Hayes for Congress

Hayes Earns "A" Rating from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America

2008-10-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

Organization Thanks Hayes for Leadership on Issues that Affect Veterans

For Immediate Release
October 8th, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America issued their 2008 Congressional Report Card on members of Congress. The annual report card is based on support for a range of issues facing new veterans, including veterans' health care, the new GI Bill, mental health, and support for homeless veterans. You can download the full Report Card by clicking here or viewing Hayes’ profile at http://iava.www.capwiz.com/bio/id/448&lvl=C&chamber=H.

Founded in June 2004, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.

"IAVA Action's 2008 Congressional Report Card recognizes those lawmakers who refused to compromise on the most important issues facing Iraq and Afghanistan veterans," said Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA).

"From passing a new GI Bill to increasing VA funding by over 10 billion dollars, the 110th Congress has made tremendous progress on behalf of America's newest generation of heroes. Over the last two years, Congressman Hayes has demonstrated that he is a great friend to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families. IAVA Action is proud to give Congressman Hayes an A and would like to thank him for his leadership on these critical issues."

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Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC Endorses Congressman Robin Hayes

2008-10-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release

October 7th, 2008

Contact: Steve Quain

704-795-2000

Hayes Lauded by Veterans Organization for "Strong Support of Veterans"

Concord, NC - Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) endorsed Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Political Action Committee (VFW-PAC) is the nation's only major Veterans Service Organization PAC. VFW-PAC represents over 2.2 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries, and their families.

"In addition to comments received from VFW leaders in [North Carolina], our endorsement is based on Congressman Hayes' strong support for veterans, national security/defense, and military personnel issues," said VFW-PAC Director Larry W. Rivers. "VFW-PAC endorses only those candidates for federal office who support our nations' veterans and stand in support of a strong national defense."

Hayes said he would continue working to protect veterans in Congress.

"It is truly an honor to have the support of the Veterans of Foreign Wars PAC," said Hayes. "Protecting our veterans is a top priority, and this year I was able to open two new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics that will provide easier access to health care for veterans in the 8th District. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to fight every day to ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the best possible equipment, training and health care benefits that they deserve."

Hayes has also earned endorsements from the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, Veterans for Freedom, the American Golf Star Mothers Association, the POW/MIA Grassroots Association, Vietnam Veterans of North Carolina, the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association, the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Right to Life, the North Carolina Troopers Association, Team America PAC, and the National Rifle Association.

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Robin Hayes pushes back against FDIC

2008-10-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Zagaroli
McClatchy Newspapers

Posted: Friday, Oct. 03, 2008

Rep. Robin Hayes sent a letter to the agency that insures consumers' bank deposits Friday asking why it is objecting to a deal between Wachovia and Wells Fargo.

The Concord Republican said he could understand opposition from Citigroup, which had hoped to acquire Wachovia in a deal arranged with assistance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., because "they got a great deal and they want to keep it."

"But for the life of me, I cannot understand why the FDIC would stand in the way of Wachovia entering into an agreement that seems better for their employees, shareholders, customers and the community around them," he said in the letter to FDIC Chairwoman Sheila Bair. "And since FDIC is not part of this merger, it would seem that it's better for the taxpayer as well."

Hayes said a merger of Citigroup and Wachovia announced Monday sounded like a "forced arrangement with FDIC in the middle."

Wachovia surprised Citigroup and just about everyone else with an announcement this morning that it had agreed to merge with Wells Fargo.

Bair said in a statement that it was reviewing "all proposals and working with the primary regulators of all three institutions to pursue a resolution that serves the public interest." She added: "The FDIC stands behind its previously announced agreement with Citigroup."

Rep. Mel Watt, a Charlotte Democrat who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, said he’d gotten few details or calls about the Wells Fargo deal. He said he hoped it would be resolved quickly between the parties without congressional involvement.

"It's hard for me to evaluate it at this point," he said. "That's for the shareholders and the management of Wachovia to evaluate."

