Lee Greenwood's performance in the Jacksonville High School cafeteria was a bonus, Joyce VonWert, 68, of Jacksonville said.

The real reason she came was state Sen. Fred Smith of Clayton, a Republican candidate for governor.

"I read his book and I liked what I read. Plus, I like Greenwood's song (God Bless the USA)," she said.

With VonWert was Kashiwa Funk, also 68 and of Jacksonville. Funk was at the cafeteria-based rally to support Smith. Smith's rivals in the May 6 Republican primary include Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, Salisbury lawyer Bill Graham and former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.

"I was here last time he was here, and I love listening to him. I sure want him to be governor," she said.

About 70 people gathered in the space that typically houses teenagers at lunch time to hear about Smith and see Greenwood's performance.

"He's a man that has served in our Armed Forces. He is a business man," state Rep. George Cleveland, R-Onslow, began. "He is an excellent leader ... and Fred Smith is a friend. He will help you when he can and tell you when you're wrong."

Greenwood, who is accompanying Smith on the Lee Greenwood Rally for Fred Smith Governor 2008 tour, performed about 10 songs. One of the songs - "Good to Great" - will be Smith's campaign song, which Greenwood recently recorded in Nashville.

"He's from North Carolina, the place where he was raised, and he fights for what is right and is constantly amazed how the heart beats strong for the people in the state," Greenwood sang while on the cafeteria stage.

"I'm so proud to be aligned with him," Greenwood told the audience.

During the rally, which lasted more than an hour and a half, Smith said little, leaving most of the words to Greenwood and a presentation that showed the audience the life of the man for whom they were contemplating voting.

The presentation showed Smith as a child working at the orphanage at which his parents both worked and his years at Wake Forest University and told of his four years in the Army JAG Corps.

"I'm a business man, I'm a CEO and I think a company needs to take to the customers to see what they want, and the governor is the CEO of this state," Smith told the audience, explaining why he went on his 100-county tour, talking to residents in each county.

After assuring the guests that he was ready for the challenge of being governor, he challenged the guests to make an effort and spread the word of his candidacy.

"I need your help. I need your vote. It's voting time. ... We need a Republican in this state," Smith told the audience members, many of whom rose to their feet and applauded.

The article above by Amanda Hickey was published April 2, 2008 in The Daily News and is available online here.