Random Musings and Catching Up

I'm finding that it's easy to let several days slip by without making a blog entry so now I'm feeling the urge to get something up. Rather than comment on a policy issue like I've been doing, I thought I'd give my readers a sense of what I've been doing these past few days. Friday found me at my home in Yancey County spending the bulk of the day quietly working on a questionnaire dealing with education issues. The NCAE is interviewing candidates for Governor this coming Saturday. The process is already stirring up a little controversy as it appears the Moore camp feels it's a done deal for Perdue. Not so says the NCAE. Wonder what the odds are that Fred or I might surprise the pundits and get the nod? Anyway I'm glad Fred's going to participate because the GOP needs to be out front on education issues. Sorry that Bill chose not to interview.

Back to Yancey County where waiting for me when I got there was a recorded call from Fred's campaign inviting me to a BBQ that Friday in Yancey County. In the mail was a sizable mailing from Fred complete with another written invite, a copy of his book, and an opportunity to contribute. Nope, didn't send anything but thought about grabbing some of his free BBQ. Instead took a nice run down the road by the river (pretty darn low due to the drought) and went to a church dinner where I think I picked up at least 6 votes.

Saturday was highlighted by a trip to Franklin in Macon County for a political gathering in which I was the featured speaker. It was a good crowd; I got to see lots of long time friends like Harold and Dean Corbin; and came home with my first cake of the political season (a carrot cake and it was delicious). After the ride home on Sunday listening to old country music it was time to start writing a speech for the Agri-business Council meeting. That Monday night event was a great opportunity to meet some new people and learn about an extraordinarily important industry in North Carolina. Fred, Richard and I spoke to the several hundred participants but Bev and Bill were no shows.

This morning was my first Pancakes and Politics breakfast - an hour long on the record gathering for reporters to sit down with me and talk about a variety of issues. Since I don't have a consultant to tell me not to talk so freely with the press, I'll be interested to see what if anything comes out of it. But I thought that the 5 reporters (actually 4 reporters and an editorial writer) found it to be a good opportunity and if nothing else it should reinforce my commitment to availability, something the present Governor doesn't do much of.

So, there's a brief glimpse as to the last few days on the campaign trail. "Orr Force One" logged a bunch of miles since my last post. Lots of road time to think about the campaign and ponder the upcoming football season. I can't wait.