Byline: William F. West

Oct. 9--DURHAM -- Republican gubernatorial hopeful Fred Smith said the top issue he's hearing as he campaigns is a need for openness and truthfulness at the state capitol.

Asked whether there are feelings of disgust among Tar Heel citizens in the aftermath of corruption convictions of former state House Speaker Jim Black and a list of other North Carolina officials, Smith said, "Absolutely."

Citing the words of English historian Lord Acton -- who said, "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely" -- Smith added, "When one group is in charge for so long, our human frailties have a way of rising to the top."

Smith, ...