Everywhere you looked at the Raleigh Convention Center this weekend there was a photograph of former Raleigh Mayor Tom Fetzer with evangelist Billy Graham and his son, Franklin Graham.

With the state GOP convention including quite a few religious conservatives, Fetzer was attempting to connect himself with two of North Carolina's favorite sons as he ran for, and won, the state party chairman's race. The photographs stirred grumbling among a few delegates who thought Fetzer was implying that the Grahams had endorsed his candidacy for chairman.

Of course, the Grahams don't get involved in local political fights.  

John McCain has made few visits to North Carolina.

While Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has spoken to crowds totaling 169,050 in almost all of the major metropolitan areas of the state, McCain has come here only a handful of times.

McCain has also held mostly smaller speeches and meetings instead of the larger rallies held by Obama, though as Election Day neared he's held more rallies.

In all, McCain has spoken to about 17,900 people.

Before Primary:

Charlotte, May 5: McCain gave a speech on foreign policy before a crowd of 200 at the Charlotte Chamber.

Greensboro, May 5: McCain gave a speech on his judicial philosophy before "a large crowd of students" at Wake Forest University.

After Primary:

Montreat, June 29: McCain met privately with Rev. Billy Graham and his son Franklin at their retreat, Little Piney Cove.

Wilmington, Oct. 14: McCain gave a speech at a rally of 2,500 at Cape Fear Community College.

Concord, Oct. 18: McCain spoke to 7,000 at a rally in Concord.

Fayetteville, Oct. 28: McCain spoke to 8,200. 

After the jump, the pool report on John McCain's visit with Billy Graham.

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John McCain met with Billy and Franklin Graham this weekend.

The Republican presidential candidate visited privately with the noted 89-year-old evangelist and his son at a mountaintop retreat on the grounds of Little Piney Cove in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

"We had a very excellent conversation. I appreciated the opportunity to visit with them," McCain said after the 45-minute meeting.

Although McCain and Billy Graham are acquaintances, it was the first time that they had a sit-down meeting.

Franklin Graham said that his father told a story about meeting McCain's father, a Navy admiral, on a trip to Vietnam while McCain was held as a prisoner of war. The two prayed for John McCain during his captivity.

Franklin Graham said he was not endorsing anyone for president. (AP) Country singer Ricky Skaggs arrived about a half-hour after McCain. (NYT)