Watt said he didn't know enough about how either deal would be structured to determine if taxpayers were more or less at risk with the Wells Fargo deal.

"Obviously there have been substantial intrusions by government in the private market already and we want to avoid as many of those as we can," he said. "We would prefer the private market work these things out without taxpayer exposure. But I don't know that the original plan does expose taxpayers, and I don’t know the new plan doesn't expose taxpayers."

Rep. Sue Myrick, a Charlotte Republican, said early Friday that she was pleased to hear about the Wachovia deal with Wells Fargo.

"It's very good for Wachovia and I think it's good for the region," she said. "I understand it's a much better price. It should help to keep retail banking in Charlotte I think."

National Rifle Association Endorses Robin Hayes for Congress

2008-10-01T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hayes Earns Coveted "A" Rating from Sportsmen and Gun Owners

For Immediate Release
October 1st, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund endorsed Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"On Behalf of our nearly four million members of the National Rifle Association, the NRA Political Victory Fund is proud to endorse Robin Hayes' candidacy for reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives in the eighth congressional district of North Carolina," said Charles H. Cunningham, Director of Federal Affairs for the NRA Political Victory Fund.

"During his tenure in the House, Robin Hayes consistently supported the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners and sportsmen demonstrating a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and our hunting heritage," said Cunningham. "Based on his solidly pro-gun/pro-hunting voting record in Congress, as well as his responses to our Federal candidate questionnaire, Robin Hayes has earned an 'A' rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF. We urge our members and all other gun owners and sportsmen in the eighth congressional district of North Carolina to vote for Congressman Hayes' reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives."

Hayes said he is 'honored' to have the support of the National Rifle Association.

"I am honored to have the support of an organization devoted to the protection of gun-owners rights and the 2nd Amendment," said Hayes. "This year, we won a major victory when the Supreme Court affirmed that there is a personal right to keep and bear arms for self defense. But there is still more work to be done, and I will continue to work hard in Congress to support the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding gun-owners, hunters, and sportsmen."

Hayes has also earned endorsements from the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, the National Right to Life, the North Carolina Troopers Association, the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition, Veterans for Freedom, Team America PAC, the American Golf Star Mothers Association, the POW/MIA Grassroots Association, Vietnam Veterans of North Carolina, and the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association.

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Hayes calls on FTC to investigate gas spike in NC

2008-09-15T10:11:00.000-07:00

Stanly News and Press
September 14, 2008

[Click Here for Link to Full Story]

Sunday, September 14, 2008 - WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) sent a letter Friday to the Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asking the agency to investigate the sudden spike in prices and to identify any wrongdoing.

"I understand there is a substantial hurricane in a sensitive area of the country, but this dramatic spike in gas prices is breathtaking," said Hayes.

"I have sent a letter to the FTC because they need to carefully look at this situation and identify any wrongdoing that may exist.

"This also proves the point that we need production of oil and gas in additional areas of our country so we are not so dependent on one area in the Gulf of Mexico. Lifting the ban on energy production in the Atlantic and Pacific coasts would spread our resources while increasing our domestic supply of oil and gas."

Congressman Hayes sends a letter to the Chairman of the FTC, asking for an investigation on the dramatic increase in gas prices:

"I am deeply concerned about the drastic increase in gasoline prices that are taking place today in North Carolina and the burden it places on consumers who are already plagued with high energy costs.

"As you know, there are two major pipelines that transport gasoline into North Carolina, and the pipelines are based in the Gulf of Mexico. As Hurricane Ike is expected to make landfall tonight, North Carolina consumers are experiencing shortages and there are reports of prices increasing by over $1 per gallon in one day.

"The massive increase in gas prices taking place is shocking, and I feel it places an extreme burden on my constituents who already suffer from the high cost of gasoline. I know the impending hurricane is a large threat to our state's gasoline supply, but in my opinion, this dramatic fluctuation of prices is unprecedented.

