Jon Hardister

Update from the Campaign Trail

2012-01-30T09:27:00.000-08:00

Governor Perdue Steps Aside

As you know, Governor Bev Perdue recently declared that she will not seek a second term. This was a surprise to a lot of people, including myself.

So why is she stepping aside? It's hard to say, but I would speculate that there are a few reasons. Low approval numbers and weak reelection prospects are certainly part of the equation.

So what does all of this mean? Well, it solidifies the fact that Governor Perdue is not doing a good job. If she were doing a good job, she would certainly be running for reelection.

Other than that, not much has changed. Democrats are likely to nominate someone who will continue the flawed policies of the Perdue Administration. This means that Republicans will have to work hard to defeat whoever Democrats nominate to run in Perdue's place.

As far as Democratic gubernatorial candidates are concerned, there are two who have officially entered the race. They are Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton and NC Rep. Bill Faison.

Other potential Democratic candidates include Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, Congressman Brad Miller, Congressman Heath Shuler, former Congressman Bob Etheridge, and former State Treasurer Richard Moore. Erskine Bowles has also been mentioned as a potential candidate.

Pat McCrory Set to Officially Join NC Governor's Race

Republican Pat McCrory, the former Mayor of Charlotte, is going to officially enter the race for governor on Tuesday, January 31. He is likely to be the only well-known Republican in the race and he needs our support. He'll make an excellent governor and we need to work hard to help him get elected.

President John Tyler and his Grandchildren

It was recently brought to my attention that John Tyler, the 10th President of the United States, has grandchildren who are still living. This is an incredible story and I found it to be fascinating.

President Tyler, who was born in 1790, served as President of the United States from 1841 to 1845. While in his 60s, Tyler fathered a son by a wife who was 30 years his junior.

Their son, Lyon Tyler, was born in 1853 (before America fought the Civil War) and died in 1935. But in the 1920s, while he was in his 70s, Lyon father two sons by a wife who was more than 30 years his junior.

Lyon Tyler's two sons, Lyon Tyler Junior and Harrison Tyler are still living today. They are both in their 80s and they are the legitimate grandchildren of President John Tyler.

No Tax Increase

2012-01-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

Last week Governor Bev Perdue proposed raising the state portion of our sales tax from 4.75 percent to 5.5 percent. This is clearly a bad idea because we do not need to be raising taxes in the middle of a weak economy.

Instead of rasing taxes on our citizens, we need to be focused on spending taxpayer dollars more wisely. We should also focus on making government smaller and more efficient.

In addition to being more frugal with taxpayer dollars, we should also work to lower taxes and to simplify the tax code. Doing this will create a better business environment, which will lead to job creation and more opportunity for our citizens.

Protecting taxpayer dollars will be one of my top priorities as a member of the NC House. I will oppose wasteful spending and apply a cost-benefit analysis to every decision. I will also work to lower tax rates so our citizens can keep more of their hard-earned money.

"Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery."
- President Calvin Coolidge

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:24:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas. Be safe if you travel and enjoy the day. I hope Santa Claus is good to you this year!

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
- Calvin Coolidge

Update from the Campaign Trail

2011-11-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Parades

There are three Christmas parades that I will be participating in as a candidate for NC House:

Greensboro Jaycees Holiday Parade
Where: Downtown Greensboro
When: Saturday, December 3rd @ 10:00 AM

Pleasant Garden Christmas Parade
Where: Pleasant Garden, NC
When: Sunday, December 4th @ 3:00 PM

Gibsonville Christmas Parade
Where: Gibsonville, NC
When: Saturday, December 10th @ 2:00 PM

Campaign Kick-off Fundraiser

Our first campaign fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, January 11th. This event will help us raise the funds necessary to keep our campaign moving forward. Special guests will include Congressman Howard Coble and Speaker Thom Tillis of the NC House.

More details on the event will be provided when they are available. Please mark the date on your calendar for Wednesday, January 11th!

Outreach to Small Businesses

Over the past few days I have been reaching out to small business owners in the community to seek their opinion on state government. All of them have essentially expressed the same concern: Don't raise taxes!

The business owners that I have spoken with want the government off their back. They know that high taxes and excessive regulations are bad for their business.

As a fiscal conservative, I will not vote to raise taxes. In fact, I will work to lower taxes and to decrease the overall size of government. Doing this will create a better economic environment for small businesses, which will lead to higher productivity and job creation.

Website is Up and Running

Our new campaign website (www.jonhardister.com) is up and running. Please check it out and share it with your friends. Also, feel free to provide me with feedback if you have any comments or suggestions!

Well, that's it for now. More campaign updates will be coming soon...

Happy Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T10:47:00.001-08:00

Today we honor the brave men and women who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. Freedom as we know it would not be possible without their sacrifice. Thank you to all of those who have dedicated their life to keeping our country safe and secure.

Excellent Run by Chris Lawyer

2011-11-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Chris Lawyer, who is a close friend of mine, made an excellent run for City Council at-large. He did not win but he ran a very effective campaign and came close to getting elected.

There are three at-large seats on city council. Six candidates, including Chris Lawyer, advanced through last month’s primary contest. Out of those six candidates, the top three get elected to City Council.

With the results being complete but unofficial, Chris finished in fourth place out of the six at-large candidates. Out of more than 90,000 votes casted, Chris was less than 1,000 votes behind third place. He also won the second most amount of precincts, second only to Yvonne Johnson.

This is a very strong showing for a first-time candidate. Chris is a bright young man who has natural ability as a political candidate. Chances are good that you haven’t seen the last of Chris Lawyer.

We're Going to Win in 2012!

2011-11-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I issued an email containing a press release stating my candidacy for N.C. House District 59. Since then, I have received a lot of positive feedback and encouragement about my campaign.

I am very thankful for all of the support that I have received in the past 24 hours. We are on track to build a strong and successful campaign. There is no question that our efforts will be successful if we work together and stay focused.

Now I would like to explain why I decided to run for this position and why the announcement was made when it was.

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Justice pre-cleared the redistricting maps that were passed into law by the General Assembly. This indicates that the maps are legal and that they are in compliance with the Voting Rights Act.

Although there will be lawsuits, it is now more difficult for the maps to be challenged in court. Therefore, it appears likely that the maps will go into effect for the 2012 elections.

Under the new maps, I am located in N.C. House District 59, which is an open seat. This particular district leans Republican in voter registration, which makes it very winnable for a conservative candidate.

After discovering that I would be living in this district, I decided that I would more than likely make a run for it. I then began to lay the groundwork for a possible campaign, but I didn't want to go public with my intentions until the maps were cleared.

When the maps were cleared earlier this week, I knew that it was time to go public with my intentions. I then put together a press release, which I submitted to the local media on Wednesday night.

Running for public office in 2010 was a fantastic experience. I met a lot of great folks and learned a lot on the campaign trail. Being a candidate was a humbling experience and it increased my passion for public service.

As you know, we have been faced with a serious economic downturn in North Carolina. In fact, the unemployment rate here is higher than the national average. This, of course, is unacceptable.

Fortunately, the citizens of North Carolina elected a conservative majority to the General Assembly in 2010 for the first time in over a century. But there is still work to be done. It is important that we expand our conservative majority in the General Assembly and elect a Republican governor in 2012.

As we move forward, we are going to run a positive campaign that focuses on ideas and solutions. Economic development and job creation are going to be the most important part of my platform. As a fiscal conservative, I believe that we must rely on the private sector, not the government, to pull us out of this recession.

Please know that I need your support to make this campaign a success. I am dedicated to winning this election but I need your help to make it happen. There is no way that I could do this without generous support from people like you.

