(ELON) -- Nearly half of all North Carolinians disapprove of Gov. Bev Perdue's performance in office. This's according to the latest Elon University Poll. Forty-three percent of respondents said they viewed Perdue favorably compared to 47 percent viewing her unfavorably.

"I think the most telling number is when we asked about her handling of the state economy 51 percent disapproved of her handling of the state economy and this is the number one issue of North Carolinians," said poll director Mileah Kromer.

She added that Perdue will face a tough re-election battle in 2012 if the economy does not improve. "Perdue's favorability ratings as well as her job approval ratings continue to stagnate at this really low level."