Friday, February 29, 2008

Two candidates enter county commissioners race

Former Maiden Town Council member George McClellan and Newton resident Jack Beach joined the race for two open seats on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners on Friday at the election filing deadline.
No other candidates filed leaving N.C. Reps. Mark Hilton and Mitchell Setzer without opposition.

The following story will appear in Saturday’s print edition.

McHenry honors conservative icon

The tributes to William F. Buckley Jr. continued Thursday with U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry co-sponsoring a resolution honoring the conservative leader. The bill will be introducted next week.The 82-year-old editor, columnist, debater and TV talk show host died Wednesday at his Connecticut home.

The following is McHenry’s news release.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

McHenry: Energy bill misguided

U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry voted against the Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act, which he called misguided and counterproductive.

Here is his news release from Thursday.

Sigmon remembers William F. Buckley

Republican Congressional candidate Lance Sigmon remembers prominent conservative William F. Buckley in this news release from Wednesday.

Johnson supports education reforms

Democrat Daniel Johnson, candidate for the 10th District Congressional seat, announced his education platform Thursday. He supports several changes, including reforming “No Child Left Behind” legislation to provide adequate funding and useful standards for struggling schools; making math and science more of a priority; promoting partnerships between public schools and the business community to find practical solutions for children. And he vows to fight to make education beyond high school more affordable.

Click on read more below for Johnson’s news release from Thursday.

15Chamber sets candidate forum

The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum at Rock Barn Country Club in April 15.
Candidates will include those seeking seats on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners and N.C. Senate.
The breakfast meeting will begin at 7:45 a.m. and run until about 9:15 a.m. Admission is $10.

For more information, call Michael McNally at the chamber at 328-6000.

Filing deadline approaches

Anyone wanting to be a candidate for public office this year has until noon Friday to enter the fray. That’s when the filing period officially ends across North Carolina.

Here is a story regarding the deadline from Thursday’s print edition.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Banking legend runs for N.C. House

His news release Tuesday accurately began with the phrase “In a surprise political announcement.” Retired banking legend John Forlines, a Democrat, filed as a challenger for the 87th House District seat held by Edgar Starnes. The district comprises most of Caldwell County.
Forlines will make his first bid for political office at 90. If elected, he’ll likely become the oldest member of the N.C. House. The oldest sitting member is Dewey Hill of Whiteville, who is 82. The all-time oldest member was Ruth Easterling, who ended her service in 2002 at 92.
Several area political insiders were surprised by Forlines’ move, though some within the Democratic Party knew he was considering it.
 
This is the news story that will appear in Wednesday’s print edition.

Kitty enters race

One of this year’s most interesting races is now official.
Kitty Barnes, chairwoman of the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, filed today to challenge longtime incumbent Austin Allran for his North Carolina Senate seat. The two will compete in the May 6 primary. Lynn Lail, a fellow commissioner, and husband, Leroy, will host a campaign kick-off party on Thursday.

Here is Barnes’ news release from Tuesday.