A few weeks ago, we learned that Mitt Romney selected Rep. Paul Ryan to be his running mate in the presidential election. Well, I don’t know that much about Mr. Ryan, and I pass no judgment for or against him, but I am guessing there is one restaurant owner in North Carolina who may have a certain opinion of him.

No, I am not talking about my mother. I don’t think she really has an opinion of Mr. Ryan, and please don’t ask her during her busy lunch hour. I am actually talking about Kevin Mote, owner of Smokey’s BBQ Shack in Morrisville.

You see, about a month ago, Mr. Mote got a call from the Romney campaign saying that Mr. Romney would like to stop by there and eat one Sunday. Like any rational restaurant owner, he was probably thrilled thinking of all the customers and media representatives who would find their way into his restaurant. I even bet dollar signs were covering up his eyes during the planning phases of Mr. Romney’s visit. I tend to think that Mr. Mote even went out and bought thousands of dollars of new supplies, lots of food and anything that would help make this visit great. It was one of those once-in— lifetime type of visits. I bet his staff was more than willing to come and help out on Sunday knowing that the Republican nominee for President of the United States was going to stop by and eat a delicious barbecue sandwich.

Then it happened. Mr. Romney decided a few days before this once-in— lifetime visit to select his vice presidential nominee, Rep. Ryan. Of course, Mr. Romney could have brought Rep. Ryan with him, but no, plans had been changed. No longer was Mr. Romney interested in eating a barbecue sandwich from Smokey’s BBQ Shack. Instead, he decided to visit Ryan’s home state of Wisconsin instead of the Tar Heel State.

I am guessing that Mr. Mote’s heart sunk when he heard the news that Mr. Romney would not be visiting. Instead, Mr. Romney sent one of his sons. Not all was lost though. I am sure that lots of North Carolinian candidates planted themselves at Smokey’s BBQ Shack that Sunday, but I still think Mr. Mote had to be somewhat disappointed.

Now I am not sure what Mr. Mote’s opinion of Ryan is, but I am guessing that he probably reminds him of Romney’s planned visit that never happened. I know one restaurant owner who might also be disappointed if the same thing happened to her. I couldn’t tell where she stands politically, but the day after a cancelled visit, I can tell you her opinion may make a 180 degree shift.

So if either President Obama or Mr. Romney want to visit any of our local restaurants, they can, but don’t expect a vote from the owner if that visit is cancelled.

(Editor’s note: Katie Holland can be reached by email at kt_sue2002@yahoo.com.)