After writing for the Raleigh News & Observer about Governor Hunts 1972 race for lieutenant governor and his four years in that office, Gary Pearce went to work for Hunt during his first race for governor. He has worked as Hunts press secretary, chief speechwriter, and political and policy adviser. He helped direct Hunts campaign against Jesse Helms in 1984 and became his chief political adviser through the 1992 and 1996 elections and Hunts third and fourth terms as governor. He lives in Raleigh, NC."