Editorial - January 2004

Pay close attention to 10th District race

Published January 16, 2004

Lincoln County voters should pay close attention to the upcoming race for the 10th Congressional District seat to be vacated at the end of this year by long-time lawmaker Cass Ballenger of Hickory. It’s rare that a Congressional seat comes open, and once it is filled, the incumbent may hang onto it for a long time. This office serves as the voice in Washington for Lincoln County and the region.. It’s extremely important that we find an individual who not only represents the interests of our people but who also knows how to get something accomplished in that politically-charged environment where special interests often rule the roost.

   There are now five candidates in the race, and more may be coming.  Here’s a quick look.

The latest announcement came from Catawba County Sheriff David Huffman, a Republican from Catawba County. His resume goes well beyond that of sheriff. He is a member of several national and regional organizations, with extensive experience on committees of the National Association of counties. In 2001, Huffman was appointed to the NACO Task Force on Homeland Security.

  Last week, former Corning Cable Systems executive Sandy Lyons announced his candidacy. Lyons, 48, will begin organizing a political committee and  campaign staff.

“Our region of the state is making national headlines because  of record unemployment,” Lyons said in a news release. “We need to focus our efforts on protecting our jobs while building a  stronger infrastructure to attract better economic opportunities  for our citizens.”

If you want a candidate close by, consider state Rep. Patrick McHenry who lives in Cherryville. He’s young, and has only held office for a short period of time, but has a lot of political savvy about Washington, having served on President Bush’s transition team. He promises not to vote in favor of any unfair trade agreements.

 Trade issues are also important to Carolina Mills President George Moretz of Hickory, one of the earlier candidates to throw his hat in the ring. He attributes his candidacy entirely to the economic policies that are shutting down so many manufacturing plants.

  Caldwell County resident John Cole so far is the only Democrat in the race. An electrical and plumbing contractor who works for Rockwell International in Lenoir, he is a political neophyte. But he would seek to repeal NAFTA and “rewrite” the nation’s failed economic policy. He also wants better controls on ever-increasing college tuition costs.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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