* U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole backs Sen. Richard Burr's bid to become the policy chair for Senate Republicans, saying it would be good for North Carolina. (N&O)
* At N.C. Farm Bureau's annual meeting, Dole says that Farm Bill is problematic, argues agricultural sector needs "a reliable immigrant worker program" now. (News 14)
* At national meeting, state Reps. Phillip Frye and Pryor Gibson push interstate crackdown on the use of cash grants and tax credits to lure businesses. (AC-T)
* GOP gubernatorial candidate Fred Smith's wife Ginny to campaign for him at Al-Pam Republican Club's annual Christmas banquet in Plymouth. (GDR)



