Kannapolis Citizen
Saturday, October 7, 2006
www.salisburypost.com/kc/

Kissell knocks on doors: 'We're different'
'Working man' Democrat runs for Congress

By Joanie Morris

Kannapolis Citizen

Larry Kissell figures walking up and down the street is not that big a deal. He's battled heat, rain, cold and mud but never complains. It's what he's doing to help promote himself to represent North Carolina's 8th District in the U.S. Congress.

Kissell is walking to introduce himself to registered voters. He knocks on the doors of every registered voter — Republican or Democrat. If they are home, he speaks with them and politely asks for their vote in November. If they aren't, he leaves his calling card — a flier of his political goals and ways to contact him.

"People feel there's a disconnect between them and Washington. So the more we're able to connect, they know we're something different," Kissell said as he strolls to the next house on his list.

After working in the textile industry for 27 years in Biscoe, his hometown, Kissell became a high school history teacher at East Montgomery High School. He says the experience has taught him that people want a working man in Washington.

Kissell is the less-known Democrat running against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes in the November election.

With rolled-up shirt sleeves and a "Live Strong" armband, he is simple in what he wants.

"I'm a working person," he tells a voter at one home. "We're trying to reach working people."

By going door to door, "it gives people an opportunity to understand that we are coming to them," Kissell said. He introduces himself, tells a little about his background and then asks them if they have any questions or concerns that they will take with them to the polls on Nov. 7.

"I show them where I am from by saying that I don't believe that Washington gets it," Kissell said. "They don't understand the concerns of the working people in this district."

Dianne Wiles expressed her concerns to Kissell during his walk. "Just the lack of jobs around here is something," she told Kissell during his stop at her place. Her husband was laid off when Pillowtex closed. "The pay is so low. It's just like minimum wage jobs."

Kissell listens and responds to her concerns and reminds her to "keep us in mind in November."

Wiles appreciated the stop and liked Kissell's willingness to get out and walk to meet the people who may be voting for him in November.

"I think it's neat," she said. "That's the way to get elected. You have to get out in the public."

Kissell has done a lot of walking around Concord and Kannapolis in the past few weeks, and he plans more. He's heard all sorts of responses to his short speech, mostly concerns over the jobless rate, health care issues and the prescription drug program. All are things that he hopes to change if he gets into office.

Walking the neighborhoods isn't all Kissell has been doing to promote his campaign.

"It's just the whole spectrum," Kissell said. "You go to party events. You go to festivals. You go knocking on doors."

In addition to the regular campaign signs and other activities, Kissell is trying to reach younger voters through initiatives like Internet blogging. His campaign also relies on student political organizations and young volunteers.

"We have several young Democrat organizations that are working with us, helping us," he said.

"In order to be successful, you have to be creative," Kissell added. "The Internet itself (has been useful) because the young people are so savvy."

One of the most popular campaign stunts Kissell did was in August when he offered gasoline at local Biscoe stations for $1.22 per gallon (he paid the difference). That was the average price of gasoline per gallon when his opponent took office.

"This race is about the future," Kissell says before moving on to the next house. "It is about our children and our grandchildren."