The first gaffe of the debate came within minutes.

While answering a question about how the justice system treats minorities, Beverly Perdue said that she did not want to see another "Duke soccer team" happen.

"As the next governor of North Carolina, on my watch I will do whatever it takes to be sure there is not a James Johnson or a Darryl Hunt or a Duke soccer team either," she said.

Um, that would be Duke lacrosse, unless there's been another case of prosecutorial misconduct recently.

A few interesting stories we missed:

* State Rep. Earline Parmon and Darryl Hunt were among tens of thousands of protesters in Jena, La. Hunt served 18 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. (W-SJ)

* Former ambassador Joseph Wilson headlined a fundraiser for Larry Kissell, who is aiming to unseat U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes in a rematch. (Char-O, Creative Loafing)

* U.S. Rep. Mel Watt tried to deny federal housing benefits to Cherokees until the tribe recognizes the descendants of so-called freedmen. (Tulsa World)

* State Treasurer Richard Moore says despite spat with Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, his gubernatorial campaign goal is "to be as gentlemanly as my mother expects me to be." (Fay-O)

* Raleigh anti-immigration activist William Gheen will refuse a new driver's license because it has a hologram that represents a sinister plot to unite with Canada and Mexico... (GN-R)