'I'm Running for Governor, and I Sponsored This Message'

The political ad blitz is expected to begin this weekend, when State Treasurer Richard Moore unveils a two-minute issues-and-image television advertisement. Moore's campaign said it would spend $20,000 statewide Sunday, followed by $200,000 a week on shorter ads.

"The people who have helped me in this campaign don't want to see (their money) sit in a bank account," Moore said. "It's January. The election's in May. That's what we got into this for – to reach the voters."

He said he expects to raise about $6 million for his run for Democratic gubernatorial nomination.

Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, Moore's Democratic rival, plans to hit TV Monday with her first ad.

The Republican gubernatorial candidates – Salisbury attorney Bill Graham, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Orr and state Sen. Fred Smith – are expected to be close behind.

The Perdue campaign said she would be competitive in the money race. Campaign reports show Republicans trailing in fundraising.

Early ads will emphasize image, not the sniping that has marked the Moore-Perdue campaign in recent weeks. The two candidates have sparred over issues ranging from campaign contributions to college tuition and financing for the former Randy Parton Theatre in Roanoke Rapids.

The Republican candidates have been more cordial so far. But once Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory makes his expected late splash in the race next week, many observers said they believe the GOP will start throwing punches as well.