(RALEIGH) -- Gov. Beverly Perdue's joke about canceling congressional elections for two years has made national headlines. Perdue told a Rotary Club meeting in the Wake County town of Cary on Tuesday that people on Capitol Hill need to do a better job working together.

The News & Observer reported that she told the Rotarians, "I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for two years and just tell them we won't hold it against them whatever decisions they make to just let them help this country recover."

Perdue spokeswoman Chris Mackey said the governor was using hyperbole while responding to an audience question to highlight politicians who are more focused on winning elections, rather than serving the people.

However, Perdue's remark made headlines on numerous national blogs and publications including the Drudge Report, Politico and The Weekly Standard.

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger couldn't help but get in the act. He released the following statement:

"In light of Gov. Perdue's support for suspending Congressional elections, I want to state clearly, on the record, that I do NOT support suspending our next gubernatorial election."

On a more serious note, former Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, who is expected to challenge Perdue for the governor's chair in 2012, issued this statement:

"Not only does this bizarre commentary suggest ignoring the Constitution, but does Governor Perdue forget her own inability to work with the Legislature, regardless if controlled by Democrats or Republicans? Governor, those in glass houses should not throw stones. We look forward to all of the upcoming elections in North Carolina in 2012."