Pat Smathers for Lieutenant Governor - David Holt joins Pat for the "It Makes Sense" Concert Tour

David Holt joins Pat for the "It Makes Sense" Concert Tour

Oct. 1, 2007 -- Mayor Pat Smathers today announced plans to kick off his campaign with a series of concerts by North Carolina musician David Holt, a four-time Grammy winner whose mountain songs and stories have earned international acclaim.

The musical kick-off will unfold statewide, with concerts scheduled in six cities from the mountains to the coast.

"I am delighted to have my friend David join us for the ‘It Makes Sense' tour," Smathers said. "His work beautifully celebrates the common citizens who form the core of my campaign."

Holt is a frequent guest on Hee Haw, Nashville Now and The Grand Ole Opry. In addition to playing ten acoustic instruments, Holt hosts Riverwalk: Classic Jazz from the Landing for Public Radio International and public television's Folkways, a program highlighting traditional mountain craftsmen and musicians.

The faith in everyday people that led Holt to seek his musical education in the hills and hollers of Southern Appalachia back in 1968, when he embarked on a journey that included encounters with singing coal miners, banjo masters and a 122-year old washboard player, is echoed in Smathers' platform of "local leadership, statewide".

"North Carolina needs to empower and support its local leaders who know and understand their communities' unique challenges, strengths and priorities," Smathers said.

Tickets are $150, and may be purchased by sending a check made out to
"Pat Smathers Campaign" to 118 Main St. Suite B, Canton, N.C. 28716,
or by following the link below:
Purchase online

To learn more about David Holt, visit his web site at http://www.davidholt.com/.

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From the Trail

Where does Pat stand on YOUR issue?

Over the course of his campaign, Pat Smathers has clearly articulated his vision for a better, stronger North Carolina. He has released plans on the environment, education, economic_development, mental health and veterans' affairs.

But perhaps you're still wondering where Pat stands on an issue important to you. That's why any questions sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it will be answered by Tuesday, so you'll have all the information you need before you go to the polls.

Pat looks forward to hearing from you.

Help Pat win on Tuesday!

Pat's counting on North Carolinians who believe in his vision to help him on Primary Day. For a PDF of a flier you can take with you to the polls, click here.

Questions about volunteering on Tuesday? Write to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

See real leadership in action

A resident of Canton created this moving video to help the man who helped his town when flooding threatened to destroy it. The two-minute film features an interview with a local small businessman who explains why he believes Pat Smathers is the right choice for North Carolina.

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"This was a man holding his head up and telling people to do the same," Canton resident recalls.

A profile of Pat published this week in the Charlotte Observer and News & Observer quotes garden store owner Ronnie Mills on Pat's leadership during the 2004 floods, and fellow National Guardsman Richard Kingsberry on Pat's ability to get things done.

Pat wins 10th District Straw Poll!

In the first serious survey of voter preferences in the lieutenant governor's race, Pat Smathers claimed a resounding victory, earning 38 percent of the vote in this weekend's 10th District Straw Poll. Pat received more votes than Hampton Dellinger and Walter Dalton combined.
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Western NC greets new day with Pat

thompsonpic Radio listeners in western North Carolina were treated to a Saturday morning interview with Pat this weekend. Pat and Errington covered a range of topics in their freewheeling chat, including education, the role of the lieutenant governor and Pat's vision for the state.

Errington later wrote on his blog: "I think that Pat will be exactly what we need here in North Carolina. Listen to the interview then go to his web site and donate $10, $25, $50 or more. We need progressive candidates who understand the needs of everyday people here in North Carolina."

To hear Pat's conversation with The Revolution 880-AM's Dr. Errington Thompson, click here.

One hour, 20 questions: Pat goes live at BlueNC

Pat fielded questions about economic development, education and campaign finance reform during a March 4th live blog with the folks over at BlueNC. To review the questions, and read his real-time answers, point your browser to the transcript of the proceedings at BlueNC.

Still have a question for Pat? Submit it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Pat's supporters celebrate official start of his campaign

Pat's supporters gathered in Asheville
this week to cheer his campaign for
lieutenant governor and celebrate his
vision for a better North Carolina.

For video footage from the event,
which featured a performance by
Grammy Award-winner David Holt,
visit Pat's You Tube site.

An invitation to Raleigh

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Top bloggers declare Pat winner of first NCFCD debate

According to the western North Carolinians who braved wintry weather for the first of six Lt. Gubernatorial debates scheduled statewide, the first round went to Mayor Smathers. Gordon Smith, who runs the show at scrutinyhooligans.us, summed up the debate in a thorough review cross-posted at BlueNC: "From where I was sitting, local boy Pat Smathers won the first debate."
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Find a Lt. Gov. candidate debate near you!

All four Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor have answered Pat's call for a statewide series of debates on the issues central to this exciting contest. For the schedule, click here:
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"We need better schools, a cleaner environment and more jobs," Smathers said. "Those ideas don't come to Raleigh written on corporate checks: They're brought by the people. I applaud all the community leaders I met at HK on J who are working to strengthen our state."

N&O reporter says voters are looking for someone like Pat

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Two LG candidates accept Pat's invitation to debate

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Honoring North Carolina's Veterans

Pat marked his first Veteran smallvets

s' Day as a veteran with a busy schedule that included marching alongside fellow vets in three counties and serving as a keynote speaker for Roanoke Rapids' commemorative event.

But Pat believes the brave men and women who have honorably served their country deserve more than just a holiday: They deserve top-notch health care, affordable housing and financial protection for their families.

"Many of the issues we are now facing as a state are military issues," Pat said on Veterans' Day. "If we want to tackle homelessness or mental illness in North Carolina, we must acknowledge that these problems disproportionably affect our veterans."