The Laurinburg Exchange
Monday, February 11, 2008
www.laurinburgexchange.com

Eight file for May 6 contest

By Dean Dellamalva, Staff Reporter

Eight people made their intentions to run for public office official on Monday, the first full day of filing for the May 6 primary. Filing ends on Feb. 29.

Six of the candidates were incumbents filing for re-election at the Scotland County Board of Elections office.

Betty Blue Gholston also is an incumbent county commissioner, but she has decided to challenge Sen. Bill Purcell for his District 25 state Senate seat. Purcell filed on Monday as well.

Also filing on Monday was Democrat Larry Kissell, who wants to unseat U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes in November's General Election. Kissell filed in Biscoe.

Other filers include state Reps. Doug Yongue and Garland Pierce; County Commissioner John Alford; Register of Deeds Debra Holcomb; and Clerk of Court Philip McRae. [snip]

U.S. House

Kissell, a teacher and former mill worker, says he thinks he can beat Hayes, a Republican in November.

"As I've crossed the district this past year, the sense of urgency for the upcoming elections is what strikes me the most," Kissell said. "Now that folks know we can win, and have tangible proof just how much one vote can impact the quality of life in this District, I'm confident change is on the horizon."

Kissell also chided Hayes for his past votes in the House.

"... it was Hayes' one vote that gave President Bush Fast Track Trade Authority, and his one vote that passed the crippling Central American Free Trade Agreement," Kissell said. " ... with less than two more votes in each of the precincts in our district, they could have had a new Congressman. We've all seen the difference one vote can make."

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