Smith: Perdue plan 'hypocritical'

Fred Smith says Beverly Perdue's public-financing plan is "hypocritical."

The Republican gubernatorial candidate told Dome that he objects to her plan to create an endowment to fund positive campaigns for governor and reduce the influence of contributors.

"She is the picture child of the politician who goes to the rich and powerful and raises money using her political position," he said.

He said that Perdue has "shaken down" donors such as country music singer Randy Parton and run ads attacking Democratic rival Richard Moore.

Smith, who has loaned his campaign $1.9 million so far, said he would be willing to make an agreement on personal spending in the general election, avoiding negative ads and holding debates -- three things Perdue's plan would promote.

"If I'm the nominee and she's the nominee, I'd be happy to make a deal with her that there would be no negative ads," he said. "I'll debate her anywhere, any time, and I'll agree to any rules on using personal money. We can do that without having some government program."