Richard Moore took a strong stance for capital punishment.

In response to a question on the James Johnson case at today's debate, Moore cited his time as a federal prosecutor, saying that he believes it is necessary for some crimes.

"I do believe in capital punishment," he said. "I do believe that there is biblical evil that lives among us and for some crimes you give up the right to be here on the Earth with the rest of us."

However, Moore added, he does not think the system is currently being implemented fairly and he wants to make sure it is reformed.

Bob Orr said that he supports the death penalty in "limited circumstances," while Beverly Perdue said she supports capital punishment and the de facto moratorium currently in place.

The candidates were speaking in the sanctuary of the Historic Union Baptist Church.

Rev. William Barber II stressed the NAACP will not choose a candidate.

In introducing the three Democratic and one Republican candidate at the Historic Union Baptist Church this afternoon, the head of the state organization said that the goal was to promote their agenda.

"We don't endorse candidates as an organization, we endorse ideas," he said.

He added that the debate will be televised so that candidates don't tell the NAACP one thing and then say another before other audiences. He said they chose the governor's race because it sets the tone for the down-ballot races.

Democrats Beverly Perdue, Richard Moore and Dennis Nielsen and Republican Bob Orr will appear at the debate. Large blue cards with the names of Pat McCrory, Fred Smith and Bill Graham have been placed in their empty seats.

The debate will air Monday and will be available online at WRAL.

The questions at tomorrow's debate will come from the NAACP's goals.

The 14-point HK on J agenda—which stands for Historic Thousands on Jones Street—calls for good schools, better health care, collective bargaining for public employees, reform of mandatory sentencing laws and an end to the Iraq war, among other things. 

The forum will be moderated by Gerald Owens from WRAL. It will be televised on stations in the Triangle and in Charlotte and Wilmington. Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, state Treasurer Richard Moore, former Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and retired Air Force colonel Dennis Nielsen will participate.

The candidates will answer as many as seven questions each. 

The forum will be held at 3 p.m. at the Historic Union Baptist Church in Durham at the winter session of the NAACP. It is the first time the group has sponsored a debate.