Age: 61
Place of residence: New Bern, NC
Family: Married to Bob Eaves. Two children: Garrett Perdue and Emmett Perdue
Political experience:
Current candidate for Governor of North Carolina
2000-present: Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina
1990-2000: Member, North Carolina Senate, 3rd district
1986-1990: Member, North Carolina House of Representatives
Work experience:
Director, Geriatric Services, Craven County Medical Center
Public School Teacher (1970-1974) – Kindergarten, 9th, and 12th grades
Civic involvement:
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, lifetime member
Keep America Beautiful, member
National Lieutenant Governors Association
Religious affiliation: Episcopalian
Favorite movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, Saving Private Ryan
Favorite books: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, Huck Finn by Mark Twain
What do you think are the top 3 issues facing North Carolina that you would address?
My goal is to make North Carolina the best educated and healthiest state in America. And with education and health care experience in both the public and private sectors, I am prepared to lead North Carolina and to fight for North Carolina's working families.
Quality health care and education have been my two overriding passions since long before I ever ran for office, and they remain my two overriding public policy commitments. Working as a public school teacher and then as director of geriatric services at my local community hospital, I learned first-hand about how the decisions of public officials have a direct impact on families.
Making North Carolina the healthiest and best educated state in the nation will encourage economic growth, which is another issue I hold close to my heart. Having healthy, well educated people will lower health care costs, increase productivity, and provide the best workforce in the country, which will serve as the best economic incentive to attract new and relocating businesses.
In 150 words or less, explain why are you the most qualified candidate?
North Carolina needs a governor who is prepared to offer hope and opportunity to our entire state, from the mountains to the coast. I wake up every morning thinking about what I can do to help the people of this great state and I understand the troubles that working people are facing. I have a track record of moving North Carolina forward by creating jobs, improving education, and fighting for affordable health care, and I am laying out specific plans and ideas to build on those successes as Governor. I believe I am ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
