Jon Mangin files in 6th District

Jon Mangin

Political newcomer Jon Mangin says he represents the "down-to-earth conservative will" of the 6th District.

Mangin is among the many GOP challengers trying to unseat 13-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, also a Republican. The GOP Primary is May 4.

Mangin, 26, is an information technology trainer and consultant working in Greensboro and living in Stokesdale. He graduated from Guilford College with degrees in economics and business management.

It's the first time he has run for public office.

Mangin says on his Web site that while Coble is known for his personal integrity and "genuine care" for the people in his district, he "made a critical error in supporting the deeply flawed banker bailout instead of committing funds to directly address the credit crisis."

"Nearly two years later," he says, "unemployment is well above 10 percent, homes are still underwater, and lending is scarce. It seems that the only obvious difference is that big banks got a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card — and we the people are responsible for the bill."

He supports tax reform, term limits, efforts to help small business and "common-sense health-care reform."

"We have to allow health insurance companies (to) sell across state lines to increase pools and reduce costs," he says. "At the same time, we need legislation to prevent insurers from dropping a policy the moment someone actually needs it."

Mangin lists himself as a pro-life candidate, a Roman Catholic and conservative choice.

The 6th District includes Randolph, Moore and Alamance counties and portions of Rowan, Davidson and Guilford counties.

Other Republican candidates in the May 4 primary include, Coble, James Taylor of Pinehurst, Jeff Phillips of Greensboro, Cathy Brewer Hinson of High Point and Billy Yow of Greensboro. Sam Turner of Salisbury is the lone Democrat to file for the seat.