North Carolinians want their government back. We need strict enforcement of laws already on the books to prevent the rampant corruption we have seen as the illegal activities of Frank Ballance, Meredith Norris, Meg Scott Phipps, and Jim Black* have been exposed. The Liberal Democrats in the General Assembly have become the pawn of special interests while average North Carolina citizens are stuck at the back of the line. That's not right. Government should be run in an open fashion so that citizens can be certain their leaders are serving them - instead of the special interests.

As your Governor, I will not be bought and sold by lobbyists who offer legislators special treatment in attempt to trade expensive dinners or sporting tickets for influence. I won't accept a "free" dinner from any registered lobbyist. I believe politics should be about ideas and people, not money.

* Speaker Black has now been convicted of accepting cash to influence legislation.