A short story about governors

At 5-foot-2, Gov. Beverly Perdue is, as she puts it, “vertically challenged.”

Because public opinion polls suggest that taller people are viewed as more authoritative, Perdue often used risers behind podiums during her campaign last year, reports Rob Christensen.

“It was the best kept secret of the campaign,” Perdue told a meeting of the Farm to Fork Summit this morning in Raleigh as she stepped on a riser. “No one realized how short I was.”

This was not the first time that gubernatorial stature has come into play. During the 2000 governor’s race, Republican candidate Richard Vinroot referred to Democrat Mike Easley as the “little fellow.” Vinroot is 6 feet 7 inches tall while Easley is 5 feet 10 inches tall.

“At least I act grown up,” Easley shot back at a forum.