That's Burr, alias Brrr, getting a VP buzz

U.S. Sen. Richard Burr is not shying away from the buzz that he could be a possible running mate for Arizona Sen. John McCain.

Asked Monday what he would bring to the ticket as a vice presidential pick, the Winston-Salem Republican told Dome that he would work hard to elect McCain.

"That's all I'm interested in: is to make sure that the right person sits in the Oval Office, faced with decisions that deal with energy needs, the economy and the threat of terrorism," Burr said.

Burr said he thought early on that McCain was the right person in the presidential race, and that's why he stuck with him even when others wanted to "write an obituary about" him.

Still, he said he's not seeking to "audition for a job."

"I've got one of those, and it's representing North Carolina," he said. "But I know that my ability to represent North Carolina is directly affected by having the right person in the White House."

Burr also explained Monday why he didn't wear socks while campaigning for McCain in New Hampshire last month.

Speaking at a luncheon at the Emerging Issues Forum in Raleigh, Burr said he asked about the rules on electioneering when he went to campaign for McCain.

Burr says he was told that he was not supposed to talk to voters unless they approached him first.

And that's why, Burr said, tongue in cheek, he wore no socks. People all over New Hampshire came up to him during the January primary.

"They'd say, 'Are you crazy? You're not wearing any socks!' " he said.

Burr said he then told them that he was campaigning for McCain -- sidestepping the electioneering rule.

Two for conservation

What can state schools Superintendent June Atkinson and state Auditor Les Merritt do about global warming?

Although energy conservation, U.S. foreign policy and climate change were the topics Monday at the Emerging Issues Forum, Atkinson and Merritt said they were still in the game.

Atkinson said the forum will give her ideas for "changing the curriculum to help our students understand the importance of being a conserver."

She said educating students about energy resources is another way to help them apply school subjects such as math and science to real-life situations.

Merritt said the state has to look at its performance and must lead the way by buying efficient products, such as hybrid fleet cars.

"If there's a policy in place that is counterproductive, we need to shed light on it," Merritt said. "We need to do the conservation things that we talk about."

Spell check

Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory initially announced he was running for "governer." Now he wants to take away some perks enjoyed by "individual state legislatures." (We think he meant legislators.)

McCrory, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor, announced Monday his plans for dealing with transportation issues in North Carolina. Part of his proposal calls for reforming the powerful board that oversees the state Department of Transportation.

That would include requiring board members to have specific qualifications in areas such as engineering, construction and economic development. McCrory also said board members should not be allowed to contribute to state political campaigns and that he would remove any appointees who have a "direct financial interest" in a board decision.

McCrory also said he would eliminate discretionary funds "reserved for DOT members or individual state legislatures."

CWA endorses Perdue

The Communications Workers of America has endorsed Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in her bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.

The union, which represents 9,000 workers in telecommunications, printing and electronics, said that it appreciated the outreach of Perdue and state Treasurer Richard Moore, who is also seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.

"We are proud to endorse Bev Perdue for governor -- nobody has a better record, and nobody will be a stronger champion when it comes to fighting for North Carolina's working families in Raleigh," political coordinator Wallace Weaver said.

Folwell likes his spot

State Rep. Dale Folwell will not run for state treasurer after all.

The Winston-Salem Republican said Monday that he would not run for the Republican nomination for treasurer, instead seeking re-election to his state House seat.