"Mr. Chairman, I urge you to investigate this matter immediately to determine why these drastic increases in gas prices are happening; to identify any possible wrongdoing; and to see what can be done to give relief to consumers.

Inside Politics: Kissell trailing Hayes in polls

2008-09-15T08:07:00.000-07:00

Fayetteville Observer
September 15, 2008

Inside Politics: Kissell trailing Hayes in polls

According to polls and at least one Washington politics newsletter, Democratic congressional candidate Larry Kissell is facing an unexpectedly uphill battle.

Two years ago, he nearly unseated U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, a Republican from Concord. Kissell lost by only 329 votes. The Democratic-majority 8th District includes parts of Fayetteville.

With higher gas prices, an unpopular president and growing dissatisfaction with the Iraq war, many Democrats thought Kissell would have a better chance this year at toppling the five-term incumbent.

But this time around, the high school teacher from Montgomery County continues to trail Hayes in the polls.

According to a Democratic-leaning Democracy Corps poll taken Aug. 20-29, Hayes leads Kissell 50 percent to 42 percent. Other polls show Hayes with smaller leads.

[Click Here for Full Article]

Tide in N.C. Shifts to Drilling

2008-09-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Anxiety about gas prices turns support for offshore oil exploration near state's coast into a political asset.

By Lisa Zagaroli
McClatchy Newspapers

Posted: Monday, Sep. 15, 2008

WASHINGTON - In the latest campaign ad opposing him, Democratic congressional candidate Larry Kissell looks like he's standing on a dark and lonely stage as he declares his opposition to oil drilling off the coast of North Carolina.

That would be an especially fitting backdrop these days for drilling opponents on the campaign trail and in the halls of Congress...

[Click here for Full Article]

More Information on expanded oil drilling:

The 1.7 billion acres of the Outer Continental Shelf, the continent's fringe of coastal waters, holds 60 percent of the nation's undiscovered oil and 40 percent of its natural gas, the federal Minerals Management Service estimates.

But 85 percent of the shelf is off-limits to exploration because of congressional and presidential bans.

The agency estimated last year that the East Coast holds 48 percent of the undiscovered natural gas and 21 percent of the oil. No active leases are now in place along the East Coast.

Roll Call: Kissell of Death?

2008-09-14T14:34:00.000-07:00

September 11, 2008

Kissell of Death?

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee this week began attempting to rescue high school teacher Larry Kissell (D), whose lackluster fundraising and free-spending ways have left his campaign account nearly barren with less than two months until his Election Day rematch with Rep. Robin Hayes (R-N.C.).

According to Federal Election Commission records, the DCCC on Tuesday purchased almost $120,000 in broadcast advertising touting its once highly touted candidate, the first independent- expenditure payment in an expected 9,000-plus-point advertising blitz that could cost the committee $1.6 million.

Kissell, who lost to Hayes by 329 votes in 2006 when he raised little money and had no help from national Democrats, initially set out to raise more than $1.2 million this cycle, according to his campaign. But as of July 1, the social studies teacher had raised just $676,000 and, despite not having a primary opponent, he had burned through two-thirds of his campaign cash, leaving his campaign with about $230,000 in the bank going into the homestretch.

In 2006, Kissell raised roughly $800,000 for the entire cycle.

Thomas Thacker, Kissell's spokesman, denied that his boss has been asleep at the switch this cycle when it comes to raising money. Thacker said the "fundraising is going well" and predicted that the campaign will post its best quarter yet when it files with the FEC on Oct. 15.

"You could always spend more money if you had it," Thacker said. "We'll never have as much money as Robin Hayes has, but we have the right candidate and the right message."

National Democrats remain publicly optimistic about Kissell's prospects for flipping the seat. Although the district gave majorities to President Bush in the past two White House elections, Democrats are hoping that a huge black turnout for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) in the presidential election this year elevates several candidates in North Carolina, including Kissell. The 8th district has a 27 percent black population.

