Beverly Perdue has committed to five debates.

The Democratic gubernatorial nominee said today that she would appear at five events before the November election, including three in the Triangle:

June 21: N.C. Bar Association, Atlantic Beach

Aug. 19: WTVD, Durham

Sept. 9: WRAL/Capitol Broadcasting, Raleigh

Sept. 19: Public School Forum on Education/Everybody's Business Coalition, Cary

Oct. 15: Charlotte-Mecklenburg League of Women Voters/ WSOC/WTVI, Charlotte

"I look forward to the debates and the opportunity to have a real discussion about the issues facing North Carolina," she said in a statement.

The major candidates for governor and the U.S. Senate will face off for the first time next month.

Officials with the N.C. Bar Association say they have received commitments for a forum at the group’s convention at Atlantic Beach on June 21, reports Rob Christensen.

A panel of reporters will ask questions of Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory, who are running for governor, and Republican Elizabeth Dole and Democrat Kay Hagan, who are running for the U.S. Senate.

Update: Bar Association officials now say they have firm commitments from Dole and Hagan, but that Perdue and McCrory have only indicated they are likely to participate.