It was a small story, but interesting. My friend Thad Woodard, president of the state Bankers Association, is renewing his campaign to name the Raleigh Durham International Airport after the Wright Brothers. They were natives of Ohio, but because their first powered flight happened on the Outer Banks, North Carolina has always claimed their accomplishment. This has caused occasional spats with Ohio, where North Carolinians have said, "Our governor can beat up your governor" and "Buckeye...what kind of symbol is that?" and other stuff. (OK, I'm just sort of kidding about that.)

Thad's been fighting for the name change for years. He says it would give the airport a little zip, get visitors interested in tourism, be a nice label for the place, etc. It's not a bad argument, and I think he deserves credit for daring to think outside the box a little. Thad's been behind a number of charitable endeavors over the years, most notably Warmth for Wake, the fuel assistance program. (He's the guy in the TV commercials who is splitting wood, which he swears he did without a double.)

Anyway, give the guy a doff of the hat for showing a little gumption.