MS gov opens NC Romney tour in New Bern

NEW BERN, N.C. (AP) - Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant is starting a tour of eastern North Carolina as a surrogate for Mitt Romney in the hometown of Gov. Beverly Perdue, whose remarks after a gay marriage referendum appeared to insult his state.

Bryant is slated to begin two days of public events Wednesday at a restaurant and bakery in New Bern, where Perdue has a home.

Perdue is a Democrat who criticized in May the approval of a referendum banning gay marriage in the state by saying it made North Carolina "look like Mississippi." Bryant at the time called her comments "petty" and "very disappointing." The two later spoke privately.

Bryant also planned to stop Wednesday in Morehead City and Wilmington and Thursday at Oak Island.

Perdue isn't seeking re-election this fall.