lumpkincharm's blog

I apologize for the tardiness of this post; Roy Carter wrote this last week. I have moved up to Virginia and am helping a man run for Congress up here, and I didn't have time to post this until now.

Here is Roy Carter's response to Virginia Foxx' Op-ed in the Winston-Salem Journal on her vote against SCHIP.

This week my opponent, Virginia Foxx, caste yet another callous vote against the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Almost as distasteful as her vote was her justification for it in this very newspaper.

Front-paged by A. Virginia Foxx turns my stomach. Anything I can do to help get her out of Congress, I will do with pleasure.

Yesterday's Wilkes News reports of Foxx's vote against a House Energy Bill that seeks energy independence by investing in alternative energy sources.

Plain and simple, Virginia Foxx is a disaster for our district. Her voting record is embarrassing, seen most recently in her vote against the child health insurance program. Because, however, her work ethic and name recognition are formidable, especially in a gerrymandered Republican district, it will take a lot to unseat her. Yet, a campaign gaining traction and momentum before the Democratic primary has a chance to capitalize on the widespread discontent within this district. Currently, only one man has stepped up to the plate: Roy Carter.

As promised (with encouragement from Ross Smith), here is the live blogging session for the NC-5 Democratic Issues Forum. Tonight we will feature possible candidates for the US House of Representatives. The forum is being held between 7-8:30pm at Wake Forest University. Thank you Wake Forest College Democrats for hosting this event!

Tonight guest speakers will include:
Ryan Eller - graduate student and officer of the United States Navy. Former President of the Student body of Appalachaian State University and Third Vice Chair of the Forsyth County Democratic Party

Ross Smith - Professor at Wake Forest University and Nationally recoginized Debate Chair. Founder of www.debatescoop.org.

Roger Kirkman - Participated in two Democratic Primaries. Born and raised here in Winston-Salem. Works currently at Winston-Salem State University.

Mark Glen - a self-described centrist. Owns and operates a local architecture firm.

Please submit questions to ask the panel.

After a long and hard campaign season, several activists within and throughout this congressional district are working towards victory for the 2008 election. This last election taught us that while big money donors are important, a strong party infrastructure is of utmost importance. Because of this, these activists are developing strategies to organize and mobilize our district for victory.

Part of this strategy will entail a district-wide blog to help centralize communication among willing participants. The 10th district started their blog, Pat Go Bye-Bye, and Darren Staley (crowbar317) and I are committed to a similar endeavour. Basically, we hope to do in this district what you all have done for the state!

I know that the election for US House of Representatives isn’t for another two years, but people in the 5th District are already mobilizing and organizing for victory. Virginia Foxx is a disaster for our district, seen especially in her antagonizing votes against a minimum wage increase and the recommendations of the 9/11 committee, among others. In this district, it is never too soon to start to campaign against her, for her name recognition and fundraising abilities are formidable. Among several potential candidates (more on this shortly), I am writing to introduce the blogosphere to Ryan Eller.

It is important to begin with Ryan’s youth and vitality. It would be shortsighted, however, to think his young age brings inexperience. He was brought up in a politically active family in Ashe County. His father participated in the cabinet for the Governor of Kentucky, and Ryan himself was a page for the Kentucky House and interned in the Governor’s office. He has spent the last eight years trying working in campaigns against Foxx, even participating in Roger Sharpe’s campaign against her this last fall. Ryan’s love for and connection to Northwest North Carolina are apparent, as he has advocated and worked for the economic development of the region.

Yesterday, the Winston-Salem Journal posted my Letter to the Editor (BlueNC was down on my end so I couldn't post it then). LTTE's are valuable assets for citizens to voice their concerns to the public at-large. I wanted to share my letter with you and give insight into the philosophical undertones of Roger Sharpe's campaign.

With my background in psychology and religion, I have come to understand that both fear and hope are strong motivating and mobilizing factors. These emotions help give us meaning and purpose and are guiding forces for our actions, beliefs and thoughts. Fear keeps us under our blanket each night, while hope gets us out of bed each day.

Rally for Roger Sharpe to be Held
Saturday, October 7th

On Saturday, October 7th, the Roger Sharpe for Congress campaign will hold a district-wide campaign rally. The rally will feature food, music, fellowship, and remarks from the candidate. Sharpe supporters from each of the twelve counties in the 5th congressional district are invited to attend and join in the fun. The rally will be held at the Vanhoy Farm and Camp Grounds in Union Grove, which is located off of Interstate 77 at exit 65 between Statesville and Elkin. Admission cost is $20 for dinner and music. Donations to the Sharpe campaign will be welcomed and appreciated. The gates will open at 3:00pm and music will begin at 4:00pm.

On Sunday, October 1, 2006, area voters are invited to show their support for Roger Sharpe’s 5th district congressional campaign by participating in a full day of activities in Winston-Salem. Organizers of "Roger Sharpe Day" events in Winston-Salem have planned three separate activities that appeal to different age groups, including family fun at the Dixie Classic Fair, an evening of jazz music with a silent auction, and a "Rock it for Roger" concert. Importantly, this is a time for all to come and meet Roger!

From 2:00-4:00pm, Roger Sharpe will visit the Dixie Classic Fair and will spend time talking with voting families from across the 5th congressional district.

From 5:00-7:00pm, the campaign will host Jazz and Cocktails at Speakeasy Jazz, located at 410 W. Fourth St. Ron Rudkin and friends will provide live jazz, and there will be a fabulous silent auction of local art and jewelry makers. Delicious hor d'oeuvres available. Cost of admission is $20.

From 8:00-11:00pm, join the campaign for a "Rock it for Roger" concert at The Garage, located at 110 W. Seventh St. The Solos, Even Odds, and Susan and Lee Terry of The Skellingtons will provide musical entertainment. Party games will include Pin the Tail on the Foxx and a Foxx Pinata. Winners will recieve rubberstamps. Casual Snacks will be available. Cost of admission is $10.

For more information on "Roger Sharpe Day" events, contact the Sharpe for Congress Campaign headquarters in Winston-Salem at 336-723-0421. To learn more about the Roger Sharpe for Congress campaign, visit our webpage.