nc-8: dems catch paul hackett fever

[WalterMitty]

robin hayes has a challenger.

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/news/columnists/tim_funk/12385641.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

[WalterMitty]

oh rats.  i realize you have to register to read that article.  here is the article from the charlotte observer:



Iraq vet likely to face Hayes
Potential challenger cites CAFTA vote as reason to run
TIM FUNK

Iraq vet likely to face Hayes Potential challenger cites CAFTA vote as reason to run An Iraq war veteran from Fayetteville says he'll probably run for the congressional seat now held by Rep. Robin Hayes, R-N.C., of Concord.

Democrat Tim Dunn, a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves, got back from Iraq late last year. A trial lawyer by profession, Dunn spent six months in Baghdad helping the Iraqi Special Tribunal investigate and begin prosecuting Saddam Hussein and other former Iraqi leaders on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"When I got back from Iraq, my intention was to go back ... But I feel now is the time for a different type of service," Dunn, 45, told the Observer over the weekend. "I am seriously interested in this race" to represent the 8th congressional district, which stretches from east Charlotte to Fort Bragg.

If Dunn jumps into the race, he would join a growing platoon of veterans from conflicts in Iraq or Afghanistan who are challenging GOP congressmen in 2006. Dunn said he'll make a decision in the next few weeks, but added, "I am a likely candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives."

National Democrats, eager to knock off Hayes after his vote switch helped save CAFTA, are excited about the prospect of a Dunn candidacy in a district home to more registered Democrats than registered Republicans.

And they cite Paul Hackett as proof Dunn could be a tough contender.

Hackett is the Iraq war veteran who, earlier this month, nearly won an open congressional seat in Cincinnati that had been in the "safe Republican" column for decades. He came close after criticizing President Bush's handling of the war.

Since then, the Democratic Party has been busy recruiting men in uniform to run for Congress. Roll Call, a Capitol Hill newspaper, has identified a trio of recent veterans running as Democrats in Virginia, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. Dunn would be number four.

Dunn, who has also helped train an Air Naval Gunfire company serve in Iraq, said he'd want to make the war an issue in the 2006 campaign -- along with homeland security and CAFTA.

"There are a lot of great people in Iraq. A lot of good things are going on there," he said. "But I have concerns (about the war), questions about policy and strategy. I can speak as one who's been on the ground."

Hayes, a leading member of the House Armed Services Committee, has been a strong supporter of the Bush administration's handling of the war. Earlier this year, he led the first congressional delegation to visit Iraq after the election of its new government.

In the interview with the Observer, Dunn took a political poke at Hayes for saying he would vote against CAFTA, then voting for it after a last-minute meeting with House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.

"I have a concern when our incumbent congressman told us how he was going to vote and then -- seemingly under political pressure -- changed his mind," Dunn said. "With the number of jobs lost in the 8th district -- especially in the textile industry -- I certainly think that will be an issue."

Hayes has said he changed his vote after receiving a pledge from Hastert and the Bush administration to do more for the textile industry. He's likely to claim credit if the White House negotiates a new treaty with China to reduce clothing imports.

Dunn ran for Congress once before. In 1996, he lost the Democratic nomination in the 7th congressional district to Mike McIntyre, who went on to win the open seat. With redistricting, Dunn's home had become part of the 8th district by 2002, when he briefly considered a run for Hayes' seat.

"It wasn't the right time," said Dunn, who is married and has three children, ages 16, 13 and 11.

If he runs this time, Dunn could face other Democrats who want a shot at Hayes. Other possible contenders in a Democratic primary: State Rep. Rick Glazier of Fayetteville and Charlotte attorney Chris Kouri, Hayes' 2002 opponent.

Though Hayes has been widely criticized for his CAFTA vote, the four-termer -- who turned 60 on Sunday -- will likely be a formidable opponent. He's already raised $436,110.

"Robin always knows he's facing a difficult race every year," said spokeswoman Carolyn Hern. "We'll wait and see who runs against him, and we will run our race accordingly."

[Moooooo]

Good for him.

[AuH2O]

I called this.

Every politically ambitious Iraq vet now feel they are qualified to run for office.

Hayes will smoke this clown.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Hayes will smoke this clown.

No chance. He's not exactly a popular rep (never has been), represents a competative district much of which has had a rough time economically of late... and he's voting opposite to what his district would like on trade votes at the moment. Should be a close 'un no matter who the Democrats pick actually.

[WalterMitty]

im not the biggest robin hayes fan in the state.  matter of fact, i voted for jim hunt over hayes in the 1996 governor's race.  but i agree with auh2o, i think hayes will defeat this guy.

one thing to keep in mind: hayes has deeeeeeeeep pockets.

[ATFFL]

Hayes has deep pockets, is bringing in money to the district, the CAFTA vote won't cost them a dollar (already gone), and was a Dem target last year and won by 11%.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

one thing to keep in mind: hayes has deeeeeeeeep pockets.

Why is why he hasn't lost yet

[AuH2O]

Also the NRCC has outraised their Democrat counterparts 2-1, has less debt, and had a particularly good July.

So in the event the race becomes real close, not only will Hayes have a financial advantage, but the national GOP can more than offset any Democratic fundraising efforts.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Elections are just determined by who can spend the most money you know (although the influence of money in politics is far, far too large).

...a couple of potentially competative House races turn safe every election year 'cos of money. Shame really. This might be one of them, although you never know.

[AuH2O]

I know, but this isn't a Democratic district to begin with. So the challenger isn't on super fertile ground and has less money to shape the context of the race. In that circumstance it's tough to win.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

I know, but this isn't a Democratic district to begin with.

Not really a GOP district either. Some good areas for both parties.