Monday, March 3, 2008...Caldwell County...I'd been looking forward to seeing my Caldwell County friends Walt Land and Jimmy Gilbert. Instead, because of my new assignment as Manager of Grassroots Initiatives, I lived vicariously through Ira, Joe, George, Walt and Jimmy who all reported in to tell me how well the day was going. The schedule started with lunch at AJ's Steakhouse and a visit with GOP leaders and business people. Then Fred was whisked off to Caldwell County Community College where Dr. Steve Stone gave Fred a look at Caldwell's Early College High School, an impressive program that won second place in a state competition. For a one-year old program, the local folks are mighty proud. From school the group headed to the National Guard Unit's Mission Briefing. I would have liked that since I have a good friend who is a Battalion Administrative Officer in North Carolina. Afterwards Fred was escorted to the News Topic in Lenoir for an interview. Then the BBQ at Hibriten High School - I was sorry not to meet the principal. He recently moved to North Carolina from western Massachusetts and lived on the same lake where our family has a place. We could have compared notes although there probably would not have been time because over 130 people came out to hear Fred discuss the important issues in this campaign - government that ensures our citizens have safe homes, safe schools and safe streets, reforming the DOT, taking a serious stand against illegal immigration, and accepting nothing less than honest government. We need a governor who is a fiscal conservative, stands for the rule of law, and puts the people's needs first. Fred is a leader who will give extra effort every day to ensure that he leaves our state better than he found it. Caldwell, we know you agree. You took all our signs and we look forward to seeing them in every yard.