RALEIGH -- North Carolina's two major party candidates for governor are participating in their first live television debate.

Democrat Beverly Perdue and Republican Pat McCrory began discussing their plans for North Carolina Tuesday night in a debate broadcast by WTVD in Durham.

McCrory, who is the mayor of Charlotte, said in his opening statement the state needs to fix its crumbling roads, address a growing gang problem and root out government corruption.

Perdue, the lieutenant governor, said she's focused on improving the state's education system which, in turn, will bolster the state's economy.

The candidates last debated June 21 at the North Carolina Bar Association's annual meeting.