Munger, McCrory mostly agree at debate [Bev Purdue was MIA]

N&O Under the Dome ^ | September 25, 2008 | Ryan Teague Beckwith

[MitchellC]

For the fifth time this year, two of the three gubernatorial candidates met for a debate.

This time, it was a different two.

Republican Pat McCrory and Libertarian Mike Munger debated the economy, health care and education in an hour-long event hosted by UNC-TV, agreeing more than they disagreed.

Democrat Beverly Perdue skipped the debate.

Though they agreed more than they disagreed during the debate, McCrory and Munger differed on offshore drilling and the death penalty.

McCrory argued drilling would lower gas prices eventually, while Munger said it was a gimmick but worth doing anyway. McCrory said he would move to reinstate the death penalty, while Munger said he would commute all death sentences.

All three candidates will meet at a debate in Charlotte next month. (N&O)

[MitchellC]

Fuller story here. (Would have had to excerpt.)

The three-way debate sounds like it will be fun. I may have to see that one live.

[MitchellC]

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[Tax-chick]

Is this the weirdest election ever, or what? I might end up liking Pat McCrory by the time I vote.

[MitchellC]

Look out, next thing you know you'll be praising Pat's magic uptown choo-choo. ;)

McCrory is by all accounts (that I know of, correct me if I'm wrong) a decent, intelligent person, even if he operates under a certain set of assumptions that allows for a little bit of local socialism. Standard big city moderate Republican in other words. More government doesn't seem to be his first inclination, however, and that makes him a lot better than Perdue.