John Locke Foundation experts also played a role as civic and political groups returned to action after a holiday break. Vice President for Outreach Becki Gray discussed state government in a speech to the North Wake Republican Club, while Vice President for Development Chad Adams discussed state and national issues, including problems associated with the state budget shortfall, with High Point Republicans. Adams also attracted attention this week in the News & Observer‘s “Under the Dome” column (in both its online and print editions) because he’s been mentioned as a potential candidate for state GOP chairman.