North Carolina is my home and I want to help secure a bright future for our citizens. Times are tough but I know that our best days are still ahead. Best wishes and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Special Announcement

2011-11-03T12:50:00.000-07:00

The following is a press release that was sent to the local media yesterday:

Greensboro Native Jon Hardister Announces Bid for NC House District 59

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jon Hardister: (336) 404-8791
November 2, 2011

GREENSBORO, NC - Greensboro native and resident Jon Hardister announced Wednesday his intentions to seek the Republican nomination for NC House District 59.

In a statement, Hardister said, "I was born and raised here in Guilford County. This community has taught me that hard work and perseverance are vital to success and afforded me the opportunity to prosper. I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. It is my passion for public service and concern about North Carolina's future that has encouraged me to run for office. My campaign platform will center on economic growth and job creation for the citizens of Guilford County and all of North Carolina."

Jon was born and raised in Greensboro, NC as the only child of Wayne and Carolyn Hardister. He attended Moorehead Elementary School, Kiser Middle School, and Grimsley High School. After graduating from high school, Jon attended Greensboro College where he obtained a BA in Political Science. His plan was to attend law school after graduating from college, but decided that he was ready to go to work instead. He currently works at First Carolina Mortgage, a business that his family started in 1990.

Jon added, "Trust and accountability will be an important part of my message to the voters. I look forward to running a positive campaign that focuses on ideas that will help secure a better future for our citizens."

More details coming soon!

Chris Lawyer for Greensboro City Council

2011-09-28T08:50:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I had a conversation with a good friend of mine named Chris Lawyer. We had a discussion about politics, which wasn't an unusual topic for us to discuss. We both share a conservative political philosophy and we have a habit of discussing political issues.

While in this particular conversation, I was reminded of the passion that Chris has for helping people and establishing a better form of government. Suddenly, I remembered that municipal elections are coming up this year and an interesting idea came across my mind: Chris would make an excellent candidate for public office.

After pondering the thought for a moment, I asked Chris if he would consider running for Greensboro City Council. Without hesitation, Chris told me that he would, indeed, consider running for public office. This was a surprise to me, because I fully expected him to say no. After all, there are a lot of folks out there who would make a good candidate for public office but they don't want to enter the rugged world of politics.

But Chris had an important caveat along with being willing to run for public office: He said that he would only do so if I agreed to manage his campaign. Because I believe in Chris to such a great degree, I told him that I would be more than willing to help him get elected.

Shortly thereafter, we filed papers to form a campaign committee for Chris to run for Greensboro City Council At-Large. He decided to run for an at-large position on the City Council because he wants to serve all of Greensboro rather than a fraction of the city.

Since launching his campaign, Chris has proven to be a fantastic candidate. This is his first run for public office, but he handles himself in a professional manner and campaigning seems to come natural to him. He understands the issues facing Greensboro and he is dedicated to making his campaign a success.

Chris is a true conservative and he is passionate about securing a better future for the citizens of Greensboro. He understands that we can't spend money that we don't have and he knows that it is our citizens, not the government, that make Greensboro such a wonderful place.

As a physician assistant in a local ER, Chris has dedicated his career to helping people. While working in the ER, Chris has made a habit of listening to problems that people are having and coming up with solutions. He knows how to handle high-stress situations and he is able to work under pressure.

Furthermore, I am writing this in hopes that you will join me in supporting Chris. Running for City Council as a first-time candidate is a difficult task, but Chris is on the right track and he has an excellent chance to win.

Please vote for Chris Lawyer in the upcoming City Council Primary and encourage your friends to vote as well. Early voting began last week and the Primary Election is on October 11th.

If you have questions for Chris, feel free to send him an email: lawyerforcouncil@gmail.com. You can also find Chris on the web: www.lawyerforcouncil.com.

I really hope that you will support Chris. He is a person of sound character and he sincerely wants to serve the community.

Dr. Mike Beitler for Secretary of State

2011-08-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

Dr. Mike Beitler of Greensboro recently announced that he is going to run for Secretary of State in North Carolina. Although the 2012 election is over a year away, Dr. Beitler has begun the process of traveling the state to promote his candidacy and garner support.

Mike is a true conservative with libertarian views. He knows that government is often the cause of our problems, not the solution. He is passionate about public service and there is no question that he would be an excellent Secretary of State.

Please consider offering your support to Dr. Mike Beitler in the 2012 elections.

General Assembly Update (July 30, 2010)

2011-07-30T07:05:00.000-07:00

The North Carolina General Assembly reconvened this month to finalize redistricting and to address other unfinished business. Here are some notable outcomes:

General Assembly approves redistricting maps

New maps for Congressional districts as well as state House and Senate districts were approved by the General Assembly. These maps will now have to be approved by the Department of Justice or a federal court before they officially go into effect.

As expected, the new maps were a source of controversy across the state. Democrats accused Republicans of gerrymandering districts while Republicans argued that they followed the law and crafted districts that are "fair and legal."

General Assembly fails to override Voter ID Veto

State legislators attempted to override Governor Perdue's veto of legislation that would require voters to present a valid form of photo ID before voting. The legislation was intended to stifle voter fraud and protect the integrity of the ballot box. Unfortunately, the override of Perdue's veto failed as the Republican majority in the state House were not able to get any Democrats to join them in the override. State legislators voted along party lines, with Republicans voting in favor of the override while Democrats voted against it.

This issue is expected to be a major factor in the 2012 elections. Most polls indicate that the vast majority of North Carolina voters favor photo ID requirements for voting.

General Assembly advances restrictions for abortion

The General Assembly was successful in overriding Governor Perdue's veto of legislation that would place new restrictions on abortions in North Carolina. The legislation requires health providers to fully disclose the potential health implications from having an abortion and to provide the patient with images from an ultrasound. It also requires those seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours after consulting with a health provider before proceeding with the procedure.

Letter to the Editor

2011-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here's an excellent letter to the editor that appeared in today's edition of the Greensboro News & Record:

Voter ID requirement safeguards elections

Gov. Bev Perdue vetoed the Voter ID bill and has demonstrated partisan politics at its worst. She chose to ignore the will of more than 75 percent of North Carolinians who view presenting a photo ID to vote as simple logic. To most citizens, it makes sense to implement the same requirements for voting as are in place for opening a bank account, cashing a check, renting a hotel room or even visiting the governor's own office in Raleigh.

Many of the requirements to present ID are designed to prevent fraudulent transactions involving our money. Isn't the integrity of our elections at least as important as the integrity of a checking account?

People moving to North Carolina from other states are amazed when they show up at the polls to vote the first time and find there are absolutely no requirements to prove your identity. Twenty-nine states in the U.S. require some type of identification for all voters. Voter ID is a common-sense safeguard for our election system. It provides integrity in the process and restores voter confidence in our elections.

Jeff Cox

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing you and yours a happy and safe 4th of July. I feel very fortunate to have been born in America. Many thanks to all of those who have fought to protect and defend our freedom.

Happy Birthday, America!

Perdue Vetoes Photo ID for Voters

2011-06-24T07:51:00.000-07:00

Governor Perdue vetoed a bill that would have required voters to show a valid photo ID before casting a ballot.

According to the bill, voters would have to produce a valid photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or military ID. Local boards of elections would provide voter ID cards - free of charge - to voters who do not posses a valid photo ID.

If a voter went to the polls and did not have a valid photo ID, he or she would be able to cast a provisional ballot, which would be counted at a later time when a valid photo ID is provided.

The purpose of the bill is to curtail possible voter fraud and to protect the integrity of the voting process. Backers of the bill argue that it would improve voting confidence and promote fair elections.

Opponents of the bill argue that it would infringe on the right of citizens to vote and would provide an unnecessary obstacle in the voting process. But it is hard to make that argument when you consider the fact that local board of elections would provide voter ID cards - free of charge - to eligible voters

The concept of requiring voters to produce a valid photo ID is popular among voters. Earlier this year, an Elon University Poll found that 75 percent of adults in North Carolina support photo ID requirements for voters.

