FRED SMITH GOVERNOR 2008 - "A Little Extra Effort" Statewide BBQ Tour
Monday, February 11, 2008...Johnston County...Fred could not have asked for a better "homecoming." It was filing day and at about 1:30 p.m. today he signed his name, handed in his check and became an "official candidate for Governor." I was tickled to be the cameraman shooting that historic moment. There were television interviews, an AP interview, other media calls during the afternoon and you could feel the speed of the campaign kick into hyper-drive right there. Fewer than 90 days until Primary Day - May 6. Andrew Tyree, Johnston County and Dan Moody from Richmond County proved ace volunteers during set-up for our Celebration. We placed tablecloths for 250 with the option to grow and grow we did. At one point we had over 400 people in the Smithfield-Selma High School cafeteria. My only mistake was not having four lines for food so the process was a little longer than usual. Rudy Renfer, our GOP chairman served as emcee introducing elected officials and candidates. Pastor Matt Frye from C3 Church prayed and Commissioner Cookie Pope led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by Ginny Smith who led everyone in the National Anthem. It was great to see all the old stalwarts of the Johnston GOP and meet the new younger army of committed Republicans. Fred honored Register of Deeds Craig Olive and the "boss hog" of Johnston politics, Linwood Parker, owner of White Swan BBQ which catered the event. Craig gave Fred his first education and overview of Johnston politics back in 1999 followed by Linwood's sage advice to "paint your own barn" which Fred did with his book, "A Little Extra Effort." It was a festive night! This "grand" son of Johnston shared his dream of a future North Carolina led by a governor more interested in the people's needs than in his own needs. Clearly Johnston's been rewarded by Fred's public service and now it's North Carolina's turn. "Let's go NC; let's be led by Fred!"
PICTURES FROM JOHNSTON COUNTY
Click HERE to view additional pictures from Johnston County.
ON THE BLOGS
Scenes from the 89th barbecue
From the News & Observer, Under the Dome blog
Fred Smith held his 89th barbecue Monday night in Smithfield.
The Republican gubernatorial candidate addressed a crowd of more than 380 during the campaign stop in Johnston County, which was catered by White Swan, a local restaurant.
Rudy Renfer, chairman of the Johnston County Republican Party, kicked off the event by urging everyone to vote in the primary on May 6.
Following a prayer, Johnston County Commissioner Cookie Pope led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Smith's wife, Ginny, then sang the national anthem.
After guests finished their barbecue, Republican state Reps. James Langdon Jr. of Angier and Leo Daughtry of Smithfield spoke to the crowd.
"He's running an outstanding campaign," Daughtry said. "There's nobody out there who can touch him."
A short video emphasized Smith's policy plans and family life, which culminated with Nashville country singer Lee Greenwood debuting "Good to Great," a song he wrote for the campaign.
That was Smith's cue to enter.
His 30-minute speech covered his history as a politician, his major policy platforms and the reason he is holding barbecues in each county.
Smith told the crowd the reason he has been successful as a politician and businessman is because of the work ethic that his father taught him.
"The difference between good and great is a little extra effort," Smith said.
Smith ended the night by shaking hands and signing copies of his autobiography, "A Little Extra Effort."
The blog post above can be found online at the News & Observer HERE.
