Smith, a three-term Republican senator from Johnston County, spoke before about 50 supporters. He said he would fight illegal immigration, support a referendum on a state constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage and advocate private property rights.

For the past two years, he has been expressing interest in succeeding Democratic Gov. Mike Easley, who is barred from seeking a third consecutive term. He's spent that time performing what the contractor and home builder calls "due diligence" on the idea.

Smith, who turns 65 next week, joins a Republican field that already includes former Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr and Salisbury businessman and anti-gas tax advocate Bill Graham.

But Smith said he was not concerned about recent poll results which showed low statewide name recognition.

"That is the first down in a long football game," he said.

The May 2008 primary winner likely will face either Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue or State Treasurer Richard Moore in the general election.

Smith attended Wake Forest University law school, served in the Army and later became a managing partner in a Raleigh law firm. But he made a name and personal fortune in construction, building middle-class neighborhoods in Wake and Johnston counties and in the wealthy Landfall community in Wilmington. He's chief executive of a company bearing his name as well as a Raleigh asphalt paving firm.

Smith's primary victory likely will depend on whether he can bring together social conservatives and business-oriented Republicans into his camp.

He has never run a statewide campaign, unlike Orr, and will have to prove he can raise money from across North Carolina. His campaign committee has relied on his personal finances to build name recognition during the past two years.

Democrats have held the Executive Mansion since 1993. In the past 100 years, Republicans have held the governor's job for only 12.