Perdue announces she won't run for NC governor

Beverly Perdue, the pugnacious lawmaker who rose to become the first female governor of North Carolina, stunned the political scene one more time Thursday, announcing she would not run for re-election.

She held no press conferences, choosing instead to make the announcement in an email that set off a wave of response across the North Carolina Capital.

"The thing I care about most right now is making sure that our schools and school children do not continue to be the victims of short-sighted legislative actions and severe budget cuts inflicted by a legislative majority with the wrong priorities," Perdue said in a statement, referring to Republicans in the Legislature.

"Therefore, I am announcing today that I have decided not to seek re-election.  I hope this decision will open the door to an honest and bipartisan effort to help our schools."

And that was it. Her schedule, on her official website, was blank for the section, “Where’s Bev?”

NBC-17 saw her husband, Bob Eaves, walking their dogs at the Governor’s Mansion in downtown Raleigh and Eaves exchanged a brief pleasantry.  

READ: Gov. Perdue's Statement

But now, the Mansion will have a new resident next year.

Perdue becomes the first governor in modern history to not seek a second term. From 1868 to 1977, North Carolina limited governors to one four-year term. Jim Hunt served four terms, although not consecutive, and Jim Martin (1985-93) and Mike Easley (2001-09) both served two terms.

The news on Perdue was a stunning one at the Capitol and Legislative buildings, with many staffers expressing surprise at the news. Perdue, from New Bern, had pushed to the top of North Carolina politics and had always yearned to be governor.

"It was a surprise to me - I didn't know it was coming," said Joe Hackney, the House minority leader.

But her term has been a difficult one. North Carolina has faced tough budget issues and Perdue has clashed with the Republicans who control the Legislature. The language between the two has become increasingly harsh, with both sides issuing sharp statements when they differ, which is often.

"We live in highly partisan times, where some people seem more worried about scoring political points than working together to address the real challenges our state faces," Perdue said in her statement  "And it is clear to me that my race for re-election will only further politicize the fight to adequately fund our schools.   A re-election campaign in this already divisive environment will make it more difficult to find any bipartisan solutions."

But Thom Tillis, the Republican Speaker of the House who has clashed with Perdue often, issued a gracious statement after Perdue's announcement, wishing her the best and making not of her sacrifice as a state official.

"Republicans in the General Assembly have disagreed deeply with the governor over many issues, but I am hopeful we can find opportunities in her remaining time in office to work on legislative matters that will become a part of her legacy, and do so for the good of all North Carolinians," Tillis said. 

President Barack Obama even commented on Gov. Perdue's decision not to seek re-election.

"As the first woman to serve as North Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor and Governor, Bev Perdue has never been afraid to break barriers," said Obama. "For over 25 years, she has fought for the people of the Tar Heel State – working to transform the state’s public schools, improve the health care system, protect and attract jobs for members of the military and their families, and create the jobs of the future.  Michelle and I want to congratulate Governor Perdue on her historic tenure, and we wish Bev and her family well in the future."

Several other organizations and officials have released statements about Perdue not seeking re-election. You can read all those statements by clicking here.

Perdue faced tough re-election ahead

But the harsh reality was Perdue, had she decided to run, would have faced a tough re-election. Perdue’s campaign has faced ethics charges, an issue that surely would have surfaced i the campaign. Three former associates have faced felony charges for actions involving the campaign.

Bill Faison, a Democrat from Orange County, predicted in November that Perdue would not run.

“I think ultimately the governor will do the right thing and decide not to run. I don't believe you'll ever see her file,” said Faison, who is considered a likely candidate for the job.

And the Democrats will face a strong opponent. Former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory is set to unveil his gubernatorial bid next week. In the 2008 election, Perdue edged McCrory in a tough battle in which Perdue had the benefit of a national ticket, led by Obama, that carried North Carolina for the Democrats.

Public Policy Polling, in a poll announced Jan. 17, had McCrory leading Perdue 52-41.

Going forward, Perdue says she plans to focus on education for the remainder of her term.

One Durham teacher, Jordan Dean, said she hoped more money would be made available to hire teachers.

“You go to school, and you train and train and you love kids and you get out of school and you can't find a job, there are not jobs available because teachers are being fired and there are fewer positions for teachers,” she said.