About 250 people came to a free barbecue for Fred Smith.
The state senator, who is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, held his 31st barbecue meet-and-greet at Broughton High in Raleigh Wednesday night.
He plans at least one in each of North Carolina's 100 counties this fall.
"Political wisdom is that you go to the high population counties and run TV ads," he told Dome. "I don't think that's right. Every county is important."
The Raleigh rally featured free food from Barbecue Lodge, opening and closing songs by his wife Ginny, an introduction by state Sen. Richard Stevens and a 20-minute video about Smith's life.
In his speech, Smith said he would limit state benefits to illegal immigrants, put constitutional amendments against gay marriage and eminent domain on the ballot, end the transfer of money from the Highway Trust Fund and enact a Jessica's Law to punish sex offenders.
Smith also asked for donations, but he told Dome that he is saving any money raised for print, radio and television ads later.
