Perdue to run for re-election in 2012

Perdue is state's 73rd governor. She was inaugurated in January of 2009 after she beat Republican Pat McCrory in the 2008 election.

While talking to business leaders from across the state Wednesday about supporting education, the governor said her immediate priorities are dealing with the state budget deficit and trying to jump-start North Carolina's economy.

"I don't want to make it a deal. It's much too early to think about re-election," she said. "Right now, we've got to focus on bringing North Carolina's unemployment rate down and helping kids get jobs."

Perdue is the first woman ever elected governor in North Carolina.