Moore endorses Perdue for governor

RALEIGH, N.C. — State Treasurer Richard Moore officially endorsed Beverly Perdue for governor Wednesday, two months after their expensive and acrimonious Democratic primary campaign in which Moore questioned her commitment to party principles.

In an e-mail sent to supporters Wednesday, Moore urged them to support the lieutenant governor in her bid to win the state's top job in the November election against Republican nominee Pat McCrory.

Perdue defeated Moore in the May 6 primary, 56 percent of the vote to 40 percent.

"Bev Perdue and I had a tough, spirited primary campaign," Moore wrote. "And while the outcome was not what we had hoped for, one thing is clear: the differences between Bev Perdue and me pale in comparison to our differences with Pat McCrory."

Although the three losing Republican candidates immediately backed McCrory after the primary, Moore didn't follow suit and express support for Perdue after their campaign. He had attempted to raise questions about her record on gun control and abortion and took heat from other party leaders for commercials questioning Perdue's civil rights record.

But Moore's e-mail focused on the things that he says they agree on, including world-class public schools, energy policy and "economic opportunity for all North Carolina families." He said it was important this election year to have a "unified Democratic Party" backing Perdue for governor.

"She'll continue to stand up for North Carolina's families and to make sure they have a voice in Raleigh," wrote Moore, adding that his supporters should consider giving to her campaign.