State Sen. Fred Smith brought his gubernatorial campaign to Madison County, promising mountain Republicans that he supports better roads, accessible health care, immigration controls and stronger families.

Smith, who represents the 12th district, made up of Johnston and Wayne counties, told a lunch crowd at Beech Glenn Community Center that state government has been tainted by the felony conviction of top-ranking Democrats such as former Speaker Jim Black, and he argued that "the people are ready for a change in management in Raleigh."

Black was sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to a corruption charge. "How humiliating for our state," said Smith, who has served three terms in the legislature.

"Leadership is about more than just talk," he said.

Smith, a former president of the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association, was introduced by George Erwin, a former Henderson County sheriff who is Smith's western regional campaign manager.

Smith, who is a golf course and residential developer, is one of three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for governor. The other two are Bill Graham and Bob Orr.

Article by Jonathan Austin, Editor, News Record and Sentinel, published November 1, 2007, available online HERE.