News 14 Carolina
Monday, October 9, 2006
www.news14charlotte.com

Hayes, Kissell sound off about N. Korea

By: Adam Shub, News 14 Carolina

CHARLOTTE - North Korea's claim of an underground nuclear test triggered swift and harsh criticism across the nation. In Charlotte, the candidates running for the House seat in District 8 are sounding off, as well.

"The United States condemns this provocative act," President Bush said.

The tone is no different in North Carolinas 8th District where Republican Rep. Robin Hayes expressed his concern leading up to the November election.

"Would they team up and export that device to countries like Iran, Syria, other terrorist nations?" Hayes asked aloud. "That's very troubling."

Hayes' challenger for the 8th District seat is Democrat Larry Kissell, who said he also worries about the possible trading of nuclear materials to terror groups. But Kissell, who has been critical of the White House, says North Korea's program may not have come this far if the United States wasn't so focused on Iraq.

"Iran, North Korea and Iraq and we seemed to have picked the only country that didn't have nuclear potential to invade," Kissell said.

Hayes is hopeful diplomacy will win out in North Korea, but he says the war in Iraq wouldn't rule out a military option.

"It does not keep us from responding should there be further escalation on the part of the North Koreans," he said.

Kissell isn't as optimistic. He believes U.S. troops are already stretched as it is and says that after stalled talks and now a nuclear test, it should be time for the government and military to shift its attention to North Korea.

"We've got to phase out within a year, so we can get ready for the next crisis that comes along. This could be our next crisis," Kissell said.

Both candidates say they will continue to follow developments closely.

The United Nations Security Council officially condemned North Korea's actions. The United States will also be pressing for economic sanctions in the coming days.