Primaries for governor
PPP reports that Bev Perdue has a 27 point lead over Richard Moore in the Democratic Primary for governor.
Meanwhile, the same polling firm tells us Pat McCrory and Fred Smith lead the field of Republican contenders.
What all does this tell us? Without any big shifts in the political landscape:
- * McCrory and Smith seem to be heading to a runoff in the Republican primary. Neither seems positioned to get the 40 percent needed to avoid a run off and neither seems likely to forgo the option. Bill Graham is the closest of the remaining contenders, but doesn't seem to be gaining ground. Still, he's within striking distance and has money to make a move.
- * Moore needs to get on the stick. A 27 point deficit is surmountable, but only if there's time. There's less than two months before the primary.
- * Those trailing in either primary for governor, no matter the party, have limited time to make their moves. Presidential primary results from earlier this week point to a Democratic race that will still be somewhat in play by the time it hits North Carolina.
That means the national campaigns will be spending money here (sucking up available television time) and getting more free media (sucking up available media attention) and politicking here (sucking up available voter attention). You need all three things to make a move in a campaign.