The North Carolina joint Smithfield's, responding to a shot at the state's barbeque ("I've had road kill that tastes better") that got quite a bit of attention down there, writes Gov. Rick Perry:

While we acknowledge Texas-style barbecue is different from Eastern North Carolina Bar-B-Q, we are stunned that you feel barbecue from the Old North State pales so greatly in comparison.

Enclosed you will find two pounds of our signature Bar-B-Q, one pound of slaw and a pint of our House Hot Sauce. I strongly encourage you to revisit your experience with Eastern North Carolina Bar-B-Q and give you the opportunity to rectify your statement.