In the race for the North Carolina Governor, the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found Republican Mayor Pat McCrory falling behind Democrats Richard Moore and Beverly Perdue in head to head match-ups.

The survey found the mayor of Charlotte behind Moore 39% to 34% and former Lt. Governor Perdue 42% to 38%.

In December, McCrory on top in both match-ups by an identical 42% to 39% margin. That survey was conducted prior to McCrory’s official announcement to run in the election.

Despite their involvement in the state’s governor race, a reasonable percentage of people have never heard of the candidates. McCrory drew the highest favorability ratings at 36%, but another 30% say they have never heard of him.

Perdue and Moore each drew in 35% favorability ratings, but 33% of people have never heard of Moore and 23% have not heard of Perdue. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of voters gave Perdue an unfavorable rating.

When it comes to the upcoming Governor election, 25% of North Carolinians say that the most important issue is the economy and jobs. Immigration came in a close second with 24% and education was third with 21%.

Outgoing Governor Mike Easley was given a good or excellent rating from 47% of voters. Eighteen percent (18%) gave the governor a poor rating.

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