It is important that we protect the integrity of our voting system. Requiring voters to provide a valid photo ID is a reasonable course of action in protecting the integrity of our elections process. Unfortunately, Governor Perdue had a different take on the situation.

General Assemby Overrides Perdue's Budget Veto

2011-06-16T06:59:00.000-07:00

The North Carolina General Assembly has successfully voted to override Governor Perdue's historic budget veto.

Early Wednesday morning, shortly after midnight, the N.C. House voted 73-46 to override Perdue's veto. Five Democrats joined with the entire GOP House delegation in favor of the override. On Wednesday afternoon, the N.C. Senate voted 31-19 along party lines to override Perdue's veto.

Now that the veto override is complete, the $19.7 billion becomes official and will go into affect July 1.

In addition to making necessary cuts to the state's budget, the new budget allows two temporary taxes to expire and adds another tax cut for small businesses. These tax breaks will improve North Carolina's business environment, which will encourage economic growth and job creation.

Many will consider the veto override to be a major political defeat for Governor Perdue and a victory for the GOP. That may be true, but the real winner are the citizens of North Carolina.

Governor Perdue Vetoes GOP Budget

2011-06-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, June 12, Governor Perdue vetoed the Republican-led General Assembly's budget plan. This marks the first time in North Carolina history that a governor has vetoed a proposed budget.

Perdue's veto comes as a disappointment to those who were hoping see a more responsible state budget. To their credit, North Carolina Republicans worked hard to create a budget that cuts government spending, allows a temporary sales tax to expire, and does not raise taxes.

The budget that the GOP proposed was a positive step towards stabilizing North Carolina's economic future. It would help to bring down the cost of government while creating a better business environment for the private sector. Unfortunately, Perdue had a different view of the situation and decided to exercise her veto power.

Now that the budget has been vetoed, the General Assembly will attempt an override. Republicans have a veto-proof majority in the Senate, but are four votes short in the House. Five Democrats in the House voted with Republicans to pass the budget. In order for the veto override to be successful, Republicans will need at least four of those five Democrats to join them.

It is expected that the General Assembly will attempt a veto override in the next day or two.

N.C. House Gets Ready to Advance $19.6 Billion Budget

2011-06-04T16:45:00.000-07:00

The N.C. House is on the verge of sending a final version of the General Assembly's state budget to Governor Perdue.

The budget, which passed the Senate on Thursday before moving to the House, totals somewhere around $19.6 billion. It cuts state spending and allows a temporary sales tax to expire. It also allows an income tax surcharge to expire and exempts the first $50,000 of small business earnings from taxation.

Republican legislators claim that the budget is a responsible effort that will help to balance North Carolina's economic future. Democratic opponents of the bill, including Governor Perdue, claim that the cuts in the budget are too deep.

If the budget goes on to pass the House and ends up on Perdue's desk, it will then become a question of whether or not Perdue uses her veto power. If she vetoes the bill, there is a chance that the General Assembly could override her veto.

Republicans currently have a veto-proof majority in the Senate, but they are slightly short of a veto-proof majority in the House.

The House voted in favor of the budget by a vote of 73-44. All Republicans voted in favor of the budget and they were joined by five Democrats. In order to override a possible veto, Republicans would need at least four of those Democrats to join them in the override.

We will now have to wait and see what Perdue does. If she vetoes the bill, it is almost certain that the General Assembly will attempt an override.

Happy Memorial Day!

2011-05-30T07:21:00.001-07:00

This is a day when we commemorate those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. There is no way that we could enjoy freedom without the selfless sacrifice of those who gave their life serving our country. Please remember to thank a veteran for his or her service and let us remember those who gave their life in defense of our freedom.

Best wishes to you and your family for a happy and safe Memorial Day!

North Carolina Republicans Work to Reform Annexation Laws

2011-05-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

As it stands currently municipalities have the ability to annex unincorporated areas without the consent of those who live in the area that is being annexed. Many people feel that this is a breach of property rights and an abuse of government power. Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly, however, are working to restrain the government's ability to exercise forced annexation.

The Annexation Reform Act of 2011 (House Bill 845) would give property owners facing forced annexation a voice in the process. If passed, the bill would give people the ability to stop a proposed annexation by getting 60 percent of property owners to sign a protest petition. It would also require cities to provide water and sewer services to annexed property owners at no cost to the property owner.

This particular bill passed its second reading in the House on Thursday and is expected to pass a final reading on Monday. If it passes the House it will advance to the Senate where it is likely to face minimal opposition.

There is no question that forced annexation is a serious violation of property rights and personal liberty. Fortunately, our leaders in the General Assembly are taking the initiative to address the problems with North Carolina's annexation laws.

North Carolina Legislators Seek Public Input on Redistricting

2011-04-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended a public hearing on redistricting in Guilford County that was hosted by North Carolina Senator Bob Rucho (R- Mecklenburg). The purpose of the hearing was to allow private citizens to voice their opinions about the current redistricting process to members of the General Assembly. Each individual who chose to speak was given five minutes to do so.

Senator Bob Rucho, who presided over the meeting, is chairman of the Redistricting Committee in the NC Senate. Also present were several members of Guilford County's House and Senate delegation, including Representatives John Faircloth, Maggie Jeffus, Alma Adams, and Pricey Harrison. Senators Don Vaughan and Gladys Robinson were also present.

The prevailing sentiment among those who expressed their opinions was that legislative districts should be fair, legal, and apolitical. It was clear that some speakers were liberal and some were conservative, but almost everyone seemed to agree that politics shouldn't play a role in redistricting. Some speakers even made specific recommendations as to how certain districts should be reconfigured.

Due to the importance of the issue I felt compelled to sign up as a speaker. When it was my turn to speak, I contended that gerrymandering has played a role in how current districts are configured and that the General Assembly should cast aside any temptation to reconfigure districts based on partisan politics.

Also, I pointed out that we have six House districts in Guilford County and that not one of them is competitive. Districts 61 and 62 are so heavily Republican that they are uncompetitive. On the other hand, districts 57, 58, 59, and 60 are so heavily Democratic that it is nearly impossible for a Republican to compete in any of those districts.

This, of course, represents a fundamental problem because it takes competition out of the equation and creates "safe seats" for the incumbents. Unfortunately, this leads to a situation where voters have little choice over who they want their representatives to be.

I also pointed out that I ran for public office last year as a Republican in House District 57, which is heavily Democratic. Before attending the meeting last night, I called the Guilford County Board of Elections to confirm the breakdown of voter registration in District 57. I was informed that the district is 51 percent Democratic, 25 percent Republican, 23 percent unaffiliated, and less than two percent Libertarian.

While Republicans only make up 25 percent of voters in District 57, I was able to obtain 44 percent of the vote. This, I contended, indicates that I would have likely won the election if the numbers in the district were competitive.

Furthermore, I appealed to the General Assembly to draw districts that are fair and legal and competitive. I also asked that our elected officials follow state and federal guidelines when implementing the redistricting process.

At the hearing, Senator Rucho stated that the General Assembly is committed to configuring districts that are fair and legal and that all of the necessary guidelines will be followed. He asserted that the process will be done in a way that is efficient and transparent. Senator Rucho also stated that maps will become available for the public to see in late May or early June.

More than likely, the General Assembly will vote on a redistricting plan in June. If the plan passes the House and Senate, it will be submitted to the United States Justice Department for approval.

Legislators Debate Cell Phone Limits for Drivers

2011-03-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Members of the NC House are debating a bill that would increase restrictions on cell phone use for those behind the wheel. There is already a ban on young drivers from using cell phones and no one is allowed to text while driving. Some legislators, however, feel that current laws are insufficient and are pushing for further restrictions.

House Bill 31, which was introduced by Rep. Garland Pierce (D – Scotland), would make using a cell phone while driving illegal unless the driver is able to talk hands-free. (Using a wireless headset or a voice-activated phone would be permissible.)

