Campaign season in North Carolina officially began Monday as candidates both known and unknown filed for hundreds of elected positions, expressing hope that voters will see the world their way...

State Sen. Fred Smith of Johnston County also filed for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, accompanied by his wife, Ginny, and campaign staff. Smith has been actively running for nearly a year, holding barbecue campaign events in at least 85 of the 100 counties.

"We need a change in management in Raleigh," Smith said. "I want to get my message out so that the people will have a clear, bold choice ... I want to make sure the average man and woman - the grass roots - understands that Fred Smith cares about them and Fred Smith's listening to them."

Candidates for state legislative and local offices filed at the election board office in their home county. Primary elections are set for May 6, with the general election held November 4....

Above is an excerpt of an article by Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press, which can be found online HERE.