FRED SMITH GOVERNOR 2008 - "A Little Extra Effort" Statewide BBQ Tour
Saturday, January 26, 2008...Pamlico County...Let me call this Pamlico Power! Why? When we arrived at Brantley's to set up they told us the power had been out all morning. Only restored at 9:30; could have been a mess. We set up and expected 40-50 people. The power of the county GOP in addition to the power of Fred's book resulted in 86 people coming to lunch. We were squished in that room which generated an energy that could have lit up Oriental. The guests were extraordinarily responsive to Fred's message; they laughed, applauded, called out their approval of his plans for transportation, security, immigration control, voter ID, Jessica's law and the marriage amendment. Private property rights and imminent domain issues remain a high priority in this region and Pamlico let it be known they liked Fred's position. Fred noted how the power to make change in government remains in the hands of the people. They need to get their friends and neighbors out to vote. The greater the participation of GOP and unaffiliated voters in the process the greater our chance for victory in May and November. We can win if we believe and give a little extra effort. Pamlico, I believe you have the power to affect change. Perhaps we should just chant that old kid's show theme song, "I've got the power!" Senator Preston, Angie, Linda, Norm - thanks for a great visit.
IN THE NEWS
GOP's Smith Runs Pork Without the Barrel Campaign
by Jay Niver, Beaufort Observer
Fred Smith hopes to be the state's next governor, and a Republican one at that. If he is successful in wresting control of the statehouse from Democrats for the first time in 15 years, he will have pork to thank - but not the kind associated with wasteful pet spending projects.
Smith was Down East last weekend for a whirlwind Saturday that included two trademark, free barbecue, "meet the candidate" events, a private fundraiser, and separate meetings with Republican leaders and clergymen.
He first served up pork in Pamlico County, held meetings in Washington, met backers in Bath, and then returned to Washington High School for the 77th of his barbecues. His goal is to visit all 100 N.C. counties, though he admits the actual number will be 103 after second visits to some key constituencies.
Smith is a wealthy builder who lives in Clayton and was elected to the N.C. Senate in 2002. Before that, he had two years' experience as a Johnston County commissioner.
He grew up in the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh where his parents both worked; won a football scholarship to Wake Forest, where he graduated in 1966 with a law degree; served four years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps; and worked as a farmer and cattleman before going into construction.
Now his company, Fred Smith Homes, is a $135 million business that employs more than 600 people. "I learned what it means to sign a paycheck on the front, not just on the back," he told about 100 supporters and investigators at WHS.
Smith's is no shoestring campaign, though he was proud to tell the Observer he has a wide range of supporters. He mentioned "about a thousand individual donors who have given under $50 apiece."
Whether flying his private jet to distant locales or driving his custom RV (a splashy mobile billboard), Smith is determined to make his campaign what he calls "a conversation with the people. How can you do that unless you go where the people are?"
Smith's campaign BBQ's run smoothly after so many "pig-outs." There's bluegrass music on the sound system, a slick video biography, and a musical introduction by backer Lee Greenwood, who penned and recorded a campaign theme song for Smith.
As "(Take Us From) Good to Great" plays on the screen, Greenwood announces "the next governor of North Carolina." Right on cue, Smith enters stage right with a wireless mike so he can move around in front of his seated crowd, now polishing off the last of their hush puppies and slaw.
For all the rehearsal, resources and professionalism, Smith didn't "work the audience" last Saturday. There was not a single quip or joke - he takes this business too seriously. Smith didn't preach and he didn't speechify. He basically talked clearly and directly, coming across (if any way) like a highly successful, intelligent businessman, which is what he is.
His two Republican opponents, with whom he will compete in the spring primary, are a trial lawyer and a judge. Smith figures North Carolina is ready for someone with business smarts and proven business experience.
The article above by Jay Niver was published in the Beaufort Observer on January 27, 2008 and is available online HERE.
