Cabarrus Cheap Seats

Under the Dome reported that Fred Smith gave Lee Greenwood $100,000 to record a song for Fred Smith’s campaign. Fred Smith shot back that he didn’t pay Lee Greenwood just for the song; but for other services - in addition to the song.

The fact of the matter is - Fred Smith gave Lee Greenwood $100,000.

Let’s set aside that Greenwood’s most famous hit - “God Bless The USA” - while earnest and popular is a bit kitschy and overplayed. The fact of the matter is that Fred Smith - whose running for governor of North Carolina gave $100k to someone who’s from Tennessee. The guy running for the highest office in the Southern state with the highest income tax rates gave $100k to a guy that lives in a neighboring state that has 0% income tax.

North Carolina gave the world a wide range of musicians from George Clinton and Tori Amos to Ronnie Milsap and Thelonious Monk. We added to the zeitgeist with Earl Scruggs’ “Dueling Banjos” and about half of the American Idol contestants anyone remembers (Clay Aiken, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia Barrino, etc.).

For today’s Friday Five, I’m going to suggest Five North Carolina Musicians That Candidates Can Give $100k in 2008

5. Ben Folds: “Learn To Live With What You Are” - Justice Bob Orr

Bob Orr lamented on his blog that people are seeing him as being too “cerebral”. When you quote the State Constitution - it shows that you’re familiar with it…and that makes you a nerd in this class of candidates, Justice Orr. So, from one nerd to another - deal with it.

4. Squirrel Nut Zippers: “The Suits Are Picking Up The Bill” - Richard Moore/Pat McCrory

It’s been reported that Moore and McCrory are catering to the same, Uptown Crowd donor base. Supposedly, Jim Black made one of his illegal men’s room transactions at the swanky Capitol Grill in Uptown Charlotte.

Just sayin’.

3. Fisher Street Band: “Been There, Done That” - Elizabeth Dole

Elizabeth Dole could make that her reelection slogan and hire a local band from her native Salisbury…I just don’t think it could hurt - that’s all.

2. Charlie Daniels: “Long Haired Country Boy” - The Libertarian Write-In

What “God Bless The USA” is to SUV-driving, big-haired, home-schooling moms - this song is to Southern men “that don’t want anyone messin’ with them no more”. Even though the Libertarian Party has never seen $100k in one place, I’m sure ol’ Charlie could work something out for trade with folks who are pro-drug legalization:

A drunkard wants another drink of wine
And a politician wants your vote
I don’t want much of nothing at all but I will take another toke

1. Palmer Thibault’s College Fund: “Dog” - Whoever’s Check Won’t Bounce

With the cost of college being 6 digits by the time I kick the boys out of the house, having $100k now can really help. Even though the lighting was bad - you have to admit he’s cute.

See y’all Monday.