State Rep. Dale Folwell, the No. 2 Republican in the House, announced plans Tuesday to campaign for lieutenant governor, championing a slogan "Dale can fix N.C."
Folwell, the speaker pro tem, said in December that he wouldn't seek re-election but his plans remained unknown until his announcement in Winston-Salem. He stood with local school superintendent Don Martin, volunteer fire fighter Jim Lasley, Sheriff Bill Schatzman and local business owners who highlighted legislation Folwell advocated on their behalf. He also helped shepherd a constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions onto the May primary ballot.
The four-term, self-employed consultant enters a crowded field for what many consider a thankless position. Republicans Dan Forest and Tony Gurley, both of Wake County, are already campaigning for the job. The lieutenant governor's most high profile position is managing the work of the N.C. Senate. See his campaign website here and full announcement below.
