The two major candidates for governor of North Carolina say they've agreed to hold five debates leading up to Election Day.

The campaigns of Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue and Republican Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory said Wednesday the first debate is set for next weekend at the North Carolina Bar Association's annual meeting in Atlantic Beach.

The others will start in August. Two are planned for Raleigh-area television stations, with a third to be organized by Charlotte TV stations. The Public School Forum will also host a debate in Cary.

McCrory campaign consultant Jack Hawke said the Charlotte mayor has also accepted debate requests from the North Carolina Press Association and N.C. Association of Broadcasters. He also wants to meet Perdue in a separate series of discussions around the state.