The Powers that (would) be

A Sampson County pecan farmer will run for governor.

In an e-mail to Dome, Elbie Powers writes that he intends to announce his run and details of his campaign at an event on his farm in a couple weeks.

That may be easier said than done.

"Let me start by first saying, standing at a podium, public speaking, stage fright, is an absolute horror for me," he writes. "I am not comfortable at public speaking and sure not a seasoned professional politician."

Powers says he will reduce taxes, lower gas prices, cut insurance premiums, create 1,000 jobs in each county, allow farmers to hire illegal immigrants when no locals want the job, limit state contracts to North Carolina businesses, put prisoners to work and cut incentives.

He did not specify which party nomination he's seeking.