North Carolina – 8th District Candidate Funds On Hand Recent Poll
Democrat
Republican
Larry Kissell $88 46%
Robin Hayes $1,168,000 47%
Frequently targeted by national Democrats, Rep. Robin Hayes is facing an unexpectedly strong challenge from hardcharging underdog Larry Kissell. The Cook Political Report ranks this race “Likely Republican.” The District The 8th includes portions of Charlotte and its suburbs in the west and runs along the South Carolina border to Fayetteville in the east. The most pressing issue for the district has been the loss of manufacturing jobs. Bush won here in 2000 and 2004, although the state’s Democratic governor won here as well. About Larry Kissell Larry Kissell is a high-school teacher and former textile-industry worker making his first run for office. His campaign combines a rural, populist appeal with the strong support of local activists and weblogs. He is focusing on energy policy, jobs, education and the environment. www.larrykissell.com About Robin Hayes Four-term incumbent Hayes is a reliably conservative member of Congress. He has never broken 56% in this closelydivided district. He has an 89% record of voting with the Bush administration, and his votes on trade have been a particular problem in his district; he cast the deciding vote giving Bush the power to “fast-track” trade treaties. www.robinhayes.com Fundraising and Polling Hayes is a well-financed incumbent, reporting $1.9 million – 61% from PACs and party committees – and retaining nearly $1.2 million. Kissell is running a small-scale, grassroots campaign, bringing in $317,000 and intentionally keeping no more than $88.94 on hand. Kissell’s poll standing has improved steadily; a recent OnPoint poll put him in striking distance of Hayes, who held a 4746 lead. Constituent Dynamics had Kissell ahead 51-44. Sources: www.washingtonpost.com, www.centerforpolitics.org, nytimes.com, www.fec.gov PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION http://political.moveon.org Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.