North Carolina Democratic Party spokeswoman Kerra Bolton confirmed that state party officials expect Obama supporters will give Kissell a boost.

Bolton also said that Kissell’s campaign has "maintained their grass-roots focus."

A review of campaign finance records shows that Kissell's campaign walked away from the 2006 election in the red, down more than $56,000, including nearly $20,000 to Kissell himself, who'd spent $35,000 on his credit card to finance his bid.

During the summer of 2007, the DCCC hosted a fundraiser to help Kissell retire his personal debt, which his campaign has since repaid. The National Republican Congressional Committee cried foul over the debt repayment fundraiser, filing a complaint with the FEC.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) also has taken Kissell's campaign under her wing, sending out a fundraising e-mail for him this week as a prize for winning a DCCC grass-roots-organizing contest in July.

"As Speaker of the House, I can tell you that we need more Larry Kissells in Congress," Pelosi wrote in the mass e-mail sent on Kissell's behalf. "Larry is a real fighter for middle class families because he knows their challenges all too well."

Although pleased with the campaign's overall take, Thacker admitted that running a campaign in a geographically large, relatively poor district poses unique financial hurdles for candidates. Nearly one-third of the residents in Hayes' district are blue collar and 18 percent live below federal poverty levels- the third highest in the state- according to the Heartland Alliance, a national anti-poverty organization.

"Our message has broad appeal and you can see that who has supported the campaign," Thacker said. "The fact that we're such a rural district, that feeds into this somewhat. We're pleased with the support we're getting from D.C., across the country and that we're getting in North Carolina."

So far this cycle, Kissell has raised nearly 30 percent of his overall cash from out-of-state donors, according to CQ MoneyLine. His campaign also has raised more than $260,000 from labor unions and interest groups.

Thacker pushed back on suggestions that the campaign budgeted poorly or paid too much for political consultants and fundraising expenses, which have gobbled up more than $250,000 this cycle.

"We did not overspend to any degree," Thacker said. "Larry couldn't take six, eight or nine months off to start. From a resource standpoint, with the power of the incumbency, you're in such a hole to start with, the only thing you can do is work harder, longer."

And given his elevated status in the political world this cycle, Kissell also appears to be off his pace in raising money on ActBlue, the online fundraising clearinghouse for Democratic candidates. Kissell raised about $185,000 on the Web site in all of the previous cycle, but had raised only $154,000 through Wednesday- a trend Thacker expects to change.

"The closer you get [to the election], as people begin to focus on the race, focus on challengers, that money will turn late to us, as it did last time," he said.

But should it not, Thacker said Kissell's campaign is confident the DCCC will make good on its promises to continue to back the challenge to Hayes, who had about $1.2 million in cash at the end of the last reporting period but can likely expect little assistance from the National Republican Congressional Committee.

"The fundraising continues on a daily basis, but to know that the national party has made us a top-priority, targeted race," Thacker said, "they would not have made that commitment- and followed through on it to date- if they didn’t know that Larry Kissell was going to win."

Gas Price Jump Prompts Congressman Hayes To Investigate

2008-09-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Click Here to Watch WSOC TV News Story

Gas Price Jump Prompts Congressman Hayes To Investigate

POSTED: 4:37 pm EDT September 12, 2008
UPDATED: 6:42 pm EDT September 12, 2008

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Channel 9 contacted Congressman Robin Hayes and told him that local gas prices are jumping by the hour, now he is calling for a federal investigation.

U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes, (R) N.C. District 8, said "There's no excuse for it. There's no rationale. There's no justification."

Hayes sent this letter to the Federal Trade Commission demanding answers.

"There's no way that this should be used as an excuse to gouge people at the pump and that's the only thing that you can use to describe this," Hayes said.

In the meantime, Channel 9 has been asking questions of our own -- asking gas station owners to defend the hikes.