Fines of $100 or more would be levied upon those who violate the law, but driver’s license points would not be imposed. Exceptions would be allowed for making emergency 911 calls and for law enforcement officers and rescue workers performing official duties.

Republicans Introduce Voter ID Legislation

2011-03-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

In an effort to protect against possible voter fraud, North Carolina Republicans are pushing legislation that would require citizens to present valid photo identification before voting.

The legislation, which was recently filed in the North Carolina House by three Republicans, would require voters to present one of eight valid photo ID cards. Valid forms of identification would include a driver's license, U.S. passport, and a new voter ID card that would be issued for free by county election boards.

Supporters of the legislation contend that voter fraud is a serious concern and requiring voters to show photo ID would protect the democratic process. Opponents argue that fraud is not a serious problem and the requirement will discourage people from voting who may not have a photo ID.

As far as public opinion is concerned, a recent Elon University Poll found that 76 percent of North Carolina citizens support photo ID requirements for voting.

In 2010, Republicans campaigned on promises to implement photo ID requirements for voting, and that is exactly what they are trying to do. There will be plenty of debate on the subject, but the legislation is likely to pass the House and go to the Senate for consideration.

Republicans Unable to Override Perdue's Veto

2011-03-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, North Carolina Republicans attempted to override Governor Perdue's veto of House Bill 2, which would have expressed a firm challenge to federal health care regulations. The Republican majority in the Senate had the votes to override the veto, but they were four votes short in the House.

House Republicans knew that it would be difficult to achieve the three-fifths majority required to override the veto. But given the importance of the issue, they thought that it was worth a try. When it was all said and done, all Republicans and one independent voted in favor of the override, while all Democrats voted against it.

Speaker of the House Thom Tillis (R - Mecklenburg) released the following statement in response to the General Assembly's inability to override the veto:

Friends,

This afternoon, we debated the VETO override for House Bill 2 (Protect Health Care Freedom Act). My House GOP colleagues knew we had an uphill battle, but we strongly believe that the Governor must not have the last word on our efforts to defend North Carolina from the overreach of the Federal Government.

Contrary to the contrived/official name, we believe the "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" will NOT protect more patients and we are absolutely convinced that it will NOT be affordable. In fact, we strongly believe OBAMAcare will create another fiscal crisis for our Great State. It is a job killing bill that is opposed by pro-business (read: job creating) organizations across North Carolina and the United States.

To say that I am disappointed with the loss of the override vote is an understatement. However, I am proud of my GOP colleagues who fought the good fight. We may have lost this battle but the war continues. We must educate the citizens of North Carolina, and we need your help. I hope you will continue to join us in future battles to protect the future of North Carolina.

Good Night and God Bless, Thom T.

Governor Perdue Vetoes Challenge to Health Care Law

2011-03-06T17:59:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 5, Governor Bev Perdue vetoed House Bill 2, which would have set forth a firm challenge to federal health care regulations.

If House Bill 2 were enacted into law, it would have exempted North Carolina citizens from the federal mandate for individuals to purchase health insurance. It also would have directed North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper to join other states in lawsuits challenging the federal health care law.

In an attempt to explain her veto, Perdue called the legislation "unconstitutional" and "ill-conceived." She went on to say that the General Assembly should not enact laws that conflict with federal law.

The Republican majority in the General Assembly will more than likely attempt to override Perdue's veto. Republicans on the Senate side have a veto-proof majority, so they will have no trouble overriding the veto. Republicans on the House side, however, will need to pick up at least four Democratic votes.

Spending Cap Legislation Introduced in North Carolina House

2011-03-02T16:10:00.000-08:00

Representative John Blust (R - Guilford) recently introduced a bill in the North Carolina House that would tie budget growth to inflation and population. The legislation (House Bill 188) is widely known as the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, or TABOR.

Blust, a Republican, has pushed for this kind of legislation for the better part of 10 years. But because Blust has been in the legislative minority, he was not able to get the legislation through the Democrat-controlled legislature. Now that Republicans are in the majority, however, Blust will likely have more success in getting the legislation to pass.

TABOR would limit the growth of the state budget by tying allowable spending to changes in inflation and population. This is a good thing, because it will help to keep the state budget under control and force politicians to be more accountable with taxpayer dollars.

If the bill ends up passing the General Assembly, it will go before the voters as a constitutional amendment. If approved by the voters, the amendment would require a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly in order for lawmaker's to exceed the spending limits.

If TABOR ends up becoming law, it will help to stabilize the financial future of North Carolina.

Republicans Work to Advance "Castle Doctrine"

2011-02-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

Republican lawmakers in North Carolina are working to advance legislation that would expand protections for individuals who use deadly force in threatening situations. Senate Bill 34, which is loosely referred to as the "Castle Doctrine," is currently being debated in the NC Senate and, if passed, will be sent to the House for consideration.

Republicans are pushing for passage of the law because they want to provide legal cover for individuals who use deadly force to defend themselves. Senator Andrew Brock (R - Mocksville) is the primary sponsor of the bill. The legislation receives its nickname from the notion that "a man's home is his castle and he has a right to defend it."

In essence, the Castle Doctrine would make it so lawful occupants of homes, businesses, and automobiles are presumed to be in fear of their life and justified in using deadly force against a person who is illegally breaking into a building or car. Therefore, the burden of proof would be shifted to the prosecutor instead of the victim in proving whether or not it was an act of self defense.

The legislation would also limit the "duty to retreat," making it so crime victims may stand their ground and use deadly force when they are being threatened.

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley is a Class Act

2011-02-24T06:41:00.000-08:00

I recently spent a few days in Columbia, SC. While I was there, I decided to pay a visit to the state capital building.

The South Carolina State House is the capital building for the state of South Carolina. It is a beautiful building with stunning architectural features. Construction on the building began in the mid-1800s, prior to the Civil War.

When I arrived at the state capital building, I walked upstairs to the lobby located between the House and Senate chambers. The South Carolina General Assembly is currently in session, so the room was full of lobbyist, reporters, and elected officials. I spent a few minutes sitting in the lounge area of the upstairs lobby, observing the activities.

After spending about an hour in the upstairs lobby, I walked downstairs to the main lobby. When I got there, I noticed that there was a press conference taking place. As I got closer, I was able to see that it was Governor Nikki Haley who was holding the press conference.

When the press conference was over, I was able to approach the governor as she was walking back to her office. I introduced myself and we had a brief conversation. She then gave me her autograph and took the time to take a picture with me.

Governor Haley was very cordial and gracious with her time. She has a warm personality and a professional demeanor. At the age 39, she is the youngest governor in the United States. She has had an impressive career thus far, and I have a feeling that it is only going to get better.

GOP Objects to Extension of Extra Sales Tax

2011-02-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Governor Bev Perdue introduced her budget proposal for the new fiscal year. It is a $19.9 billion budget that includes spending cuts along with the extension of a “temporary” sales tax increase. While Republican lawmakers applauded certain parts of the budget proposal, they are decisively against any effort to retain any part of a sales tax increase.

In the summer of 2009, Governor Perdue asked for and received a “temporary” 1-cent increase in the state sales tax. When asked why anyone should trust that the sales tax increase would be temporary, Perdue responded by saying, “Because I’m the governor.”

Now, less than two years later, Perdue is proposing a budget that extends three quarters (0.75 cent) of the 1-cent sales tax increase in an effort to generate revenue for the government. Republicans lawmakers, many of whom campaigned against tax increases, are not happy with the proposal.

Perdue also advocated a two percent cut in North Carolina’s corporate tax rate, which would bring the rate down to 4.9 percent. This would be a good move because lowering the corporate tax rate will create a better business environment and help to make North Carolina more competitive. Republican lawmakers, many of whom have spent years advocating for lower taxes, applauded the idea.

