GOP takes Web page out of Democrat Moore's playbook

Raleigh, N.C. — The bruising Democratic gubernatorial primary between Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and State Treasurer Richard Moore is coming back to haunt Perdue.

The Republican Governors Association has recreated a Web site Moore used to paint Perdue as someone who flip-flops on issues for political gain, and the group is running advertisements on political Web sites to send people to the anti-Perdue site.

"I think Democrats are very upset about it and are very concerned," Democratic political consultant Brad Crone said. "Bev Perdue is not in a position at this point in time where she can afford to have any peel-off from base Democratic votes. That's why this wedge is a critical juncture in the campaign."

Other than an e-mail he issued to supporters in July calling for them to back Perdue in November in her race against Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Moore hasn't campaigned for Perdue.

Crone, who grudgingly credits the RGA for exploiting the rift when Perdue and Moore battled, said Moore could make a real difference on the campaign trail for Perdue in a tight race.

A WRAL News poll released Thursday showed McCrory with a 50 to 46 percent lead – the poll's margin of error – over Perdue. Pollsters spoke with 700 self-described likely voters statewide.

"(Moore) helps solidify Main Street voters, moderate to conservative Democrats who may be taking a look at McCrory," Crone said.

A spokesman in the State Treasurer's Office declined to comment Thursday on the reappearance of Moore's old Web site.

Perdue spokesman Tim Crowley said she won't let the site become a distraction.

"I can't talk for Richard. Bev is running her campaign. She's getting her message out to voters," Crowley said.