Raleigh, N.C. — The two leading Democratic candidates hoping to become North Carolina's next governor debate in the WRAL-TV studios Tuesday evening.

Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue and Treasurer Richard Moore will go head-to-head starting at 8 p.m., and viewers will have a chance to ask questions. The debate will be carried live on WRAL and simulcast in Charlotte and Wilmington.

For months, the Democratic candidates for governor were not on the same page when it came to a debate. Until a few weeks ago, Perdue said she was against the idea.

“I am challenging him to debate after watching (his) sleazy, dishonest commercials,” Perdue said.

“I look forward to the opportunity to go toe-to-toe under any circumstances and talk about what we agree on and what we disagree on so the voters can see what they’ll get in their next governor,” Moore said.

The two could not agree on a place or format until Monday. That means Perdue and Moore will have little time to prepare. Tuesday night’s one-hour debate on WRAL will be the first for the Democrats.

The candidates have appeared in forums together, but those events did not allow for follow-up questions or an opportunity to question one another.

Republican candidates for governor have met at least 10 times, and several of their events were televised.

WRAL Anchors David Crabtree and Pam Saulsby will moderate the discussion between the candidates.