Saturday, January 12, 2008...Sampson County...We drove up 701 past acres and acres of blueberry fields, budding because of our mild winter temperatures. Saw White Lake for the first time - made us ponder summer for a nano-second. Fred interviewed with the Sampson Independent at the newly refurbished GOP headquarters in Clinton after which he headed to a fundraising event and we drove to Plain View Elementary School to set up BBQ #70. Another milestone day.

Commissioner Jarvis McLamb and other friends in Sampson County went all out promoting Fred's visit and the attendance exceeded my expectations by over 30 percent. I had to eat crow instead of BBQ. Be assured, Jarvis is my hero. Rep. J. H. Langdon, who resides in McGee's Crossroads, my home community, introduced Fred and I beamed with pride to know two such fine men. Fred welcomed the guests and again pressed his points for change in education and transportation, the need to implement programs to combat illegal immigration, and the necessity for honesty and integrity in government. As I looked at the diverse audience that filled the school cafeteria, focused on Fred's every word, it was wonderful to see Senator Lauch Faircloth in attendance. He served North Carolina well and as an elder statesman his support for Fred is highly valued and most important. With a little prayer I say, "thank you for a successful beginning to 2008." Bladen and Sampson's enthusiastic response energizes Fred to continue on the road to victory. 114 days until Primary Day. See you at the polls.