Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
April 17, 2008 issue
Republican Party Primary – N.C. Governor
Five Republicans are running in the primary for governor of North Carolina. To read the candidates’ issues statements, click to their websites.
Bill Graham
Age: 47
Family: Married, two children
Residence: Born in Concord; lives in Salisbury
Education: B.A. from Catawba College, law degree from Antioch University
Occupation: Attorney
Top issues: Conservative change in North Carolina, affirmative action and college admissions, fetal homicide bill, adequate and safe water supply, healthcare, sanctity of marriage, pro life, Second Amendment, taxes, honor/integrity in state government, education, immigration
Pat McCrory
Age: 51
Family: Married
Residence: Born in Columbus, Ohio; lives in Charlotte
Education: B.A. from Catawba College; N.C. teaching certificate
Occupation: Mayor of Charlotte for seven terms; economic development consultant
Top issues: Education, economic development, immigration, transportation, crime and gangs
Robert F. (Bob) Orr
Age: 61
Family: Married, four children
Residence: Born in Norfolk, Va.; lives in Burnsville
Education: Undergraduate and law degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill
Occupation: Former N.C. Supreme Court Justice
Top issues: Economic development, education, healthcare, honest government, immigration, transportation
E. Powers
Age: 56
Family: Married
Residence: Born in Robeson County; lives in Franklin
Education: St. Paul’s High School
Occupation: Farmer; owns a pecan orchard
Top issues: Taxes, government spending
Fred Smith
Age: 66
Family: Married, five children
Residence: Born in Raleigh; lives in Clayton
Education: BA and law degrees from Wake Forest
Occupation: Three-term state senator
Top issues: Tort reform, spending, roads and environment, right to bear arms, heathcare, private property, Jessica’s Law, educations, ethics, border defense, pro-life, crime, jobs