THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996             TAG: 9602010315
SECTION: LOCAL                    PAGE: B2   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 
SOURCE: BY DENNIS PATTERSON, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: RALEIGH                            LENGTH: Medium:   51 lines

HUNT FILES FOR 4TH TERM HE SAYS WILL BE HIS LAST

Gov. James B. Hunt Jr., with his grandchildren in tow, filed for a fourth term Wednesday, saying he wants to complete the work he started for children four years ago.

``This is why I'm running, because of my grandchildren and all the children of North Carolina,'' Hunt said after he had filed his official forms.

He ticked off a list of programs he has pursued during the past four years, including Smart Start - his early childhood education initiative - safe schools, welfare reform and cracking down on deadbeat parents.

``We've made a good start on these things, but there is so much left to do. That's why I'm running again,'' he said.

Hunt was the first governor to serve successive terms, holding office from 1976 to 1984. After eight years out of office during which he unsuccessfully ran for U.S. Senate, he sought a third term in 1992.

He said this campaign will be his last.

He refused to respond to attacks from former Charlotte Mayor Richard Vinroot and state Rep. Robin Hayes, his two main Republican opponents.

``I'm not running against anybody. I'm running FOR governor,'' Hunt said.

Hunt said he will present an agenda for his second term, like he did in 1992.

``First of all, we will be giving a report on the things we've done,'' Hunt said. ``We stayed right on Smart Start, and it hasn't been easy. I want to see it in every county in North Carolina.''

About half the state's 100 counties now have or are scheduled to start the program, which coordinates day-care and government services for needy children.

Hunt said his attitudes have changed since he filed for governor the first time.

``I used to think that government could do it all, or a lot of it,'' he said. ``But I've found out we have to get everybody involved if we're going to do anything for children.

``I understand better the importance of the business sector,'' said Hunt, who has pushed for more public-private partnerships in his third term.

In other filings Wednesday, former legislator Joe Hege of Lexington filed for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor. He will face Guilford County commissioner Steve Arnold in a GOP primary in May.

KEYWORDS: CANDIDATE GOVERNOR'S RACE by CNB