Richmond County Daily Journal
Saturday, November 4, 2006
www.yourdailyjournal.com

Moore hits campaign trail to help out Kissell

By Julie Peacock/Richmond County Daily Journal

North Carolina State Treasurer Richard Moore and Eighth District Congressional Candidate Larry Kissell (D) strolled through a Rockingham neighborhood Friday afternoon. The pair knocked on doors and met with community members as one of Kissell's last campaigning efforts in Richmond County before the general election Tuesday.

"Ma'am it's Richard Moore, your state treasurer," Moore said to citizens as they opened their doors.

Before the candidates took to the neighborhood they met with community members at a Rockingham restaurant.

"We've got an opportunity to send a really good man to Washington," Moore said. Kissell will face off against incumbent Rep. Robin Hayes (RNC-8).

Kissell is a former textile worker who teaches social studies at East Montgomery High School.

"The early vote looks really good," Kissell said. "This (election) is not about Larry, it's about change."

J.C. Watkins said the 2004 election was the first time he had seen a republican win election in Richmond County. That republican was Hayes.

"We're going to change that," Kissell said in response.

Kissell's platform revolves around prescription drug and Medicare reform. He believes Medicare Part D is not working. Kissell said prescription drug companies reported a $6 billion profit this year. "We could have done better, we can do better, we will do better," he said.

Moore said the foundation of government is built on tax dollars and currently every man, woman and child in the United States is $30,000 in debt because of the national deficit. "It was not that way when the democrats were in congress and Bill Clinton was in the White House."

An important part of Kissell's campaign trail has been knocking on doors and getting to know citizens, he said. dHe visited Richmond County in September going door-to-door.

Then he said people were just glad someone running for office cared enough to come to their neighborhood and knock on their door. "They like to have the opportunity to say what's on their mind," Kissell said.

Talking directly to voters is still the focus of his campaign. Friday he encouraged Richmond County Democrats to speak to neighbors and friends to get out and vote.

Moore agreed, "It's all about calling our friends and neighbors and sending a voice to Congress."

Hayes will rally Monday in Richmond County. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-N.C.) will be with him encouraging voters at 12:15 p.m. at Richmond Community College's Cole Auditorium.