The Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
www.charlotte.com

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 8 RACE

Debate draws fireworks, defense

JIM MORRILL

8th District

Differences over trade, the war and Medicare sparked a debate between Democrat Larry Kissell and Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes. The two are running in the 8th District, which stretches from Charlotte to Fayetteville.

• Trade: Kissell, 55, of Montgomery County, blamed trade agreements for many of the district's lost jobs. The 10-county district has lost 10,000 textile jobs alone since 2000.

"Quite simply, no more free trade deals until the quality jobs start coming back to the district," he said.

Hayes, 61 of Concord, said he voted "against every free trade agreement except one." That was the Central American Free Trade Agreement, passed last year after Hayes switched his vote after pledging to oppose it.

"You're going to be campaigning with (former U.S. Sen.) John Edwards," Hayes said. "He voted for CAFTA. You can't have it both ways." Hayes misspoke; Edwards was not in Congress at the time. An aide said he was referring to another trade measure Edwards supported.

• Iraq: Hayes defended the war in Iraq and refused to set a timetable for the return of U.S. troops.

"We took down a dictator," he said. "We could not afford to leave him there ... We can't give the enemy a timetable. We all agree that we want (the troops) home with a victory as soon as possible."

Kissell said the U.S. accomplished its objectives and should start phasing troops out.

"We phased them in in a year," he said. "We can phase out with honor in a year."

• Medicare: Kissell said drug companies, not seniors, were the real winners in the new Medicare prescription drug program.

Hayes said the program has given seniors more choice and lower prices. "Lives are being changed," he said.