Gubernatorial Candidate Barrett Uses 'Walk' To Spread Message

Dan Barrett

walked through Raleigh recently to tell people why he is running for governor.

"I want to be a governor who brings our state together, brings local communities together and makes state government work for local communities across the state," he said.

It is the state of things, under the leadership of Gov. Mike Easley, that Barrett want to change.

"We've got a huge crisis in health care costs in our state. We've got health care premiums going up skyrocketing," he said. "We've got people without insurance coverage. We've got to solve the health care problem in North Carolina."

Along with health care, Barrett wants a leaner government and lower taxes. He said his experience in local government has prepared him for governor.

"And in that capacity, I've provided the services at the local level, that our citizens need, fire protection, schools, health care, law enforcement. Those are the things that we need to do throughout the state, and local communities do," he said.

Barrett said he crafted his walk-across-the-state strategy to show his commitment to the people.

"It's just been a wonderful experience," he said.

The 45-year-old attorney's sights are set on the Executive Mansion. Barrett expects his 600 mile trek across North Carolina to end about a week before the July 20 primary.

"We need somebody to represent the real people of North Carolina, and I hope by this walk, I'm showing I'll do that," he said.

Barrett said he walks up to 20 miles a day, stopping when the mood strikes him. He returns to his family in Advance each weekend. Most of his path has and will continue to follow U.S. Highway 70.