http://66.225.205.104/SO20080827.mp3
Democrat Bev Perdue spoke to dozens of the party faithful at the local headquarters in uptown Charlotte yesterday. She said when it comes to Charlotte's part in this state, people should know she gets it: "That the next governor of North Carolina Bev Perdue understands the critical role that Charlotte plays in the economy and the whole vitality of the entire state of North Carolina." Perdue also commended Charlotte for helping during times of disaster in other parts of North Carolina. She says this demonstrates a strong sense of family toward the state. Then she rallied supporters with this bold statement about her opponent's home base: "We're going to work so hard, we're going to carry Mecklenburg County! ((applause, screams))," said Perdue. Republican Pat McCrory is serving a record seventh-term as mayor of the Queen City. And Charlotte labor organizer Bob Krebs acknowledged McCrory's long-standing position in the city. But Krebs is ready to heed Purdue's call. "Our local itself has over 500 members and if we get the word out to them and their families and get them on the register and vote. We've just got to start somewhere. We're not a strong union state but we can be," Krebs said. Charlotte resident Ed Lewis says he came to the rally to learn a little more about the lieutenant governor from Craven County. He says, "I looked at her record and I think she possesses a kind of talent, the kind of integrity necessary to be the next governor of North Carolina." Lewis says he also plans to attend a McCrory rally. He says he want to know what people think of McCrory. McCrory is campaigning this week in Purdue's territory- the eastern part of the state. His visits are taking him from Hamlet to Fayetteville and ending in Wilmington.