To The Editor: "Change" -- the operative word in this campaign. Change for the better in North Carolina would be the election of Sen. Fred Smith to governor of our state. Much has been made about corruption in Washington.

We have our own homegrown Democrat lawbreakers currently in jail under a Democratic governor, Mike Easley.

Sen. Smith has the fire in the belly to bring North Carolina back to being the best it can be.

His early years were spent in an orphanage where his parents worked. He was brought up with basic values of an honest day's work for an honest day's pay; no cheating, lying or stealing; all people have worth and are made in the image of God; and showing love and respect to our neighbors.

Democrats totally dominate the N.C. Legislature. Their rules allow them to block any amendment or bill Republicans want to bring up. Fred sees himself as a public servant, not as a politician.

Gov. Easley doesn't attend the Legislature except to present a speech! He is not engaged in making public policy. He should be poring over the budget line by line. As governor, Fred Smith will.

Nicholas Koluch
Columbus

The letter above was published in the Asheville Times-News on January 29, 2008 and can be found online HERE.