The Charlotte Observer
Saturday, October 28, 2006
www.charlotte.com

Kissell added to drive for funding
Program is aimed at competitive races

JIM MORRILL

Democrat Larry Kissell hopes to get a financial boost for his congressional campaign from Friday's announcement that he has become part of his party's "Red to Blue" program aimed at helping Democrats in competitive races.

Kissell, of Biscoe, is challenging Republican Rep. Robin Hayes of Concord in the 8th District, which runs from Charlotte to Fayetteville.

"With this latest wave of Red to Blue, the DCCC is showing that we are committed to helping Democratic candidates have the resources they need to win in November," Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., and chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said in a statement.

Democrats say the program has raised more than $15 million for candidates in the first three waves.

Kissell, who had $89 on hand at the end of September, had $35.33 on Oct. 18, according to a new report to the Federal Election Commission.

The report shows he also raised and spent $135,000 during the first half of the month.

By contrast, Hayes had $794,000 available on Oct. 18. He spent about $400,000 this month, mostly on advertising.

Hayes' spokeswoman Carolyn Hern dismissed Kissell's addition to the Democratic program.

"I guess the good news about being in the fourth tier is that you're on the team," she said. "But it doesn't guarantee that you'll play too much."