The crowd applauded as Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue used her presentation as a reminder of her pledge to run a campaign without ads attacking her main rival, state Treasurer Richard Moore, in the final weeks.

Moore has criticized Perdue throughout the campaign, lately running a radio ad about her family's ownership of convenience stores that sell items bearing the Confederate flag. He also questioned two Perdue House votes that opposed positions of the state Legislative Black Caucus.

Black legislators have come to her defense.

Moore and Perdue did not mention one another by name Friday night. But Moore asked the crowd to compare their records.

Moore emphasized his history of calling for increased corporate accountability, fighting payday lenders, and building what Standard and Poor's ranked as one of the nation's strongest state pension funds.

"I'm not afraid to take on tough fights," he said, "and I know how to deliver real results."

The competitors did not share the Dorton Arena stage. Moore spoke well after Perdue, with three speakers as buffers.

The candidates' positions on issues are close. Moore drew applause by emphasizing his plan to provide a free community college education to high school graduates, offer tax breaks for senior citizens, and raise the minimum wage.

Perdue called herself a "fighter," but pointed to her decision to run ads only about her background, her record and her goals for the state. Her background serves as an example, she said, of how she has defied expectations and countered trends.

"I'm running a positive campaign for governor while all the high-paid consultants and political pundits say it is political suicide," Perdue said, her voice hoarse.

"I'm fighting against the old way of negative campaigning because I'm betting on the people of North Carolina," she said.

Both have campaigned on bringing jobs to the state, with Perdue saying North Carolina could "create $40- and $50-an-hour jobs" in every county.