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RALEIGH (AP) - Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue bypassed a statewide television audience by declining to participate in a gubernatorial debate, one that should give the Libertarian candidate his highest profile appearance in the campaign.

Wednesday night's debate at the University of North Carolina Television studios in Research Triangle Park was to feature Republican nominee Pat McCrory and the Libertarian, Duke University political science professor Mike Munger.

But Perdue, the Democratic candidate, won't be behind one of the lecterns.

"We agreed early on to participate in five debates, more than modern gubernatorial and presidential elections. Four of those have already taken place," Perdue spokesman Tim Crowley said.

She also participated in three UNC-TV debates with State Treasurer Richard Moore during the primary campaign, Crowley said.

McCrory has complained repeatedly that Perdue rejected several other debates that would have aired live before a statewide audience.

"I wish she was at the debate tonight, where we could talk about these issues," McCrory told reporters at a news conference where he criticized Perdue's record on ethics.

Munger, who has been excluded from previous debates and forums, had plenty to gain from Wednesday night.

It marks the first gubernatorial election since the Legislature in 2006 reduced the threshold for the Libertarian to remain an official state political party.

Munger only has to receive 2 percent of the vote on Election Day - down from 10 percent - to prevent the Libertarians from having to collect at least 70,000 signatures to remain on the ballot in the next election cycle.

Four years ago, Libertarian candidate Barbara Howe received 1.5 percent of the 3.5 million votes cast.

Munger is running on a platform to provide a $1,250 voucher to every child in the state that could be used toward private education or home schooling. Perdue has consistently accused McCrory of backing a broad voucher program, which McCrory denies.

Munger also said if elected he would work to greatly curtail forced annexations and eminent domain, as well as cutting off corporate subsidies.

All three candidates are scheduled to participate in a televised debate Oct. 15 in Charlotte.