If one of my Reliable Sources is right, Bev Perdue’s partisans have much to worry about now that she has agreed to five debates with Pat McCrory.

The Source reports that McCrory outshone Perdue at the N.C. Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in Greensboro this week.

The Source acknowledges that it was a Republican crowd. But added that:

• Perdue, while she had a good speech, was visibly nervous and stumbled several times. McCrory was smooth and relaxed.
  
• Perdue swept into and out of the hall, while McCrory spent more time talking meeting and greeting.
  
• McCrory (obviously taking my advice from last week) appropriated Barack Obama’s change message, talking about problems in Raleigh, including DOT.

Remember, of course, that Perdue’s early performance in the Democratic primary caused concern. But she gathered herself and finished strong.

For now, no Democrat should underestimate the challenge McCrory poses.

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