By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — Rep. Larry Kissell, a Democrat, has filed for re-election to North Carolina’s 8th District in the U.S. House.
Kissell, 62, of Biscoe, is seeking his third term in Congress. He is a retired teacher and textile mill worker.
“I’ve been in office for about three years now, and while I don’t think people should stay in office very long and I believe in term limits, there are a few things left that I need to finish,” he said in a prepared statement Friday.
North Carolina’s filing period began at noon Feb. 13 and will end at noon Wednesday.
Kissell wants to keep working on the “Buy American” effort and revitalize the manufacturing sector in order to improve the economy.
Another priority, he said, is to continue his work to “free us from our dependence on foreign oil” through a comprehensive energy policy that allows energy independence.
Kissell said he also wants to complete his work to better care for seniors and veterans.
“I truly believe that if we can have folks who will put what’s best for our country above politics and personal interests, we can get our country and our economy back on track,” he said.
The 8th district did not previously include Rowan County, but its new boundaries drawn during last year’s redistricting reach into southern and eastern parts of the county.
So far, only one Democrat is challenging Kissell in the May 8 primary. Five Republicans have filed to run for the chance to represent the GOP in the Nov. 6 general election.
Also filing recently was Leda Belk, a Democrat who officially entered the race Friday for Rowan County Commissioner.
Contact reporter Karissa Minn at 704-797-4222.
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Larry Kissell
Office sought: U.S. House District 8
Age: 62
Address: P.O. Box 1530, Biscoe, NC 27209
Phone number: 910-428-4048
Party: Democrat
Occupation: Retired teacher and textile mill worker
Education: Wake Forest University, bachelor of arts in economics
Community involvement: Former president, Biscoe Lion’s Club; former chair, Board of Montgomery First Health.
Family: Wife, Tina; two daughters.