Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

Place of residence
Clayton, North Carolina

Marital status and/or immediate family members
Married to Virginia (Ginny) Reid Smith. Fred and Ginny have five
children and seven grandchildren.

Political office(s) sought and held (specify years)
North Carolina State Senator - District 12 -- 2003-present
Member, Johnston County Board of Commissioners ---   2001-2002

Work experience
President, Fred Smith Company
Chief Executive Officer, C.C. Mangum Company
Managing Partner, Riverwood Golf and Athletic Club
Chairman of the Board, North State Bank
Past Managing Partner, Smith Debnam Hibbert & Pahl, (now Smith Debnam Narron Wyche Story & Myers) LLP

Civic involvement
North Carolina Cattleman's Association, President (1982)
Past Member Board of Trustees, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC;
Member Law Board of Visitors, Wake Forest University;
Member - Board of Trustees, Campbell University
Member- American Legion Post 71 in Clayton
Founder, Artists-in-the-Schools Program, Johnston County Schools

Religious affiliation
First Baptist Church of Clayton: Past Chairman, Board of Deacons; Past Chairman, Board of Trustees; Past Superintendent of Sunday School; Sunday School Teacher, Adult Men's Class.

North Carolinians are looking for a leader, not a critic or politician. Leaders proactively identify problems, provide a plan to effectively solve the problem, and then execute the plan with persistence and determination. The governor should have a clear understanding of state government, and in addition, have real life perspective and experience outside of government.

I am a conservative businessman with tested leadership skills and broad experience.  I have been a farmer, served in the military, built a law firm, raised five wonderful children, grown successful businesses, and served as county commissioner and state senator.  I am prepared to make the tough decisions necessary for North Carolina to meet our future challenges.

As governor, I will make it a top priority to create an environment that will expand innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities for all North Carolinians. By doing so, we can cultivate more jobs, higher wages and a well rounded economic base for our state. This growth will provide an expanded tax base, cut unemployment, and allow increased investment in infrastructure and our public schools.

Fred Smith’s agenda for taking North Carolina from “good to great”:

Empower our People:
                         Reform Education- put students first
                         Job Creation- support small business and entrepreneurship
                         Adequate Infrastructure- build roads, repair bridges, water and                          sewer

Protect our People:
                        Public Safety- ensure safe streets, safe homes, and safe schools
                        Health Care- more accessible and affordable
                        Protect Private Property rights

Reflect the Values of our People:
                        Uphold our Immigration Laws
                        Honest, Responsible Government
                        Defend Traditional Marriage