News 14 Carolina sent a questionnaire to everyone running for office in the Charlotte viewing area and in statewide races. Read what the Republican candidates for governor had to say.

Why are you running for this office?
I am running because I believe our state government has failed us in so many areas. I believe it is time that we elect a new conservative leader who will bring fresh ideas and change the current culture in Raleigh. During the successfule effort I led to cap the gas tax, I saw that people were looking for someone to take on the issues that affect them. During the gas tax effort, I was able to bring together over 75,000 North Carolians to stop the gas tax. This effort resulted in a savings to the taxpayer of over $200 million so far. I realized that if we could force the legislature and government to cap the gas tax by going to the people, I could do that as Governor. As Governor, I could ask the citizens to join me as we work toward better schools, better roads, a better economy, lower taxes, affordable and accessible healthcare, and curbing illegal immigration. I am not a career politician, but an individual who has lost faith in the direction those in Raleigh are taking our state. As you may recall, I recently led one of North Carolina’s largest grassroots efforts that joined together 75,000 North Carolinians to call for a cap on our gas tax. I found it reprehensible that in the face of rising gas prices, our elected officials continued to allow the gas tax to increase, adding to the burden, rather than relieving it. That effort was successful and forced our state government to cap the gas tax - resulting in a savings of almost $200 million for North Carolina taxpayers so far. It was during this time that I realized that a citizen could successfully change the direction of government. I knew that it was time for me to give back to the people of North Carolina who have allowed me so much success. I had watched for too long as many of the politicians in Raleigh had failed to address our ailing transportation system, our failing public schools, our healthcare crisis, illegal immigration, the highest tax burden in the Southeast, and the corruption that mars our state government.

What are your top 3 priorities?
1. Stopping Illegal Immigration
2. Bringing Affordable and Accessible Health Care to North Carolinians
3. Economy/Taxes/Jobs

If elected, what is the biggest issue facing your constituents over the next term?
Economy/Jobs/ Taxes To stimulate our economy, we must cut taxes and bring new high-paying jobs to North Carolina. The best incentive for businesses in North Carolina is to have a competitive tax rate, decreased bureaucracy, an educated work force, affordable and accessible healthcare, and a reliable and safe transportation system. If we have these ingredients, businesses from around the world would be knocking our doors down to get in. As Governor, I would change the way we play the game. My goal would be to recruit small and medium growth businesses that do not require large incentives; yet, these businesses may become the next Google or Dell. I would also work to create an environment where we grow and expand existing businesses in our state. Our state can work with business to identify trends and educate a superior workforce that will attract industry.

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
As the only candidate who is not a career politician, I can bring fresh conservative leadership to state government. Raleigh has lacked true leadership over the past decade and North Carolina has suffered as a result. Our next governor must be a person who is able to bring people together; just as I did on the gas tax campaign. WE must work together to solve the important issues facing North Carolinians. WE need a leader who can bring North Carolinians together and together we can solve problems like illegal immigration, failing schools, high taxes, corruption, and a deteriorating transportation system. Our state needs new conservative leadership and fresh ideas. I offer that chance for real change. Together, WE can make North Carolina a great place to live and work.

2. Illegal aliens are placing a tremendous burden on our state. As governor, I would push to: Adopt the 287(g) program which “provides the legal authority for state and local enforcement to investigate, detain, arrest and deport illegal aliens violating our criminal laws;” require valid documentation before issuing a driver’s license or allowing anyone to receive government benefits; and require a valid voter ID card to protect the integrity of our elections.

3. When over 30% of the high school students fail to graduate, we need to make serious reforms. We must provide the best atmosphere for learning with a renewed emphasis on discipline and safety in our traditional schools, reward excellent teachers, remove the cap on charter schools, provide more options for vocational training, and give more support for home schooling.

If elected, what is the biggest issue facing your constituents over the next term?
Our economy. To experience our greatest success in economic development and jobs creation we must: Have the lowest tax rates possible, have the least possible regulatory interference, have an effective and efficient education system, and have the lowest possible health care costs .

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
North Carolinians are looking for a leader, not a critic or politician. Leaders proactively identify problems, provide a plan to effectively solve the problem, and then execute the plan with persistence and determination. The governor should have a clear understanding of state government, and have real life perspective and experience outside of government.

I am a conservative businessman with tested leadership skills and broad experience. I have been a farmer, served in the military, built a law firm, raised five wonderful children, grown successful businesses, and served as county commissioner and state senator.

As governor, I will make it a top priority to create an environment that will expand innovation, entrepreneurship and opportunities for all North Carolinians. By doing so, we can cultivate a well-rounded economic base for our state. This growth will provide an expanded tax base, cut unemployment, and allow increased investment in infrastructure and our public schools.

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
I am the only candidate in this race to have won four statewide elections. Our next Governor must be able to bring people together from both sides of the aisle to get the job done, and I have a solid track record of accomplishing just that. My vision for our future is focused on securing and expanding the prosperity and quality of life that we expect in North Carolina. Unlike my opponents, I have introduced detailed plans for addressing challenges in education, transportation, immigration and healthcare. I have provided a comprehensive blueprint for job growth over the next two decades. My emphasis throughout this campaign has been to provide the voters with specifics, not vague promises. Voters should have no doubt about what I intend to do as Governor because I have laid it out for them at www.Orr2008.com.

How do you consider yourself different than your opponent(s) in this race?
My extensive leadership experience as a publicly elected official in an executive position. I have been fighting for the people for over 12 years, listening to their problems, and making the tough calls to find solutions.