The head of one of Charlotte's biggest gas players, The Pantry, says refineries in the Gulf are shutting down.

That's making our prices spike more than other places and that people rushing to fill up doesn't help.

Pete Sodini of The Pantry says, "When you got a run on buying like yesterday, inventory can literally vaporize."

But he admits, if you see a dollar jump, that sounds like gouging.

"Yeah, sure as hell does," Sodini agrees.

Drive, Jerry Mills waited just one hour and says he ended up paying thirty cents more per gallon.

He thinks it is fishy.

We asked, "You think they're just ripping people off, gouging?"

"That's the way I feel," Mills says.

Hayes hopes to find out for sure.

North Carolina State Troopers Back Hayes for Congress

2008-09-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Law Enforcement Organization Praises Hayes for "Supporting Improvements to Public Safety

For Immediate Release
September 11th, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the North Carolina Troopers Association announced their support of Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The President of the North Carolina Troopers Association, Ron Crawford, issued a statement praising Hayes' support of law enforcement officers.

"We are extremely proud to announce the complete endorsement and support of Congressman Robin Hayes in the election," said Crawford. "Congressman Hayes is clearly the most qualified candidate. His record of supporting Troopers and police officers, of supporting improvements to public safety and for more effective law and order, is extraordinary."

"Our Troopers need a strong voice in Washington to lead efforts for legislation to promote Trooper and officer safety. The evidence demonstrates that Congressman Hayes is the most qualified to serve in Congress."

"Receiving the support of the North Carolina Troopers Association is a great honor," said Hayes. "These troopers put their lives on the line every time they go on a call. I will continue to work with our North Carolina Troopers to keep our roadways and communities safe."

On Monday, Hayes received the endorsement of the National Vietnam and Gulf War Veterans Coalition.

To find out more about the North Carolina Troopers Association, visit their website at http://www.nctoopers.org/.

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National Veterans Coalition Unanimously Endorses Hayes for Congress

2008-09-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition Praises Hayes for Efforts on Behalf of our Nation's Veterans

For Immediate Release
September 8th, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition announced their unanimous endorsement of Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition represents over 80 veterans' organizations and veterans' advocacy groups on behalf of over 250,000 veterans and their family members (over 2 million voters) nationwide. The coalition comprises many organizations, including:

the American Golf Star Mothers Association, the POW/MIA Grassroots Association, the Vietnam Veterans of North Carolina, and the Metrolina Vietnam Veterans Association.

"The Coalition Board was very impressed by the rating awarded to Congressman Robin Hayes by the Center for Security Policy and by his efforts on behalf of our nation's veterans," said Chairman John Molloy. "Consequently, the board unanimously agreed to endorse Congressman Hayes' re-election to the United States House of Representatives."

"We wish Congressman Hayes success in his campaign and look forward to his continued service as a member of the United States House of Representatives."

Hayes stated that he was honored to open two new Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) Clinics that will provide better access to health care for veterans all across the 8th District.

"I am honored and humbled to gain the support of the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition that takes brave measures everyday to protect our country," said Hayes. "Protecting our veterans is a top priority, and this year I had the distinct honor of opening two new CBOC facilities that will provide easier access to health care for veterans in the 8th District. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I will continue to fight every day to ensure that our men and women in uniform receive the best possible equipment, training and health care benefits that they deserve."

Hayes is running for his sixth term to represent North Carolina's Eighth Congressional District.

To find out more about the National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition visit their website at http://veterans-coalition.org/.

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Fayetteville Observer: School systems need help to expand for BRAC's bounty of students

2008-09-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

Classrooms

Our View: School systems need help to expand for BRAC's bounty of students.
9/2/2008

Cumberland County needs to build more schools. So do Hoke and Harnett. All of them need help.

