I love the above subtitle in this morning's Charlotte Observer,
Democrats Choose Kissell to Face Hayes. Because that's exactly what happened thanks to the working families of North Carolina's 8th District and the support of good folks from all over such as yourselves. And this scrappy underdog won't be changing a thing all the way to November, when we teach not only Robin Hayes a lesson in real representation, but the entire nation what grassroots politics is all about.
An earlier version of the article posted last night kind of made me chuckle. It said Kissell Wins Easily, Will Face Hayes. Let me tell you, working all day, then dialing for dollars and campaigning all night in one of the largest Districts in the state is hardly easy, but I'm honored that the good support we have sure made it look that way. You, the people, made it happen. And I thank you, and ask you to stick with me on the road to November Victory.
We had a great party last night right in little ol' Biscoe, Montgomery County. I'd like to share my remarks I gave to the over 300 supporters that stayed up with me awaiting returns and all the radio and newspapers calling in.
Thank you. First I want to thank the working folks of this district for their support tonight. It was their vote that made the difference and put me over the top. I won't forget your early support, and I won't let you down once I get to Congress.
Tonight is a great night. My 100% winning record is still intact and I can honestly say I have never lost an election. Granted tonight was my first election day as a candidate, but I now have something that Robin Hayes doesn't have ... a perfect record.
Folks, we are ready for a change in Washington. It's why I'm running to replace Robin Hayes. We all want to clean up the mess in Washington and with your continued support, that's exactly what I will do when I go to Congress.
But let us be realistic. Robin Hayes has a million dollar war chest and we need more than rhetoric to win this race. We will need to raise money, get on TV with ads and pull all the disillusioned Hayes voters to the polls in November. Because I'm betting that they want to join us in our quest for a chance in Washington.
The fact is I know where he stands, you know where he stands and by Election Day I'm going to make sure everybody knows where Robin Hayes stands on the issues that affect our everyday lives. He's for the bad trade deals that are ruining our economy. He's for the drug companies and HMO's that have pocketed billions, while we are unable to afford even the most basic medicines. He's for big business that gets billions in corporate welfare.
And he's a part of the culture of corruption that says it's okay to cozy up to the lobbyists while your voters are suffering back home. Well I say it's past time for us to make a change and bring Hayes home in November.
The message I send to Robin tonight is this: You're a good man who got caught up in a bad system. But the fact still remains that you are a part of the problem in Washington, instead of part of the solution. And around here, that's a firing offense.
So let's celebrate tonight. But get to work tomorrow. There's a long way to go, and a short time to get there ... but we're going to do what they say can't be done.
Thank you and God Bless.
It's taken thousands of well wishers and hundreds and hundreds of small donors and volunteers to get me this far. And it'll take even more to get our seat back, but there's not a doubt in my mind that with your continued help, we'll succeed.
Please join my campaign today. Right now. This country needs you. I need you. And I'm not too proud to ask for your help.
Larry Kissell
Democratic Candidate for Congress
North Carolina's 8th District
Someone Working...For a Change