http://66.225.205.104/JR20080819a.mp3
The first live, televised debate in the Governor's race between Republican Pat McCrory and Democrat Bev Perdue will not be seen in the Charlotte mayor's home town. And some say that may be a good thing. McCrory and Perdue have agreed to five debates before Election Day. Tonight's is the first one to be broadcast on live TV, but it's happening on the ABC television affiliate in the Raleigh-Durham area. Charlotteans who want to watch the debate will have to stream it online starting at 8 p.m. UNC-Charlotte Political Scientist Eric Heberlig says it's probably a benefit to McCrory that the debate is so far outside his home turf. "People who live here have a pretty good idea of who he (McCrory) is, what he's about and whether they like him or not," says Heberlig. "His task is really to gain comfort with independents and conservative democrats in the rest of the state." Heberlig notes Perdue already has strong name recognition in the Raleigh area from her years of service as lieutenant governor and as a state lawmakers. McCrory and Perdue are scheduled to debate live in Charlotte on October 15th. That's also the only debate to which Libertarian Candidate Mike Munger has been invited.