Friday, Sept. 1, 2006

BISCOE , N.C. – Rep. Robin Hayes was voted one of the top two most 'spineless' Members of Congress by staff and colleagues in the US House according to a 'Best and Worst of Congress Survey' published by Washingtonian Magazine this month.

Andrew Jackson said, "one man with courage makes a majority." Unfortunately for the working families of the 8th District, one man without courage can make a majority too. Robin Hayes was the deciding vote last year on the controversial Central American Free Trade Agreement where he chose to buckle to pressure from President Bush and his political party.

"Now the people here at home must show courage as we face increasing unemployment in our manufacturing dependent district," said Kissell.

North Carolina's 8th district is made up of 10 counties. Four of those counties are split and represented by other Members of Congress in addition to Robin Hayes. The other six counties that Congressman Hayes alone represents have not fared very well with him as their Congressman. Scotland and Anson Counties have the two highest unemployment rates of all 100 counties in North Carolina. Richmond and Montgomery are also now in the top ten highest unemployment rates in the state. Unemployment increased last month in 9 of the 10 counties currently represented by Congressman Hayes. [ Employment Security Commission of NC, August 25 Release]

"We've got to have a change. We've got to do better. This election is about so much more than just Hayes' CAFTA betrayal. My opponent voted to give billions to big oil and take billions from our children that rely on Federal student aid. Mr. Hayes thought the big drug companies deserved billions, but our own Reservists didn't deserve expanded TRICARE coverage. It takes courage to stand up to Washington and the people deserve nothing less," concluded Kissell.