The Charlotte Observer
Saturday, October 7, 2006
www.charlotte.com

Numbers are a factor in challenger's campaign

Jim Morrill

There's good news and bad news for Democrat Larry Kissell.

The good news: A new poll showed him virtually tied with Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes in the 8th District, which runs from Charlotte to Fayetteville.

The bad news: His campaign ended the third quarter with $88.94 in the bank.

Hayes ended with $1.16 million.

"I'm sure my bank account looks a lot more like a typical 8th District voter than Hayes'," Kissell said Friday. "What comes in goes on TV and radio the next day."

Hayes, a multimillionaire textile-plant owner, raised $400,000 in the three months that ended Sept. 30. Kissell raised about $100,000, much from online donors.

"We've continued to raise, and spend, money every day since then, and know much more's on the way," says Kissell spokesman Steve Hudson. "I know this doesn't sound like your typical campaign sitting on a war chest, but it's not your typical campaign."

Kissell has run ads introducing himself to voters. Most TV ads run on less-expensive cable channels. Hayes has an ad critical of Kissell running on broadcast and cable stations.

A poll released Thursday by OnPoint Polling and Research found the Hayes-Kissell race a virtual dead heat. The Raleigh firm has Democratic ties.