Part of the reason is that they are growing counties, especially Harnett and Hoke. But in all three, there is more growth coming, and it's coming from a specific source: the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense. It is one of the burdens that comes with the great opportunity given to this region by the actions of the federal Base Closure and Realignment Commission, which is bringing thousands of new troops and civilian workers to Fort Bragg.

Some of those new people are here already, and many of them have children. Here in Cumberland County, there are about 900 more children this year alone because of military growth.

Many more are coming, especially in 2011, when the Army moves its Forces and Reserve commands here from Atlanta. That will increase the local school census by an estimated 7,000 students in the region, most of them in Harnett, Hoke and Cumberland counties.

This leads to the obvious public policy question: How do we find the money to build all the new schools we'll need? This county and our neighboring counties are already strapped. Our property taxes are on the high side, and our local wealth, while rising, isn't enough to absorb more big hits. How do we meet the need, and how do we do it so that all these new kids aren't spending most of their school years here in huts and trailers while they're waiting for the permanent new classrooms to be built?

Rep. Robin Hayes, the Concord Republican who represents part of this area in Congress, wants the federal government to pay for some of the education costs that BRAC is driving. He has filed a bill that would provide $500 million to build new schools in 28 growing military communities around the country. A good chunk of that money would come here, to serve the thousands of new students BRAC will bring here. Rep. Mike McIntyre, the Lumberton Democrat, is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

We hope that the entire North Carolina congressional delegation gets behind Hayes' bill. It's not a partisan matter, but rather one of great urgency for military communities around the country.

We're grateful for the community growth BRAC is bringing, but we need help serving all those new residents.

Making alternative energy with waste

2008-08-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Click here to view video...

The Tuckers say their project will also create jobs as well as helping make energy.

News 14
08/25/2008
By: Jennifer Moxley

STANLY COUNTY - As gas prices rise, many people are interested in learning more about alternative energy sources. Some engineers in Stanly County think they've found a way to create energy from trash or animal waste without the harmful byproducts.

"We gasify this organic material to make methane, and in the process we have a fuel that can be used like natural gas," said Richard Tucker of Tucker Engineering.

The machine, nicknamed Mabel, has zero emissions unlike most energy technologies. What is left over is carbon waste, a lightweight substance that is like a hollow rock.

It took the Tucker brothers and their volunteer team more than a year and more than a million dollars to make their invention. That's why they say politicians have to take a role in finding ways to create alternative and greener energy.

Congressman Robin Hayes visited the facility on Monday. He wants to set aside millions of dollars to help with the creation of new energy solutions.

"[We need energies] that make us independent of foreign oil and makes us exporters not only of various forms of energy but also of the vices, the products themselves which are complimentary to alternative and renewable sources of energy," he said.

The Tuckers say their project will also create jobs as well as helping make energy. They say they will hire about 70 people at the facility once they start mass producing the energy generators.

Robin Hayes with Mike Minter and Pat McCrory, Robin's Birthday Party

2008-08-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Democrat NASCAR Moment

2008-08-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

National Pro-Life Organization Backs Hayes for Congress

2008-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

For Immediate Release
August 20th, 2008
Contact: Steve Quain
704-795-2000

Concord, NC - Today the National Right to Life Political Action Committee endorsed Congressman Robin Hayes (NC-08) for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives.

"We commend [Congressman Robin Hayes] for his 100 percent pro-life voting record during the entire 110th Congress," said National Right to Life PAC Executive Director David O'Steen.

"We especially thank [him] for voting to deny certain federal funds to Planned Parenthood, which is the largest provider of abortion in the United States ... and voting to defend the pro-life 'Mexico City Policy,' which prevents U.S. funds from going to organizations that promote abortion in other countries."

"[Congressman Hayes] strong pro-life record has earned him the support of all voters who are concerned with the right to life and the protection of the most vulnerable members of the human family."

Congressman Hayes said he is 'honored' to have the support of the pro-life organization.

