RALEIGH, NC (WBTV) - North Carolina's Governor Bev Perdue has officially announced that she will not seek re-election for governor later this year.

Within several hours of making her announcement, Lt. Governor Walter Dalton said he would seek the governor's slot while Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx only said he was considering his political future.

In a statement released on Thursday at 12:01 p.m., the first-term Perdue said "I am announcing today that I have decided not to seek re-election."

In the four paragraph statement, Perdue said that she was not one to back down from tough fights, but stated that "we live in highly partisan times, where some people seem more worried about scoring political points than working together to address the real challenges our state faces.

WEB EXTRA: Read Gov Bev Perdue's full statement here

8th Annual Greater Charlotte Home & Landscape Show

January 27, 28, 29 2012  at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center

Jan. 27 – 2p-7p; Jan.28 – 10a-7p; Jan.29 –11a-5p

Save Time, Money and Have Fun while you learn about new ideas for your home and landscape.
Experts will showcase the latest in decorating, remodeling, landscaping, and renovating resources.

CLEVELAND COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - This week, the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office made unannounced visits to more than 200 registered sex offenders in the area.

"This is just an aggressive approach in order to help keep the county as safe as possible," said Sheriff Alan Norman.

Every sex offender is required to let law enforcement know about major changes like moving to a new home or getting a new job, but not everyone obeys the law. That's why Cleveland County deputies went knocking.

In most cases, the visits went smoothly and took less than two minutes.

Residents in the area said they welcome the random checks.

"I think it's a good idea because, if you really keep track and people know you're coming to see them on the regular, they have a tendency to get right and stay right," said Shelby resident K.B. Banner.