The latest report from the North Carolina Employment Securities Commission is no surprise to me. The textile mill I worked in for 27 years first went to Honduras, then Pakistan, after the dual edged sword of Robin Hayes' CAFTA vote took its toll on South America too. Now, it's breaking news that the 3rd largest employer in Cabarrus County will be losing 2,500 of the best jobs folks can get...
Guys, we have 100 counties in North Carolina, and according to the June report, unemployment just increased in 75 of them. My district, North Carolina's 8th, has been hit the hardest. In Scotland County alone, one in ten folks are on unemployment. And as I said, Business Wire just reported we'll be losing 2,500 Altria/Phillip Morris jobs to Europe soon. We in North Carolina's 8th really need your help.
Last cycle, I don't mind telling you, I worked like the dickens to meet, educate and inform voters on the ravages of my opponent's free trade obsession. The night before the election, I ended a day of selling gas for $1.22 (the price when my Exxon stock holding opponent took office) all across the district with a shift change outside the WestPoint Stevens plant in Scotland County, the day it announced another 800 layoffs.
But shaking hands and knocking on doors is never enough. You know that. We did all we could with what we had, and just lost by 330 votes.
Thank you for your sustaining support. It means the world to me and everyone else in North Carolina suffering today.
We appreciate your prayers and just being in your thoughts this heart breaking day.