The Post
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
www.thepostnc.net

Kissell Campaign Kick-Off

By David Evans

BISCOE , N.C. – Larry Kissell officially kicked off his campaign for North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District with hundreds of supporters in his hometown of Biscoe Monday evening. Kissell started the day at 7 a.m. talking with commuters in Charlotte and hearing their concerns about rising gasoline prices, access to health care, and the economy. Kissell then joined Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) at Charlotte Douglas Airport for a tour of the USO to visit with troops and their families. "Larry's priorities were shown to me by telling me to come to the USO," Hoyer said. "That shows his concern for our troops and his priority on putting people first. I told Larry I was coming to North Carolina and would be happy to do anything I could for his campaign. I was pleased and surprised when he said he wanted me to tour the USO and visit with the troops."

During the tour of the USO, Kissell met with a married couple from Stanly County on their way back to their base in Virginia. The wife is active duty and they have two young daughters. Kissell also met with a soldier on his way home from Iraq for an emergency leave to visit his father in New York who is battling cancer. "The sacrifice and service these young families make for our nation every day is commendable and inspiring," Kissell said. "The troops, their families and the organizations such as the USO that work to offer comfort and assistance to them deserve our support."

Following the tour of the USO, Hoyer and Kissell stressed the need for support of such organizations. Both said they were impressed with the work being done through the cooperation of the USO and its corporate sponsors. Among the services available to military families at the Charlotte Douglas site – which was formerly the British Airways VIP lounge – include telephone lines for complimentary calls, changing rooms for moms and dads, and a play area for children traveling with their Service member parents.

After returning to Biscoe, Kissell was greeted by supporters from around the Eighth District. Speaking at the event , he encouraged his supporters to give of themselves to projects other than political. "Last year we sponsored cheap gas for people hit hard by ever-increasing fuel costs, and it brought home to me the wonderful opportunity to do good with our campaign," Kissell said. "Campaigns should be about more than just TV spots arguing with other TV spots. We have a marvelous opportunity to start our campaign to change America today. We don't have to wait for Election Day. We can help rebuild our economically devastated communities starting now. We cannot depend on politicians and politics to solve our problems. We have started by asking you to bring unwrapped toys and non-perishable food to our campaign kick off and you responded. There are too many families in need and we can all spare something to make their upcoming holiday better. I challenge you to demonstrate your belief in your fellow man and go do something good for others this week, volunteer your time and talent this week and help make someone else's life better. Visit a USO and comfort a soldier or their family member, tutor a child, buy a few dollars of extra canned food and contribute to your local food bank, call a struggling friend and offer to take care of their children, or help a senior citizen or disadvantaged person with some yard work."