Smith won't run for GOP head

Former State Sen. Fred Smith says he will not run for chairman of the state GOP.

Smith, a Clayton businessman, said with the downturn in the economy he needed to focus on his real estate development and paving business, Rob Christensen reports.

"My first duty is to my family and my business," Smith said. "I've got a duty to my employees who stuck with me during the time I was running for governor."

Smith unsucessfully sought the GOP nomination for governor last year.  Late last year, Smith began thinking about running for state chairman.

State Chair Linda Daves has said she will not seek another term at the state GOP Convention in June.

Marcus Kindley, a Guilford County stock broker is running. Looking at running are former state Sen. Woody White and Lee County Commissioner Chad Adams.

Previously: Former U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes to run?