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RALEIGH -- North Carolina Gov. Bev Perdue says her decision not to seek re-election will help her speak out on raising the sales tax for education. The governor says her decision means the issue won't be over-politicized while she's campaigning.

Perdue still will be hard pressed to persuade GOP legislative leaders to support a new temporary tax after they let one expire last year. Senate leader Phil Berger says he won't agree with Perdue to raise taxes, no matter how revenues are used.

The stalemate foreshadows a difficult budget-writing session in May.

It's unclear how Perdue's lame-duck status will affect the debate. Some of her fellow Democrats may be more willing to back Republican proposals. Others not running for re-election may feel more comfortable supporting Perdue's tax plan.

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