While Perdue’s budget doesn’t decrease any funding for classrooms and teachers, it does call for the government to cut funds for non-instructional services (such as janitors) within the public school system. Speaker of the House Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg) expressed concern over such a move, asserting that it would be unfair to shift the burden to local governments because they would be forced to either raise taxes or cut services.

Perdue’s budget also calls for the elimination of 10,000 state government positions. As many as 3,000 of those positions may currently be filled, making layoffs a near certainty.

Now that Perdue has released her budget ideas, Republican lawmakers in the GOP-controlled House and Senate will move forward with writing their own tax and spending plans. Once finished, these plans will be sent to Governor Perdue, who wields veto power over whatever the General Assembly may send her. This means that there is plenty of debate that will take place before a final budget goes into effect.

North Carolina Republicans Work to Reduce Government Regulations

2011-02-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Republicans in the North Carolina Senate are proposing legislation that would overhaul the regulatory powers of state government.

For starters, there is a bill in the Senate (SB 22) that would prohibit state agencies from imposing new regulations until a committee is put in place to oversee the process. And another bill (SJR 17) establishes the committee, which will be comprised of members of the House and Senate, to scrutinize the state regulatory process.

The committee would also travel the state to hear from business professionals and citizens on the effectiveness of existing regulations.

Both of these bills are expected to pass the Senate in the near future. In which case, they will be sent to the House for consideration.

This is good news for North Carolina because there is no question that excessive government regulations stand in the way of economic development. Putting a moratorium on new regulations and creating a special committee to scrutinize government regulations is exactly what we need.

Also, one of the best aspects of the proposed commission is the fact that it will be designed to hear input directly from our citizens. This is good because there is no doubt that our citizens can provide valuable insight as to what our government should do in terms of regulatory reform.

North Carolina Republicans Work to Remake Charter School System

2011-02-08T11:59:00.000-08:00

Republicans in the North Carolina Senate are working on legislation that would drastically change the way that charter schools operate. During the 2010 campaign season, Republican candidates promised to eliminate the existing cap on charter schools, which is currently set at 100. But the legislative measures pending in the Senate go beyond those promises.

For starters, Republicans want to change the state’s charter school law by creating a new state oversight board to oversee charter schools. This board would operate independently from the State Board of Education and the NC Department of Public Instruction. The measures would also increase public funding for charter schools and reduce current regulations, such as eliminating limits on how fast charter schools can grow enrollment.

These measures represent a positive shift in education policy in our State’s Capital. It is clear that our education system has room to improve, but expanding the role of government is not the answer. Supporting charter schools, on the other hand, will help to make education less bureaucratic and will give more flexibility to parents and teachers.

North Carolina House Passes Healthcare Protection Act

2011-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

On February 2nd, 2010 the North Carolina House of Representatives passed the “NC Healthcare Protection Act” (HB 2) by a vote of 66 to 50. The legislation protects North Carolina citizens from the federal mandate to buy health insurance set forth by the “Patient Protection and Affordability Act.” It also calls for North Carolina to join other states in lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the federal healthcare legislation.

This comes on the heels of U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s ruling that the federal healthcare bill is unconstitutional. In essence, Judge Vinson’s ruling asserted that Congress does not have the constitutional authority to mandate that individual citizens purchase health insurance.

Now that the bill has passed the House it will go to the Senate for consideration. Due to the Republican majority in the Senate, the bill is likely to pass there as well.

North Carolina Republicans Work to Pass Health Care Protection Act

2011-02-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Last week, the Judiciary Committee in the North Carolina House voted 23 to 16 to pass the North Carolina Health Care Protection Act. The bill has moved to the House floor for debate and will be voted on in the near future.

In short, the bill seeks to exempt North Carolinians from the individual mandate in President Obama’s health care plan that was signed into law in March of 2010.

Although it is currently being debated, the bill is expected to pass due to the fact that Republicans have the majority in the North Carolina House. More than likely, the bill will pass along partisan lines, with most Republicans voting in favor of the bill and most Democrats voting against it.

If the bill goes on to pass, it will be a positive step in the right direction for North Carolina.

God Bless Jack Lanne

2011-01-24T13:32:00.001-08:00

Jack Lalanne, the man who has long been hailed as the "godfather of fitness," died last Sunday at his home in California. His death was caused by respiratory failure due to pneumonia. He was 96 years old, and would have turned 97 in September.

This is very sad news to me. Jack Lalanne has been one of my inspirations for many years. I was hoping to have the chance to meet him someday.

Lalanne was born in 1914. He claimed that he was out of shape and addicted to sugar in his adolescent years. But in 1929, he was introduced to the benefits of exercising and maintaining a good diet. After that, he began a vigourous exercise regimen and developed a healthy diet.

Lalanne had a television show that lasted for more than 20 years where he promoted the virtues of physical fitness. He has also written several books and is famous for promoting his "Power Juicer" on infomercials.

But Lalanne is probably best known for the spectacular feats that he performed to celebrate his birthdays. Here are a few of the notable feats that Lalanne has performed:

Age 40: swam the entire length of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, underwater, with over 100 pounds of equipment.

Age 42: set a world record of 1,033 push-ups in 23 minutes on a television show with Art Baker.

Age 60: swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf, handcuffed and shackled, while towing a 1,000 pound boat.

Age 70: towed 70 rowboats one mile in Long Beach Harbour while handcuffed and shackled.

In addition to the amazing feats that he performed, Lalanne was also known for coming up with interesting quotations. Here are a few of my favorites:

"Your body is your slave; it works for you."

"If man makes it, don't eat it!"

"Anything in life is possible if you make it happen."

"Your waistline is your lifeline."

"Exercise is King and nutrition is Queen; put them together and you have a Kingdom."

"Don't exceed the feed limit."

"If it tastes good, spit it out."

"I can't die, it would ruin my image."

Lalanne would exercise for two hours a day, seven days a week. His workouts consisted of an hour and a half lifting weights, and 30 minutes of cardio exercise. He kept up with his exercise regimen even when he was in his nineties, claiming that he wanted to see how long he could keep it up. He also claimed to never have missed a workout since 1929.

Filled with passion and the desire to help people, Lalanne would constantly harp about the benefits of exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. He would travel the country and make speeches about how you can live longer and live better by taking care of yourself. He said that his goal was to help people help themselves.

When I first became aware of Jack Lalanne, I was extremely impressed with the energy and vitality that he displayed as he was advancing in age. Even into his nineties, he was able to do an impressive amount of push-ups and pull-ups. When I took notice of this, it inspired me to become dedicated to my exercise regimen and to maintain a balanced diet.

It is highly unfortunate that Jack Lalanne was struck with such a bad case of pneumonia. I had thought for certain that he would live well beyond 100, but pneumonia is a very dangerous illness. In fact, it has even been know to take the life of people who are in their twenties. Although Lalanne was in fantastic shape, he was still 96 years old and pneumonia can put a lot of stress on the body.

Jack Lalanne is an American icon and his legacy will live forever. The influence that he has had on the physical fitness industry is monumental. Lalanne has been and always will be a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

He said that he couldn't die because it would "wreck his image." It looks like that is the only thing he was wrong about.

No Plans to Run for City Council in 2011

2011-01-16T11:50:00.000-08:00

Over the past few weeks I have received encouragement from numerous folks to run for Greensboro City Council at-large in this year's municipal elections. I had never thought about running for a position on city council, but after several folks encouraged me to give it a shot, I decided to give the idea some consideration.

After thinking it over, however, I decided that I am not going to run for public office this year. Although I care a great deal the City of Greensboro, I am not yet ready to get back to the campaign trail. My focus in 2011 will be to keep an eye on elected officials and to support the candidates whom I believe are best suited to serve on city council.