"I am humbled and honored to have the support of an organization devoted to the protection of all human life, born and unborn," said Hayes. "I look forward to continuing to fight in Congress for a pro life, pro family agenda."

Hayes is running for his sixth term to represent North Carolina's eighth congressional district.

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Military supplier's move here will bring jobs

2008-08-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

Military supplier's move here will bring jobs

By Jason Beck
Staff Writer, News-Journal
Raeford and Hoke County

The arrival of a military tactical equipment supplier could bring more than 100 new jobs to Hoke County.

Quantico Tactical Supply announced yesterday it is moving its corporate headquarters to Raeford. In addition, the company also plans on bringing a large distribution center to the area within a year.

Currently headquartered in Northern Virginia, the company supplies the military and private citizens with tactical gear, clothing and weapons.

Company President David Hensley announced the move to Hoke County yesterday during Rep. Robin Hayes' Eighth District Defense Economic Development and Trade Show at Fayetteville Technical Community College. Hensley said he plans on making Raeford an important part of the company.

"We are moving our corporate headquarters immediately and the distribution will follow," Hensley said. "I've spent the last four or five days down here looking at locations, I haven't signed a lease yet."

Hensley said one possible location for his temporary headquarters could be the old Ford dealership on Fayetteville Road, though he's not made the official decision. "We are looking into buying that, but haven't decided that," he said. "We know our temporary headquarters is going to be in the Raeford area."

He said the distribution center would be in either Hoke or Scotland County on the US 401 or NC 211 corridor.

Though Base Re-Alignment and Closure is cited for many recent economic developments in Hoke County, Hensley said he has other reasons for moving to the area. He already does business through Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and the naval air station at Cherry Point as well as other military bases across the country.

"North Virginia is an expensive place to do business... it's overcrowded," Hensley said. "I really came down for a couple of reasons."

"If we locate in Raeford we can draw from a good variety workforce in the surrounding areas," he said. "It just seemed natural... it's centrally located to all the military bases in the Southeast."

He also credited Congressman Hayes, who actually brought Hensley on a visit to Raeford and encouraged him to move to the 8th district.

"We promote the whole 8th district...they were looking for a lot of space," Hayes said yesterday. "We want to keep them coming."

The addition of another business means more jobs and tax base for Hoke County. Hensley said he'll need a variety of employees.

"Right off the bat we are re-locating a half dozen people down here," he said. "We are going to need buyers, customer service people, accounting people... across a wide spectrum of stuff we are going to need employees."

In the end, he expects 100-150 employees needed to run both the headquarters and the warehouse. Hensley has no desire to be an absentee business owner either. The 20-year veteran of the Marine Corps wants to move to Hoke County.

"I'm a big community person," he said. "I'm absolutely moving down. I registered my car on Friday so that makes me an official North Carolinian."

Hayes: US House approves $233 million for Bragg

2008-08-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hayes: US House approves $233 million for Bragg

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - A North Carolina congressman said military construction worth more than $233 million has been approved for Fort Bragg by the U.S. House.
Republican Rep. Robin Hayes said Friday the House approved the funding for construction at the post in the 2009 fiscal year. Hayes district includes Fort Bragg.

The funding bill still has to be approved by the Senate and signed by the President.
Hayes said the bill includes $150 million for a new Army Force Command headquarters to house a special operations command that is moving to Fort Bragg by 2011. The funding also will help expand special operations facilities.

Homeland Security grant to allow equipment upgrade

2008-07-27T20:28:00.000-07:00

Rockingham Fire Department will receive a $49,020 grant to purchase the latest in self-contained breathing apparatus.

Rep. Robin Hayes (R, NC-8) announced the Operations and Safety Grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants program.

“I am pleased to announce that the Rockingham Fire Department will receive this important funding,” Hayes said. “These firefighters put their lives on the line every time they go on a call,” He said. “While the firefighters will be the direct beneficiaries if this funding, all of he citizens of Richmond County are the true beneficiaries of this grant.”