2nd Congressional District of the North Carolina Republican Party
www.2ndNCGOP.com
 

2nd Congressional District Convention Highlights

'I'm going to beat Bobby Etheridge at his own game.'


 
(Click on photos to enlarge)
Dr. Ronnie Faulkner, left, reading the credentials report.
Don and Arlene DeJong, Franklin County delegates at convention.

Dan Mansell told fellow Republicans that he will beat Democrat Rep. Bobby Etheridge "at his own game" at the April 8 Second District GOP Convention held at Campbell University. Other candidates and elected officials stressed the need to get the Republican vote out during the November elections.
     

Second District GOP Chairman Joey Powell said the other 21 to 22 months Bob Etheridge votes liberal and that's why Dan Mansell must be elected. Powell said that turnout of the solid Republican core base is needed to win.


(Click to enlarge) Vice Chairman Joseph Avery, left, and Al Lytton, sitting on front row.

Vice Chairman Joseph Avery urged everyone to help elect Al Lytton to the state Senate and make the Second Congressional district number one by electing Dan Mansell.

"Dan Mansell is an attack dog," said Joseph Avery who introduced Mansell.


(Click to enlarge) Congressional candidate Dan Mansell speaks to Republicans with 2nd District Chairman Joey Powell.

"You have to believe," said Mansell. He added that "anything is possible" against Bobby Etheridge.

Mansell said that when Etheridge is back in the district, he's conservative, but back in Washington Etheridge votes liberal.

"Ladies and gentlemen, you deserve better than that," said Mansell.

Mansell stressed border security, improved education and to "hit head on" with energy resources. He said an open mind is needed for ideas and solutions.

If we do not secure the border it will send the wrong message, Mansell said. He said he will introduce legislation to erect a 30-foot high wall along the length of the border.

"Don't tell me a wall doesn't work. It does," said Mansell. Several countries have had or still have walls that have worked including the wall that separates South and North Korea, Mansell said.

Mansell said there are over 11 to 12 million illegals in our country and that a wall is needed to stop the illegal flow from continuing.

The United States spends more money on education than any other country, Mansell said. However, China, Germany, France and India excel in math and science, he said.

"The system's broke," and it's a monopoly in education, Mansell said. He supports vouchers because taxpayers should decide on where to send their children.

Mansell said ANWR (Arctic National Wildlife Refuge) must be open for drilling because gas will soar to three dollars per gallon by this summer.

Mansell supports technology for hydrogen-powered automobiles but it would take at least a decade to replace vehicles that use fossil fuel. Mansell wants at least one hydrogen pump at each gas station in the future.

More nuclear power plants are needed and we lag behind Europe, said Mansell.

"We have a major daunting task ahead of us. I'm going to beat Bobby Etheridge at his own game. I will talk about his issues and voting record," said Mansell. "I am a fiscal conservative: less government, not more government."

What I say to you today, I'll say tomorrow, said Mansell. "I will vote what's best for you."

"We need the vote," said Mansell. Turning out the voter base is important or we do not get elected, he said.

Former state Rep. Bobby Ray Hall said the Republicans cut taxes by one-billion dollars, but when the Democrats regained control of the Legislature they spent the billion dollars in reserve. Hall, who is a candidate for the 51st District, said he has never voted to increase taxes. He also supports a constitutional amendment for marriage between a man and a woman and will protect property rights.


(Click to enlarge) Finance Chairman Jason Lemons

Finance Chairman Jason Lemons said: "We're in Bobby's backyard."

On April 25, Lemons said Republicans are urged to attend a Republican rally supporting Dan Mansell at Howard's BBQ on 421 in Lillington. The barbecue restaurant is usually a stomping ground for Etheridge, Lemons said.

Also on May 12, Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry of the 10th District will campaign for Mansell.  And on June 10th there will be a 2nd Congressional District golf tournament in Clayton (more details later about both events).



(Click to enlarge) N.C. Young Republicans chairman Kathryn Atkinson

Also speaking at the convention was N.C. Young Republicans chairman Kathryn Atkinson who encouraged everyone to get more young Republicans active. Contact Kathryn at kathrynsatkinson2004@yahoo.com.

Also speaking at the convention was chief of staff Bill Peaslee with the North Carolina Republican Party.