote my conscience," said Psiyina Davis of Durham. She said she had a better sense of whom to vote for in the Durham County commissioners' race after Sunday's event but still hadn't figured out whom to pick for governor.

After his speech, Moore shook Davis' hand. Davis, who has three children, asked Moore about his plans for education. In his answer, Moore mentioned that as treasurer, he oversees the state pension fund, which pays retirement benefits to state employees.

"I think he thought I was a teacher," said Davis, a part-time paralegal and member of Durham CAN.

Candidates have had to work hard to reach a larger audience than they might have expected. The competitive Democratic presidential primary is fueling massive turnout.

Early voting ended Saturday and turnout statewide was already at 8 percent -- half the total turnout from the 2004 primary.