Fred Smith hopes to be the state's next governor, and a Republican one at that. If he is successful in wresting control of the statehouse from Democrats for the first time in 15 years, he will have pork to thank - but not the kind associated with wasteful pet spending projects.

Smith was Down East last weekend for a whirlwind Saturday that included two trademark, free barbecue, "meet the candidate" events, a private fundraiser, and separate meetings with Republican leaders and clergymen.

He first served up pork in Pamlico County, held meetings in Washington, met backers in Bath, and then returned to Washington High School for the 77th of his barbecues. His goal is to visit all 100 N.C. counties, though he admits the actual number will be 103 after second visits to some key constituencies.

Smith is a wealthy builder who lives in Clayton and was elected to the N.C. Senate in 2002. Before that, he had two years' experience as a Johnston County commissioner.

He grew up in the Methodist Orphanage in Raleigh where his parents both worked; won a football scholarship to Wake Forest, where he graduated in 1966 with a law degree; served four years in the U.S. Army JAG Corps; and worked as a farmer and cattleman before going into construction.

Now his company, Fred Smith Homes, is a $135 million business that employs more than 600 people. "I learned what it means to sign a paycheck on the front, not just on the back," he told about 100 supporters and investigators at WHS.

Smith's is no shoestring campaign, though he was proud to tell the Observer he has a wide range of supporters. He mentioned "about a thousand individual donors who have given under $50 apiece."

Whether flying his private jet to distant locales or driving his custom RV (a splashy mobile billboard), Smith is determined to make his campaign what he calls "a conversation with the people. How can you do that unless you go where the people are?"

Smith's campaign BBQ's run smoothly after so many "pig-outs." There's bluegrass music on the sound system, a slick video biography, and a musical introduction by backer Lee Greenwood, who penned and recorded a campaign theme song for Smith.

As "(Take Us From) Good to Great" plays on the screen, Greenwood announces "the next governor of North Carolina." Right on cue, Smith enters stage right with a wireless mike so he can move around in front of his seated crowd, now polishing off the last of their hush puppies and slaw.

For all the rehearsal, resources and professionalism, Smith didn't "work the audience" last Saturday. There was not a single quip or joke - he takes this business too seriously. Smith didn't preach and he didn't speechify. He basically talked clearly and directly, coming across (if any way) like a highly successful, intelligent businessman, which is what he is.

His two Republican opponents, with whom he will compete in the spring primary, are a trial lawyer and a judge. Smith figures North Carolina is ready for someone with business smarts and proven business experience.

The article above by Jay Niver was published in the Beaufort Observer on January 27, 2008 and is available online HERE.