Age: 47

Place of residence: Salisbury

Campaign Web site: www.Graham2008.com

Family: wife, Shari Graham; children: Perry and Caroline

Political experience: First political office sought

Work experience: Attorney, Wallace & Graham; assistant district attorney

Civic involvement: Lifetime member of the National Rifle Association, Bank of Rowan board member, Catawba College board member, American Conservative Union, Jesse Helms Center, Boy Scouts of America, Waterworks Visual Arts, YMCA Leadership member

Religious affiliation, if any: Episcopalian

Favorite movies: Patton

Favorite books: The Ronald Reagan Diaries, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Flags of Our Fathers

Top three issues facing North Carolina:
There are many important issues that we face in North Carolina, and none of them is being solved by the career politicians in Raleigh. Over the course of this campaign, I will offer new solutions and fresh ideas to solve these problems.

Three of those issues that deserve immediate attention are immigration, affordable and accessible health care and the economy.

The politicians in Washington and Raleigh have failed to stop, or even curb, illegal immigration. Some have made the problem worse by creating sanctuary cities that welcome illegal immigrants. As governor, I will use every method available to make sure that illegal immigrants get the message that they are not welcome in North Carolina.

We have too many North Carolinians that cannot afford health care coverage. I have a specific plan that I will announce over the course of this campaign that will address this problem.

Our economy is not where it should be. Some areas of the state have been left behind at the expense of others. By making North Carolina a more attractive job site by lowering taxes, improving education and building better and safer roads, we will create jobs for all areas of the state.

Why are you the most qualified candidate for governor?
The politicians in Raleigh have quit listening to the citizens of North Carolina.

When they refused to reduce the gas tax, I led a citizen movement that forced them to take action, and we have already saved North Carolinians over $150 million. I am the only candidate in the race that has a track record of saving the taxpayers money instead of taking it.

As a successful attorney and businessman who has built a law firm, several companies, and developed insurance and financial products that help working families, I have the experience and expertise to fix the many problems in state government today.

My experience spans the realms of government, business and law. Very few people have worked within all three of these sectors. This uniquely positions me to see and understand perspectives from each of these diverse communities, and work with them to solve the complex issues we face.