The audience cheered when North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue gave a rousing speech this weekend a state Democratic Party dinner in Greensboro, but Democrats also are expressing relief and uncertainty on her sudden departure from the campaign trail.
She announced Thursday she wouldn't seek re-election, saying she didn't want her sales tax increase proposal for education to become overly politicized in a re-election campaign.
Perdue would have faced a tough road to victory. She hadn't been able to shrug off low approval numbers, a high unemployment rate and a pending investigation of her campaign committee.
Democratic Rep. Mickey Michaux of Durham said she probably made the right decision to step aside because many were worried she could drag down other candidates.
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