Smith: Didn't pay $100k just for song

ryanteaguebeckwith — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 10:04:25 -0500

Fred Smith says he didn't pay $100,000 just for a song.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate paid country singer Lee Greenwood to write a song, perform at barbecues and do other work for his campaign, according to a campaign finance report.

Campaign manager Jonathan Hill said that the money also went for things that Greenwood has not yet done, and he criticized a recent video by state Democrats lampooning the song.

"It's typical of the Democratic reaction that they jump to a conclusion when they don't have the facts," he said. "We've got a long campaign to go, and those expenses are related to the entire campaign, not just a song."

Smith would not specify what else Greenwood will do for the campaign, but he said it will be good.

"We've got lots of plans, and they'll see it when it comes out," he said.

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Smith: Didn't pay $100k just for song