FRED SMITH GOVERNOR 2008 - "A Little Extra Effort" Statewide BBQ Tour
Wednesday, October 24, 2007, Wake County...Does it surprise you that we held a second BBQ in Wake County? Shouldn't. This is Fred's home turf and he will not take it for granted. First rain since September 19 and it didn't dampen a single spirit. We rejoiced. Even with a heavy downpour, we had an enthusiastic crowd. NBC-TV17 reporter and former anchor, Kim Gennardo, attended with her cameraman, Dan. Kim interviewed Fred prior to dinner and stayed to listen. Dan filmed bits throughout the evening. Kim asked me if the young man who follows Fred from event to event was attending with his videocam. "Oh, you mean the young man from the North Carolina Democratic Party who follows us from BBQ to BBQ to videotape Fred. Did I delight that they turned their camera on him? A few more BBQ's and he will be a Fred Smith supporter. Our BBQ tour is about letting the people hear a candidate's full discourse of what they see for the future of North Carolina and for our state's people. Let's discuss serious issues, seriously. Let's vote for the best candidate to lead. By now, you must know where I stand. There is no other candidate for me except Fred Smith!!! -- DJ
Wednesday, October 10, 2007, Wake County
Invited Northern Wake voters to attend a BBQ tonight at Broughton High School and they came with enthusiasm. While we set up, I would not let anyone cover up the cafeteria street corner signs "Broughton & Capitol." How cool would it be to have one of Broughton's own - a star athlete - become governor and bring strong values and ethical leadership to North Carolina's state capitol? I think the kids say, "Way Cool!"
Being on Fred's home turf, we had lots of helpers - our staff, family, friends and volunteers. Almost 300 guests came out to greet Fred and they included legislators, GOP leaders, media, his mom, Ginny and all the children and grandchildren. There were people I'd seen at convention and people who had just received the book, read it and wanted to meet this man. When Linwood Parker told Fred to "paint his own barn," the farmer in Fred got it. The leader in Fred is using strong, bold colors and stepping out of the "same old politics" mold to prove we can have a better North Carolina. With Fred at the helm North Carolina can go from "good to great!" If you live in a county that Fred visits, you won't want to miss the opportunity to meet the next Republican governor!
P. S I need to commend the custodial crew at Broughton High School. At the conclusion of our event, they all came to help clean up. That was a first and most appreciated.
PICTURES FROM WAKE SOUTH BBQ
Click HERE to view additional pictures from the Wake South BBQ.
NORTH WAKE BBQ
IN THE NEWS
Broughton event is special for senator
by Ryan Teague Beckwith, News and Observer, Under the Dome
State Sen. Fred Smith had a homecoming of sorts this week.
The Republican gubernatorial candidate held a free barbecue Wednesday for about 250 supporters at Broughton High School, where he graduated in 1960.
He plans to hold one in each of North Carolina's 100 counties.
"Political wisdom is that you go to the high population counties and run TV ads," Smith told Dome. "I don't think that's right. Every county is important."
Smith said the Broughton event was special.
In his speech, Smith talked about growing up in Raleigh and playing for the Broughton Capitals football team. Afterward, he said it was a "humbling moment."
"I was hoping I'd get through that first part without tearing up," he said.
His school yearbook's 11 pages of football lore note that he led a 22-13 victory over the Fayetteville Bulldogs with an intercepted pass at the 30-yard line, and kicked two extra points in a 26-0 blowout over Garner.
A 200-pound, crew-cut tackle, Smith was chosen to play for Raleigh in the prestigious Shrine Bowl against South Carolina and the East West Game his senior year. He was also chosen by News & Observer sports reporters for the all-state team.
Smith goes back to school for BBQ
By Mark Johnson, Charlotte Observer
N.C. Sen. Fred Smith, a Republican candidate for governor, is nearly one-third of the way through his barbecue tour of the state. Smith, of Johnston County, held his 31st barbecue at his alma mater, Broughton High School in Raleigh, on Wednesday evening. He's aiming to hold one in each of the state's 100 counties.For his road show he dons a wireless, hands-free microphone and plays a video of Lee Greenwood singing the campaign song written just for Smith. The Raleigh barbecue was nostalgic for Smith, who not only attended Broughton but lived just up the street at the orphanage his parents ran.
One difference: Although the barbecue was held in the school cafeteria, the food was undoubtedly better than the last time he ate there.
Original article can be found online HERE.
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
Fred Smith, October 10, 2007
Tonight the campaign trail brought me back to within a mile of the place where I grew up. The Wake County barbeque was held in the cafeteria of the high school I attended -- Broughton High in Raleigh. As much as I have enjoyed traveling the state and meeting new people, it was great to see so many old friends and family in attendance. My wife Ginny, mother Eudell and brother Irvin were there, along with my children Heather, Jule, Duval and Reid, my son-in-laws David and Jake, and my two granddaughters. In addition to family and friends it was great to see such a large and enthusiastic crowd of over 250 people in attendance. Jim Anthony led the prayer before the meal and afterward my friend, Senator Richard Stevens introduced me to speak. It was an honor to be able to share my vision for North Carolina with so many friends, old and new, in a place that holds so many good memories.
Fred
October 10, 2007
PHOTOS FROM WAKE COUNTY NORTH BBQ
Click HERE to view pictures from the Wake County North BBQ at Broughton High.
