State GOP leadership to be up for grabs

State Republican Party Chairwoman Linda Daves of Charlotte says she will not seek another term this year.

Daves was chairwoman during a difficult election cycle for Republicans. They lost the Senate seat held by Sen. Elizabeth Dole, a congressional seat held by Robin Hayes and the auditor's office held by Les Merritt. Barack Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry the state since 1976.

The convention will be held June 12 to 14 in Raleigh.

Among those who have expressed interest in the post are state Sen. Fred Smith of Clayton, who last year unsuccessfully sought the gubernatorial nomination, former state Sen. Woody White of Wilmington and Guilford County stockbroker Marcus Kindley.

Smith said he is busy managing his real estate and construction companies through the economic downturn. He noted that he just came through a two-year period in which he spent considerable time and substantial money seeking the Republican nomination for governor.

"Right now," Smith said, "My issue involves ... whether I feel I can devote the time and energy and passion to the job it deserves."

White, 39, is a lawyer and former law partner of Patrick Ballantine, the GOP nominee for governor in 2004. He said he's been talking to people across the state about a possible bid.

"We have got to do a better job of reaching out and expanding our base," White said.

Hyde wants to lead Democrats

Luke Hyde, the 11th district Democratic chairman, is campaigning to succeed Jerry Meek as state party chairman.

Hyde, who owns a B&B in Bryson City while practicing law part-time in Raleigh, has been moving throughout the state seeking support.

He is touting the Democrats' success in the mountains, where U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler now holds what had been a Republican seat. If elected, Hyde said, he would continue the party's grass-roots emphasis.

Hyde is the brother of the late Herbert Hyde, a former state party chairman and a well-known state senator. He is married to Leila Tvedt, a former WRAL-TV reporter and former executive director of the Agency for Public Television who is now a vice chancellor at Western Carolina University.

The state Democratic Executive Committee meets in Raleigh on Jan. 31 to select a chairman. Among those considering running are Dannie Montgomery of Anson County, the party's first vice chairwoman; David Parker of Statesville, a Democratic National Committee member; and former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Neal.

Fundraiser Richard Sullivan says he won't run, citing time constraints because of business interests and small children at home.

Perdue names general counsel

Gov.-elect Beverly Perdue has named Eddie Speas as her general counsel.

Speas has three decades of legal experience in the executive and legislative branches of state government. He joined Poyner Spruill in 2004 and is a partner at the firm.

He worked in the Attorney General's Office from 1971 to 2003. During that time he served as special deputy attorney general and head of the education section from 1975 to 1990. From 1990 to 1998, he was the senior deputy attorney general and head of the special litigation/education division. From 1998 to 2003 he was chief deputy attorney general.

Speas earned his undergraduate and law degrees from Wake Forest University.

Perdue's big day

Perdue has released more details of her inauguration.

Actor Andy Griffith will read a selection written by his wife, Cindi, at the 10:30 a.m. swearing-in ceremony Saturday.

Well-known Triangle-area singer Caitlin Cary will sing "America the Beautiful." Her band, Tres Chicas, is also performing at one of the inaugural balls.

The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by 12-year-old William Swart of Fuquay-Varina, whose father, John, is in the National Guard and is training for deployment to Iraq.

The 440th Army National Guard Band will perform at the pre-inaugural concert at 10 a.m. in front of the state Office of Archives and History in Raleigh.

James Taylor was invited but could not attend.

Perdue says her speech will be seven minutes long.