Money is flowing faster than ever in the race for U.S. House District 8, and as of Oct. 17, challenger Richard Hudson has now raised more of it than incumbent Rep. Larry Kissell.
Hudson, a Republican, is no longer spending more than his Democratic opponent, according to their latest campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. That’s a reversal from the numbers at the end of June, when Hudson had outspent Kissell in the primaries but hadn’t brought in as much money.
From Jan. 1, 2011, to Oct. 17, 2012, Kissell raised $1.2 million and spent nearly the same amount, leaving him with $51,800 cash on hand.
Kissell has received $416,300 from individuals, $7,200 from party committees and $799,500 from non-party committees.
Over the same time period, Hudson raised $1.4 million and spent about $1.1 million.
His receipts include $653,600 from individuals, $627,700 from non-party committees and a $100,000 loan to himself, which he repaid. He still had $329,100 in the bank.gggU.S. Rep. Larry Kissell recently visited with senior residents of the Laurels of Salisbury Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Kissell toured the Rowan County facility and discussed with guests and staff the importance of senior care and ensuring the promises made to seniors in their later years.
The Laurels of Salisbury is a skilled nursing unit for seniors who are recovering from short-term respite, undergoing rehabilitation or are there for extended stays.
“Our seniors have worked hard all their lives and deserve the highest level of care as they recover from surgery or illness,” Kissell said in a Thursday press release. “The skilled nurses, therapists and staff at the Laurels of Salisbury ensure that their guests get that kind of care.”
Laurels of Salisbury Administrator Casey Baucom thanked Kissell for his visit. Baucom introduced Kissell to guests and staff during his tour.
“We really appreciate the Congressman taking the time to visit and listen to the challenges we face, but, more importantly, taking the opportunity to hear of the life and success stories of our guests and staff,” Baucom said in the press release. “Everyone really enjoyed the Congressman’s visit.”gggElisabeth Motsinger, candidate for North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, is sponsoring a non-partisan, interfaith event this weekend, just a few days before Tuesday’s election.
The event will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Mount Moriah Outreach Center, 317 Jefferson St. in Kernersville.
Bishop Todd L. Fulton, pastor of Mount Moriah Outreach Center, will host “Solidarity Sunday,” an opportunity to gather in solidarity and pray for the nation.
Candidates from both parties who wish to attend will be given 90 seconds to speak about their hopes for the community or words of solidarity.
The event is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to bring canned goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. A collection will also be taken for the Veterans Helping Veterans.gggThe Alliance for Retired Americans has endorsed Elisabeth Motsinger, her campaign announced Sunday.
The nonprofit group represents more than 4 million retirees, older Americans and community activists nationwide. It has more than 63,000 members in North Carolina.
“Your positions demonstrate a strong commitment to improve the quality of life for older Americans,” the Alliance said in its letter of endorsement.
The letter mentioned Motsinger’s desire to preserve and protect Social Security and Medicare from privatization, her commitment to provide more affordable health care for seniors, and her support for stronger retirement and pension security and quality long-term care.
Motsinger, a Democrat, is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, a Republican, in the general election.gggPat McCrory, Republican candidate for governor, on Monday endorsed Gene McIntyre for the North Carolina Senate.
“We need educators like McIntyre in the N.C. Senate,” McCrory said, according to a press release from McIntyre’s campaign.
N.C. Rep. Fred Steen has also endorsed fellow Republican McIntyre. In a Tuesday email, he referred to the state Senate candidate’s 33 years as an educator and 13 years county commissioner.
“This county needs someone who understands what it takes to help businesses grow and to be a steward of tax-payers’ dollars,” Steen said. “Gene has the experience of limiting government spending and approving budgets as a county commissioner. I know Gene will be a hard worker and an advocate for Rowan County’s citizens.”
McIntyre is competing against Democrat Gene MacLaurin for the wide-open 25th district seat.