Fred Smith spent $90,670 on barbecue in 2007, according to campaign finance reports filed today.

The Republican gubernatorial candidate has been touring the state in a motorhome, holding old-fashioned pig pickin's to meet with voters.

Campaign manager Jonathan Hill said that his staffers have tasted some of the state's very best, including Alston Bridges in Shelby, Bullock's in Durham and Hursey's Barbecue in Burlington.

They also went to Hill's personal favorite, Parker's Barbecue in Wilson.

Hill, who grew up in Dunn, used to go to Wilson to eat with his brother, who was attending Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College). His mother would always make him wash his hands before eating, and he found that the food was always ready when he came back.

"Every time I go to Parker's, I order and go wash my hands," Hill said. "When I come back, the barbecue'll be there, piping hot."

Hat Tip: Paulette Stiles