The Courier-Tribune
Sunday, April 6, 2008
www.courier-tribune.com

Montgomery residents meet candidates at forum

By Mary Anderson

BISCOE - Candidates for local, district and a few state offices came to introduce themselves to Montgomery County voters at a Candidates Forum at the Biscoe VFW on March 31.

Among them was Larry Kissell, a candidate for U.S. House District 8, who is unopposed in the primary, but is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes for his seat for the second time. The Congressional Quarterly has called this one of the most closely watched races in the country this year. Kissell lost to ohayes in 2006 by 330 votes.

Speaking to his hometown crowd of approximately 50 voters, Kissell said that in 2006, he looked at $3 trillion national debt, the failure of No Child Left behind and people standing on a bridge in New Orleans. He looked at a depression that had already started in Montgomery, Hoke and Scotland counties as textile mills closed and he couldn't sit back any more, waiting for someone to do something.

"When I stood up, North Carolina stood up with me," Kissell said. "But you don't get to change things unless you win. The nation needs a new direction and changes with a new vision of America. I have a vision for change."

Kissell still teaches Social Studies at East Montgomery High School, campaigns after school and weekends, but will devote the summer to full time campaigning.

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