Jordan Green of YES! Weekly contacted me a couple of weeks ago to ask if I had any intentions to run for city council. He said that he had heard through the grapevine that I may be throwing my hat into the ring. I told him that I had given the idea some thought, but I had ultimately decided against running for public office this year.

Running for public office in 2010 was a great experience and I wouldn't rule out another run in the future, but it won't be this year.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T21:04:00.001-08:00

Last week I had the privilege of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. In the process of doing this, I was able to witness the generosity that was demonstrated by so many folks as they walked past our station.

It was amazing to see the number of folks who stopped, opened their wallet, and pulled out cash to leave in the collection tin.

In watching these folks make contributions to the Salvation Army, I was reminded of how wonderful the Christmas season truly is. This is the time of year when spirits are lifted and joy is spread from person to person.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I have always enjoyed the decorations, the music, the movies, the plays, and the generosity that come along with the season. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends and the excitement of opening presents on Christmas day.

We don't always get snow on Christmas in North Carolina, but when we do, it is a beautiful sight.

So here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Be safe if you travel and enjoy the season!

What does President Obama really think about our current tax rates?

2010-12-11T08:36:00.000-08:00

As you may know, President Obama has been trying to work out a tax deal compromise with Republicans in Washington.

The deal is very simple: Obama has agreed to extend the current tax rates for two more years if Republicans agree to extend unemployment benefits. Obama has railed against the current tax rates for years, claiming that we need to raise taxes on those who make more than $250,000 per year. But apparently he has decided that he has to make a compromise with Republicans in order to get something done.

As you can imagine, this is a situation that can get very interesting in a very short period of time.

Many Democrats, including Speaker Pelosi and her followers in Congress, have rejected Obama's tax deal with Republicans. The Democrats want to extend unemployment benefits, but they are against extending the current tax rates because they want to see tax increases for "wealthy" Americans. (I'm not really sure what their definition of wealthy is.)

This means that Obama has had to begin the process of trying to persuade fellow Democrats to go along with his compromise with Republicans. In doing so, Obama said that his tax deal with Republicans has the "potential to create millions of jobs."

That's right: President Obama said that the extension of the current tax cuts enacted by the former Bush administration has the potential to create millions of jobs. If that's true, then why doesn't President Obama support making the current tax rates permanent?

It's a simple question.

Ron Paul to Chair Fed Oversight Committee

2010-12-10T12:09:00.000-08:00

Here is some good news: Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has been selected to chair the subcommittee that oversees the Federal Reserve.

Ron Paul's book "End the Fed" will give folks an idea of how Ron Paul feels about the Federal Reserve. (I strongly recommend reading this book if you have yet to do so.)

Now, more than ever, we need severe oversight of the Federal Reserve and it's actions. It's time to impose a swift and thorough audit of the Fed, and there is no one better than Congressman Paul to oversee the process.

Guilford County Republicans form a Conservative Watchdog Committee

2010-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Tony Wilkins, an active member of the Guilford County Republican Party, has founded and will chair a Conservative Watchdog Committee that will be actively involved in Greensboro City Council matters.

The committee's objectives are as follows:

•To monitor current City Council members votes that are related to conservative issues.

•To cordially relay our suggestions to council members before votes are taken on conservative issues.

•To recruit and evaluate City Council candidates before the November 2011 elections.

•To make recommendations to the Guilford County GOP as to which candidates we believe would serve in a conservative manner.

Wilkins contacted me and asked if I would like to serve on the committee; I told him that it would be my honor to do so.

Committee members are: Tony Wilkins/ Chair, Michael Picarelli/ Vice Chair, Bruce Wiley, Patrick Tillman, Jon Hardister, Kathy Hartsell, Nancy Bishop, Joanne Wittenborn, Pam Hanzaker, Keith Brown, and Kyle Suggs.

Each and every person who lives in Greensboro is affected by the decisions that are made by the City Council. That's why it's important for us to pay attention to the issues and to monitor the actions of the Greensboro City Council.

Hats off to Tony Wilkins for dedicating his time and energy to creating the Conservative Watchdog Committee. Forming such a committee was a great idea, and I'm honored to be a part of it. As always, I will keep you updated on what happens moving forward.

Republicans choose Thom Tillis for Speaker of the House

2010-11-22T12:12:00.001-08:00

Thom Tillis of Cornelius was recently chosen by Republicans to be the next Speaker of the North Carolina House. The nomination won't become official until the General Assembly reconvenes on January 26, when all members of the House will get to vote. But with Republicans having a 68-52 majority in the chamber, the nomination is a virtual lock.

There is no question that Thom is dedicated and focused on solving the problems that are facing North Carolina. As a matter of fact, Tillis left his job with IBM in 2009 to focus on the 2010 campaign season. He worked hard across the entire state to support numerous Republican House candidates, and put thousands of miles on his car in the process.

Tillis is a businessman who understands how economics are supposed to work. Even though he has only served two terms in the House, he has proven that he has the tenacity and character that it takes to be a leader. For these reasons, I am confident that Rep. Tillis will do an excellent job in serving as Speaker of the House.

Republicans also chose Paul "Skip" Stam of Apex to serve as the majority leader in the state House. Stam had also put his name in the running for Speaker of the House but didn't quite get enough votes for the nomination. From what I hear, the vote tally was fairly close.

Rep. Stam worked very hard throughout the 2010 campaign season to help Republicans gain the majority in the state House. In fact, Stam was one of the first elected officials that I contacted when I began thinking about running for public office. He was very encouraging and helpful in my efforts to launch my campaign for state House.

There is no question that "Skip" Stam is a dedicated public servant who has proven that he has leadership qualities. To that end, I'm confident that he will do a superb job in carrying out his role as the Republican majority leader in the state House.

As far as I'm concerned, selecting Thom Tillis to be speaker of the House and Paul Stam to be majority leader is a wise move. These two men have displayed a strong work ethic and a sincere commitment to conservative economic policies. I am confident that they will work hard and stay focused on solving the problems that we are facing in North Carolina.

Republicans Must Deliver on Campaign Promises

2010-11-15T07:28:00.000-08:00

There is no questions that the Republicans won big in the 2010 elections. In North Carolina, Republicans made history by taking control of the State House and State Senate for the first time since 1898. (No, that is not a typo; Republicans had not held the legislative majority in North Carolina in over 112 years.)

This is clearly good news for conservatives but there is a lot of work that needs to be done, and the work isn't going to be easy. Republicans have every reason to celebrate their recent victories, but they must quickly shift their focus to solving the problems that we are facing. The fact is, if Republicans drop the ball this time, they will pay the political consequences just as they did in 2006 and 2008.

In North Carolina, as in many other locations across the United States, Republicans campaigned on a platform of less government, less spending, and lower taxes. That was certainly the correct platform to run on. But now that Republicans have the legislative majority, they must put their words into action.

To be fair to Republicans, we should remember that we still have a Democratic Governor in North Carolina. This means that Republicans don't have complete flexibility on their legislative agenda. But controlling both chambers of the General Assembly will translate into a tremendous amount of power and influence, giving Republicans a great deal of leverage to implement changes in public policy.

Several weeks before the November election, the North Carolina Republican Party released a "10 Point Plan" to help North Carolina get back on track. Here is the plan:

1. Years of overspending by Democrats have given North Carolina the highest tax rates in the Southeast and a budget deficit of at least $3 billion; we will balance the State budget without raising tax rates.

2. High taxes are killing jobs. We will make our tax rates competitive with other states.

3. Pass The Healthcare Protection Act, exempting North Carolinians from the job-killing, liberty-restricting mandates of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obama-Care”).

4. Fight to protect jobs by keeping our Right to Work laws intact.

5. Reduce the regulatory burden on small business.

6. Fund education in the classroom, not the bureaucracy.

7. Eliminate the cap on charter schools.

8. Pass the Honest Election Act, requiring a valid photo ID to vote.

9. Pass the Eminent Domain constitutional amendment to protect private property rights.

10. End pay-to-play politics and restore honesty and integrity to state government.

Each of the points listed above make sense and should be implemented. If the Republicans are able to follow through on each of those priorities, I have no doubt that North Carolina will see a more prosperous future.

