Tonight’s debate is a chance for Bev Perdue and Pat McCrory to step out of the shadows of the national party conventions and the U.S. Senate race. Time to fill in the picture of themselves – and their opponent.

Their race is close, maybe even tied. They have eight weeks. Here are three things each should do tonight.

Perdue:

Show some pit bull spirit. Even strong supporters say she looked nervous and uncomfortable in earlier debates.

Be the change candidate. Escape the status-quo box. Find something to criticize in state government.

Appeal to Obama voters. She needs them to vote for her, too, and they have to mark the ballot twice to do so. They want change. She should, too.

McCrory:

Like McCain, he needs to be the reform candidate, not the Republican candidate. It’s not a good year to be a good Republican.

Exploit Perdue’s apparent flip-flop on offshore oil drilling. Use gas prices to make a populist connection.

Stay in the middle of the road. Avoid the right-wing ditch.

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