North Carolina democrats are scrambling tonight in the wake of Gov. Bev Perdue's announcement that she will not seek a second term.

The presumed republican frontrunner in the 2012 gubernatorial race is former Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory, who narrowly lost to Perdue in 2008.

But the democratic side of the equation is more wide-open.

Lieutenant Gov. Walter Dalton announced today that he would seek the democratic nomination, and an announcement from State Rep. Bill Faison is expected in the coming days.

A source close to 11th District Rep. Heath Shuler tells News 13 that he is strongly considering and leaning towards running for governor.  But he's not the only congressman doing so.  13th District Rep. Brad Miller, who announced he would not run for re-election, is reportedly considering a run, as is 7th District Rep. Mike McIntyre.

Other possible candidates include current Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, Winston-Salem mayor Allen Joines, and former state treasurer Richard Moore.

The filing period for the North Carolina primary is February 13th-29th.  The primary is scheduled for Tuesday, May 8th.
Sizing Up the NC Gubernatorial Race