I'm a family man and have been married to my wife, Joyce, for 44 years. We have three children and nine grandchildren.

I served our country for 20 years as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and I've owned and operated a successful building supply business for many years.

As a former Mayor and NC State House Representative, and as husband to a career educator, I have the perspective and experience necessary to tackle many of the problems facing Eastern North Carolina today.

As your NC Senator for District 5, I am working to create good jobs for working people. Families in our area are suffering through tough economic times and I plan to help put them back to work. As a small businessman, I understand that cutting taxes and reducing excessive regulations is the best way to expand economic opportunities for everyone in North Carolina. In addition, we must get our state's budget under control.

As your NC Senator for District 5, I plan to cut wasteful spending and to reform our state tax code to make North Carolina more competitive with surrounding states in attracting business and industry.

As your NC Senator for District 5, having been given the opportunity to serve you, I will do so openly and honestly at all times.

Louis M. Pate, Jr. - NC Senate, District #5 - Wayne / Greene / Pitt Counties