The AP carries the Smith propaganda.

RALEIGH, (AP) — State Sen. Fred Smith formally entered the race to become North Carolina’s next governor on Friday.

Smith, a three-term Republican senator from Johnston County, has expressed an interest for the past two years in succeeding Democratic Gov. Mike Easley, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. He’s spent that time performing what the contractor and home builder calls “due diligence” on the idea.

Due diligence my patootie. He's been talking to himself - and obviously spending WAY too much time looking at all the expensive billboards he's bought on US 70.

Smith, who turns 65 next week, joins a Republican field that already includes former Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and Salisbury businessman and anti-gas tax advocate Bill Graham. The May 2008 primary winner likely will face either Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue or State Treasurer Richard Moore in the general election.

Smith attended Wake Forest University law school, served in the Army and later became a managing partner in a Raleigh law firm. But he made a name and personal fortune in construction, building middle-class neighborhoods in Wake and Johnston counties and in the wealthy Landfall community in Wilmington. He’s chief executive of a company bearing his name as well as a Raleigh asphalt paving firm.

LONG LIVE THE ASPHALT KING!