In order for this to happen, however, Republicans MUST stay true to the values and principles on which they ran their campaigns. They must work hard and remain focused on solving the problems that are facing North Carolina. The work is not going to be easy, but it must be done and it must be done correctly.

Donald Trump for President in 2012?

2010-11-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

One of my friends told me recently that Donald Trump is thinking about running for President in 2012. After doing some research, it turns out that my friend was right.

In a recent telephone interview with Fox News, Trump said, "For the first time in my life I'm actually thinking about it." He made it clear that he has deep concern about what's happening in the United States. When asked by Gretchen Wilson if he is really being serious about running for President, he said, "I'm totally being serious because I can't stand what's happening to the country."

If Donald Trump decides to throw his hat in the ring, he could be a serious contender. He has indicated that he is a Republican and that he would run on the Republican ticket. With all of his personal wealth, he could create a massive campaign network and spend a ton of money on advertising.

This could be very interesting to watch. If he decides to run, there is no doubt that he would take it seriously and put a lot of time, energy, and money into the endeavor.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not bringing this up because I support Donald Trump for President. There are many other Republicans who would make viable contenders for the White House should they choose to run. I'm just saying that if Donald Trump does decide to run, his personal wealth and celebrity status would have a lot of influence in the Republican Presidential Primary.

Keep an eye out for Donald Trump and don't be surprise if makes a move for the White House in 2012.

Thank you for your support!

2010-11-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

We may not have won the election for State House District 57 this time around, but we put up a good fight. The campaign was a lot of fun and I am humbled by the amount of support that I received. It was a great experience and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people along the way.

Unfortunately, the numbers in the district that I was running for were stacked against me. As far as voter registration is concerned, it is 58 percent Democrat, 29 percent Republican, and 13 percent Unaffiliated. That means that there are literally twice as many Democrats than Republicans in the district. When you consider these numbers, the fact that we were able to garner 44 percent of the vote is something to be very proud of.

When Democrats outnumber Republicans by a margin of two-to-one, it because an extremely difficult task for any Republican to get elected. That's why our elected officials need to focus on making electoral districts more competitive, rather than shaping them to favor a particular candidate or political party. In other words, we need to put an end to gerrymandering and create districts that are fair and apolitical.

Despite the numbers, however, I thought that we had a chance. That's why I worked hard and dedicated myself to the campaign. Unfortunately, the numbers that we were up against turned out to be extremely difficult to overcome.

At this point, I am upbeat and optimistic about our future. At the national level, the Republicans have taken the U.S. House and the Republicans gained seats in the U.S. Senate.

However, what has me the most optimistic is the fact that the Republicans have gained the majority in the North Carolina legislature for the first time in 112 years. Not only did we make history on election day, Republicans now have a chance to implement policies that will improve the economy and brighten the future of North Carolina.

Perhaps the most significant element of the recent elections in North Carolina is the fact that Republicans are going to control the redistricting process in 2011. This means that we can level the playing field by making districts more competitive. As I mentioned before, the numbers in D57 favor Democrats and make it very difficult for a Republican to compete there. But all of that is likely to change, now that we have a Republican majority in the State Legislature.

Someone asked me recently if I feel disappointed because I lost. I told them that there is no reason to be disappointed. We worked hard and gave it our best shot. At the end of the day, that's all you can do. There is no reason to feel down if you can look back and say that you tried your best.

Finally, I want to say how much I appreciate all of the support has been given to me. There is no way that I could have made it this far without the generous support that so many people offered to my campaign. It was a great experience and I'm proud of what we have accomplished.

We made an amazing amount of progress in the 2010 elections, but our work is far from over. Let's stay focused and keep moving forward so we can make more progress in 2012!

Property Rights Must Be Protected

2010-07-05T19:23:00.000-07:00

“The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management.”
- Thomas Jefferson

In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kelo versus The City of New London that local governments can exercise eminent domain to seize private property and then transfer it to a third party for private use. This is obviously an assault on private property rights and it's very disappointing that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in such a way. Since 2005, several states have amended their state constitutions to protect property rights.

North Carolina has yet to do so, although we are getting much closer.

Just recently, the NC House of Representatives voted to adopt HB 1659 - Eminent Domain. The bill amends the North Carolina Constitution to prohibit condemnation of private property for economic development and provides for the payment of just compensation with right of trial by jury in condemnation cases. HB 1659 was adopted by a vote of 106-9 and now goes to the NC Senate for consideration.

As a candidate for NC House, I can tell you that I am in full support of HB 1659 - Eminent Domain.

Pricey Harrison, my opponent for NC House District 57, was one of the “no” votes on HB 1659. She was one of only nine representatives in the entire house delegation to vote against the bill. This shows that Rep. Harrison does not support property rights.

No government body has the right to seize private property and turn it over to a third party for economic development. When there is a legitimate need for public use, just compensation must be provided with right of trial by jury. This is what HB 1659 calls for, which is why I support it.

Freedom and liberty are in big trouble when government can seize private property on a whim. We can’t allow the possibility for political and business cronies to literally force people out of their homes for economic gain.

This is a situation where we need to say "yes" to freedom and "no" to tyrannical government.

Happy Birthday, America!

2010-07-04T20:40:00.001-07:00

Tonight I went downtown in Greensboro to watch the 4th of July fireworks display with a couple of friends. We went to the top of a parking deck, where we were able to get a good view of the show. We were there to watch the fireworks that were being fired-off from the Grimsley High School football stadium and the Greensboro Grasshopper’s baseball stadium.

On the top level of the parking deck, which I believe was eight stories tall, we were able to see out over the horizon. The cool thing about this is the fact that we were able to see major firework displays that were taking place in surrounding cities, towns, and communities. From our vantage point, we were able to see major firework displays that were taking place in High Point, Winston Salem, Burlington, and Asheboro, among other areas. It was a very neat experience.

While I was watching the fireworks display, I began to think about how proud I am to be an American. I also thought about how thankful I am for all of the brave men and women who have fought to preserve our freedom. This nation would not exists without the service and sacrifice of those who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Also, while watching the fireworks tonight, I began to think about the Declaration of Independence. That sacred document, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776, summarizes the essence of freedom in America. Thanks to Thomas Jefferson for authoring such a beautiful proclamation of independence!

Happy Birthday, America. You are now 234 years old and your best years are still ahead!

Conservatives in Guilford County are getting mobilized for the election season.

2010-06-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I attended the Take Back America Picnic at Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro. The event was organized by Conservatives for Guilford County, a grassroots organization that promotes conservative principles. The purpose of the event was to bring people together who are concerned about the future of our country and to advocate conservative solutions to the problems that are country is being faced with.

According to some of the organizers, it is estimated that more than 250 people were at the event. The fact that a large number of people turned out despite the heat (it was above 90 degrees yesterday) indicates that there is growing frustration with government. All conservative candidates in Guilford County were invited to speak and to set up a campaign table. Rush Radio 94.5 as well as reporters from the Rhino Times and YES! Weekly were at the event.

The picnic was a lot of fun and it was a great pleasure to meet new people and to say hello to friends. It was also an honor to be given the opportunity to speak to the crowd. Thanks to everyone who attended the picnic and thanks to all of the volunteers who offered their time and energy to make the event a success.

Careful thought and consideration usually leads to better decisions being made.

2010-06-24T22:26:00.000-07:00

In my last blog entry, you may note that I was skeptical about the concept of eliminating the current $75 million cap on damages an oil company would have to pay in the event of a disaster. The reason that I was skeptical is because I feared that eliminating the cap could possibly lead to unintended consequences. Also, I felt that an issue of this magnitude needs to be thought about carefully before drawing conclusions.

