The four major Republicans running for governor are fans of nonprofits.

They expressed their gratitude today at a forum in Raleigh sponsored by the N.C. Center for Nonprofits and Generation Engage, reports David Ingram of The Charlotte Observer.

One candidate cited the 19th century French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, who toured America.

"He went and looked at the nonprofits, which were at that time the churches, and he said that's what makes America great," said state Sen. Fred Smith.

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory said nonprofits are important in economic development, citing the Charlotte area’s recruitment of Johnson & Wales University, a culinary school.

"It took cooperation between the private and public sectors, and a lot of speed to beat out our competition," McCrory said.

Read more after the jump.

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In response to a question about whether they support declaring November as nonprofit awareness month, former N.C. Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr replied dryly, "Well, every month ought to be nonprofit awareness month. If you want November, you can have November."

Three of the candidates endorsed using public money for nonprofits' capital projects.

"I would hope to see the state be able to contribute some matching funds, and that you would be able to elect on your tax form whether to contribute to that," said Salisbury lawyer Bill Graham. McCrory and Orr agreed.

Update: Democratic candidates Richard Moore and Dennis Nielsen also are fans of nonprofits.

Moore pointed to nonprofits' role in recovering from Hurricanes Fran and Floyd when he was an N.C. Cabinet secretary, and to his service on a nonprofit board of the New York Stock Exchange.

Nielsen said he runs a nonprofit that provides tax services.

Beverly Perdue did not attend the forum.