This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the 47th annual Vance-Aycock Dinner in Asheville.

Our hospitality suite was next to that of the legendary Jim Long. Both Jim and I are storytellers, and I think we could have talked all night. I asked the Commissioner what I can expect to eat on the campaign trail, and he answered without hesitation: Eastern BBQ and Western BBQ (fortunately, I like both!).

It was great to see Wayne Goodwin from the 8th District again. Wayne was one of the first people in my suite, joined by Sam Spencer, Vinod Thomas, and many others, all of whom gave me an early and gracious welcome to the race.

At the dinner, I had the good fortune to meet Congressman Heath Shuler from the 11th District. Heath’s win over the entrenched Charles Taylor last year set the stage for what will be even greater gains by our Party in 2008 in taking down GOP incumbents. I also had a chance to speak with my good buddy Larry Kissell, the next Congressman from the 8th District. Larry’s an inspiration to me and has given me some wonderful advice from a race in which he lost the battle but is primed to win the war in 2008.

Along with members of my staff, I had the honor of sitting at the dinner with six law enforcement officers from Western North Carolina. Aside from enjoying their company, their insights on how drug abuse is at the core of most crimes in our State is yet another wake up call to us all of about the enormous social and fiscal costs of the drug trade.

As the keynote speaker, Mudcat Saunders is without peer; both in the message he delivers and the way he delivers it. He is a great American and a true patriot. It was a lot of fun to chat with him afterwards.

After a quick backslap from her husband I spoke with Carolyn Hunt, a first lady in every sense of the word wherever she may be. An incredibly gracious couple, they have a knack for making anyone feel welcome in their company.

After dinner, our hospitality suite was rockin’! In addition to “more mature” folks like me, the energy level of the NC College Democrats and Young Democrats was infectious. These young people—amongst them Drew Ball, Zack Hawkins, Bradley Hardy and Douglas Massengill- are the future of the party. The greater they’re involved and get their peers to vote, the greater the chances our party will carry elections across the state. It was also inspiring speaking to other candidates, such as Ed Ridpath, Beth Wood and Janet Cowell.

And, last but not least—thanks to Jerry Meek and all of the staff at the NCDP for pulling off a memorable gathering.

I don’t expect this race to be a walk in the park, but it’s going to be one hell of a ride, and I wouldn’t trade this opportunity for all the money in the world. I look forward to having y’all join me on this exciting journey.

I’m getting back to work. I appreciate and acknowledge your support. It counts a lot.

Jim Neal.