As I made clear in my last blog entry, I am not a fan of knee-jerk decisions. When it comes to public policy, it’s important for elected officials to consider every available option before deciding which course of action to take.

Over the past few days I have done a good deal of research on this issue. I have also talked to friends, supporters, and voters to get their take on the subject. After spending time thinking this over, I have decided that eliminating the current liability cap for damages caused by an oil company is the best course of action.

How did I arrive at this conclusion?

First of all, eliminating the liability cap would be consistent with the libertarian political philosophy of free markets and capitalism. Thus, I don’t feel that the government should be in the business of protecting certain companies from possible liability. BP, as well as any other oil company that is responsible for an oil spill, should be held accountable for their actions.

Also, if the cap is lifted, oil companies will more than likely be extra careful with their drilling practices. This is obviously a good thing because it would lessen the risk of future oil disasters. It would also encourage oil companies to have more effective emergency response plans in place.

We should trust the judicial system to address and, if necessary, determine the liability of oil companies for damages. We should not rely on the government to regulate the amount in which an oil company can be held liable for a disaster. Instead, we should promote free market economic policies and rely on our judicial system to settle disputes in court.

Let me also say that most of the voters who I’ve talked to are in favor of eliminating the cap. While politicians such as myself should follow our conscience, it’s also important that we strongly consider the will of the people when making a decision.

When it comes to issues like this, our elected officials should take the time to do research, consult with experts, talk to the voters, and do some contemplating before making a final decision. That’s exactly what I’ve done here, and that’s what I will continue to do if I’m fortunate enough to be elected to the NC House of Representatives.

Lawmakers should consider unintended consequences.

2010-06-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

There is currently a bill in the NC House of Representatives that would eliminate the cap on liability damages caused by oil spills. The bill was introduced as a reaction to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

First of all, I understand the reasoning behind the idea of lifting the cap on damages a jury could award against a company that causes an oil spill. I can see where one may be concerned that if liability to a company for economic losses is limited, the taxpayers may get caught with paying for the balance. However, we have to bear in mind that lifting this cap may lead to major unintended consequences.

If this bill passes, it's possible that it would preclude the possibility of offshore drilling off the coast of North Carolina. This is because companies may no longer be able to afford to drill or explore for oil off the coast. Companies would either leave NC, avoid NC, or get an insurance policy that would cost the company through the roof. (The excessive cost for insurance, of course, would be passed to consumers).

If this were to happen, it would potentially harm existing business in NC that are involved in the oil industry and cause the price of gasoline to increase to levels that would have a deleterious effect on the economy. As you know, the last thing we need at this point is for our state to be pushed into a more precarious economic condition. That's why we need to slow down and think about what we're doing.

Rep. Pryor Gibson, an Anson County Democrat, has expressed concern about the bill. He was quoted on the Raleigh News & Observer web site as saying, "I think we're probably doing more than we know we're doing... I think it's too much too fast."

The current cap on damages of $75 million was put in place in 1989 in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill that occurred in Alaska. If we erase this cap, which is what this bill would do, there would likely be unintended consequences that could harm existing business, raise gas prices, hurt the economy, and hurt our citizens. Therefore, it's important that we consider every available option to determine what is best for our future.

For instance, instead of eliminating the cap, we could simply raise the cap. Due to the fact that the cap was put in place over 20 years ago, it wouldn't be impractical to raise the cap to keep up with the rate of inflation. (For example, we could raise the cap from $75 million to $100 million.) Exploring the possibility of raising the cap might be a more logical move than outright eliminating the cap.

Furthermore, this is a difficult situation but we have to stay calm and think about what we're doing. We can't panic and make knee-jerk decisions because doing so could end up leading to the creation of more problems. Members of the General Assembly should think long and hard about the potential for unintended consequences before voting on this bill.

Is government the cause of our problems?

2010-05-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

There is currently a lot of debate over what our government should do to address our current economic crisis. People are worried about the economy and they are worried about losing their job. Many people have already lost their job and are struggling to find work. Our economy is in a mess and has been for a long time, and our citizens are ready for something to be done about it.

So what should be done about it?

If you talk to a liberal/progressive you will likely hear something about more regulation, raising taxes, social justice, government bailouts, green jobs, and so forth.

If you talk to a conservative/libertarian you will likely hear something about less regulation, lower taxes, less spending, energy independence, more competition, free markets, etc.

The debate over how to recover the economy, in my opinion, is very simple. It comes down to one very simple question: Do you think that government is the solution to our problems or do you think that government is the cause of our problems?

In 1980, presidential candidate Ronald Reagan stated the following: "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problems, government is the problem." In my humble opinion, that statement was absolutely true 30 years ago and it is absolutely true today.

Our taxes are too high and there are too many taxes. Productivity is penalized because we have progressive income tax scales. Our government (both at the federal level and in North Carolina) has been spending too much money for far too long. There is also an excessive amount of governmental regulations that stand in the way of economic growth.

Our government has undertaken economic policies that are detrimental to the health of our economy. Therefore, I hold firm to the belief that government is the cause of our problems, not the solution to our problems.

Let's take a moment to look at our economic situation in North Carolina. Our income taxes are the ninth highest in the nation. Our gas tax is among the highest in the nation. Our beer tax is among the highest in the nation. Our sales tax is among the highest in the nation among states that also have an income tax.

And what do we get from all of this? Our unemployment rate in North Carolina is currently around 11 percent, which puts us in the top ten out of 50 states for the highest unemployment. Is it any coincidence that our taxes are among the highest in the nation and so is our unemployment rate? I don’t think so.

We are currently on a path that is unsustainable. We can't continue to spend money and grow government and attempt to balance our budget by raising taxes.

Let us not forget that the Democrat majority in North Carolina voted to raise taxes by $1 billion in 2009. This happened in the face of a severe economic recession when we needed to be cutting taxes, not raising them.

So what do we need to do in North Carolina in order to get our economy back on track? In simple terms, we need to get government out of the way and allow our citizens to be productive. In specific terms, here are a few things that we need to do in order to allow our economy to recover in a successful fashion:

ELIMINATE WASTEFUL SPENDING

When reducing the State budget we should target corporate subsidies, ear marks, discretionary spending, and excessive cost for entitlement programs. We also need to eliminate government programs/agencies that are better left to the private sector, such as the ABC Commission.

LOWER TAXES AND REFORM OUR SYSTEM OF TAXATION

We should eliminate our progressive income tax scale and go to a flat tax rate of around six percent. We should also cut corporate taxes in half because corporate taxes are passed to consumers. We should also lower or repeal excise or "sin" taxes because the government should not arbitrarily penalize products/behaviors that it doesn't like.

IMPLEMENT A TAXPAYER PROTECTION ACT

This would peg allowable spending with changes in inflation and population. In other words, spending can only increase at a rate that is proportionate to increases in population and inflation. For example, if population increases by five percent, then spending can only increase by five percent.

IMPLEMENT ZERO-BASED BUDGETING

This would keep politicians accountable with our money by way of a budget process that is transparent and simple. It would help to prevent the extension of government programs that are inefficient and financially wasteful.

REDUCE GOVERNMENTAL REGULATIONS ON SMALL BUSINESSES

Most of us are aware of how difficult it can be to start a business. Complying with all of the regulations can be very tedious, time-consuming, and financially harmful. This, or course, is a hindrance on the free market, slows economic growth, and stands in the way of job creation.

If we start by implementing the free market solutions that I have mentioned above, we will see a very positive change in our economic climate in North Carolina. Our economy will strengthen, jobs will be created, and there will be more economic opportunity available for our citizens.

It was over 200 years ago when Thomas Jefferson said, "My reading of history convinces me that bad government is a result of too much government." I will submit to you that this statement was true 200 years ago, and it is just as relevant and true when applied to modern times.