Congress

Sanford's Win Shows Political 'Experts' Don't Know Voters

Michael Bitzer — Wed, 08 May 2013 21:10:11 +0000

As post-election commentaries pronounce a host of reasons why former South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford won his congressional race Tuesday (the better candidate in political workmanship, the novice challenger, etc.),, we might want to view a more important component of his victory: The voters of South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

Republican Hudson Hires Top Aide From Democrat Kissell's Team

Julie Rose — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:36:16 +0000

North Carolina's new members of Congress will take the oath of office Thursday in Washington, including Republican Robert Pittenger who was elected to fill retiring Representative Sue Myrick's seat in Charlotte and Republican Richard Hudson who beat Larry Kissell to represent the 8^th District.

A Look Back On The Career Of Congresswoman Sue Myrick

Mark Rumsey — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 17:30:20 +0000

Congresswoman Sue Myrick retires next month, after nine terms representing North Carolina’s 9th congressional district. Myrick cruised into Washington during the historic Republican sweep of the 1994 midterm elections. She offered a reliably conservative voice in Congress, and didn’t ‘hold back’ on the issues she felt most passionately about. WFAE’s Mark Rumsey has this profile of Myrick’s congressional career:

Scott Needs To Be Effective At Marketing Conservative Message

Michael Bitzer — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 20:22:37 +0000

With the announcement of Congressman Tim Scott filling the soon-to-be vacant seat of U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republicans gain a continued stalwart of Tea Party conservatism with a history-making selection.

McConnell Shoots An Airball

Michael Bitzer — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:55:57 +0000

When introducing students to the idea of “politics,” I often use the idea of a “game”: think of politics with players, rules, teams, fields to play on, equipment, goals, strategies and objectives.

Most politicians describe their involvement in “game-like” ways as well. And sometimes their actions fit into game descriptors, and in that vein, a recent move by the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell could be called a serious “air ball.”

New Congressmen Prepare For Obscure Side Of The Job

Ben Bradford — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 15:58:08 +0000

Election season is a time of talking points, where politicians boast of their influence and often take simplistic stances on complex issues so they can be easily digested by the media and voters.

Less talked about is the unglamorous, but equally important part of the job that goes with being a Member of Congress: casework. A Member of Congress's district office helps constituents with problems with federal agencies, such as processing visas and passports or filling out Medicare paperwork.

Some Elements Of Fiscal Cliff Could Add To State Coffers

Ben Bradford — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 05:53:52 +0000

The White House issued a statement Monday warning that taxes would go up for middle-class families by more than $2,000 on average, if Congress does not prevent the “fiscal cliff”—the series of automatic spending cuts and expiring tax breaks scheduled for the end of the year.

Hudson Wins Redrawn 8th Congressional District Seat

Tasnim Shamma and Michael Tomsic — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 08:09:18 +0000

Republican challenger Richard Hudson was all smiles last night in Concord. He could finally claim victory as the 8th congressional district's new congressman -- replacing Democrat Larry Kissell -- who was seeking his third term.

Even with early-voting results showing a big lead for Richard Hudson, the packed crowd at the Hilton Garden Inn ballroom waited more than two hours before Hudson claimed victory.

"Wow, look at this crowd," Hudson says. "Thank you so much. I'm just so honored by the tremendous support we've gotten from the district. What a great night, huh?"

Pittenger Cruises To Congress In 9th District

Greg Collard — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 06:46:33 +0000

The 9^th district congressional seat will remain Republican. Former state Sen. Robert Pittenger defeated Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts 52 to 46 percent. Pittenger will replace Republican Sue Myrick, who is retiring after 18 years in office.

In his victory speech at the Marriott SouthPark, Pittenger spoke of freedoms under attack, “especially the free enterprise system.”

And he pledged that he will work to that system. from the government.

“The greatest anecdote to poverty is the free enterprise system, not the government.”

Effort Afoot To Oust Cabarrus Democratic Leader Over Non-Support Of Kissell

Tasnim Shamma — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 03:14:35 +0000

Cabarrus County Democratic Chairwoman Grace Galloway admits she’s not happy with 8th District Congressman Larry Kissell and has not outright endorsed him. In response, members of the party's local executive committee wants to remove her from office.