Little Hopes For Big Jump To State's Top Office

"I am the right person and I feel like I am in the right place at the right time," Little said.

Little, 62, grew up in Moore County. He graduated from Southern Pines High School and went to the University of North Carolina. After that, he returned home and began a career in business and politics.

Little started an insurance company and still runs it 40 years later. He got involved in politics in the 1970s, serving as finance chairman for Gov. Jim Holshouser and Gov. Jim Martin. Now, he is running for the state's top office himself.

Politics also runs in the family. Little's wife, Teena, was a state senator.

"Everyone thinks because he's so big, that he is mean and brusk and that kind of thing because he's so big, but my children call him, 'Pussycat,'" Teena said.

These days, volunteers fill his campaign office, trying to overcome low numbers in the polls.

"Now, we're doing the right things. I'm on TV. I'm on radio. I'm in the mail," Little said.

As governor, Little said he would cut taxes and regulations for businesses. He also supports a lottery and wants people to vote on it.

"I'm not afraid of a referendum. Let the public speak," he said.

Little is also involved in education. He has been on the Sandhills Community College Board of Trustees for 23 years and a chairman for 18 of those years.

Next week, WRAL will bring you profiles of the other Republican candidates for governor.