From Hickory Daily Record: McHenry Shares Perspective on Tax Cuts, Presidential Race

Congressman touches on several issues during media conference call

Hickory, Jan 19, 2008 – BY ANDREW MACKIE
RECORD STAFF WRITER
Saturday, January 19, 2008

HICKORY — U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry believes the president’s economic stimulus package is warranted, but more improvements would come from extending Bush’s tax cuts. He thinks a Democratic candidate will be favored to capture the White House. And regarding his own race, McHenry welcomes all challengers.

The two-term congressman held a media conference call Friday and touched on several topics.

Economic stimulus
McHenry says the stimulus will be rebate of $250 or $300 and similar to one implemented in 2001.

“Anytime we can give people back their money, I’m for it,” McHenry said. “This is a bill I can be for.”

Still, he says the best economic stimulus is to “control (government) spending and make tax cuts permanent. We can right our economic ship if we do that.”

The nation’s current economic woes come from the mortgage crisis and, specifically, the liquidity problem.

“The effects on Wall Street are hurting Main Street,” McHenry said.

McHenry fears Congress will overreach, harming residents who want to refinance their homes.

The congressman recently hosted a home mortgage seminar in Lenoir. Seventy people attended. A surprising fact is about half of residents who undergo foreclosures don’t ask for help.

“We want them to know the options they have,” McHenry said.

Congress also is working on a border security immigration bill. McHenry expects the bill will address “a dire need” for immigration reform. About 100 Republicans and 40 Democrats are signed on to the bill, he said.

Presidential election
McHenry calls the current presidential contest “fascinating.”

He has met with Fred Thompson, Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani. Fred Thompson must finish among the top two in South Carolina to stay alive, while Rudy Giuliani needs to win Florida, McHenry says.

McHenry won’t list a favorite candidate. He thinks Giuliani, John McCain or Romney have a near-equal chance to emerge with the nomination, with an outside chance for Mike Huckabee.

“It will be a dogfight for the nomination,” he said. “This could go into March and still be less than a clear picture going into the convention.”
He expects Hillary Clinton will win the Democratic nomination in a hard-fought race with Barack Obama.

Either Democrat will be an “absolute” favorite to win, McHenry said, given the nation’s history. Rarely does one party hold the White House for three consecutive terms.

“That’s the historical reality,” he said.

John Edwards is “already an also-ran” at this point, McHenry said.

He expects both eventual nominees to be stronger candidates by prevailing in the difficult contests.

His race
McHenry will face Republican competition from Lance Sigmon, an attorney and retired Air Force officer. Two Democratic challengers also plan to seek the seat. Hickory resident Daniel Johnson is also an attorney with a Navy background. Steve Ivester is a Hickory businessman.

McHenry welcomes the competition.

“I’m just staying focused on doing the things I’m elected to do. The more (challengers), the merrier. Everyone has the right to run for office.”
“Let’s have a debate on the issues. I’m happy to match my record against anyone. I’m going to continue to deliver on the promises that I’ve made. I’m proud of the work I’ve done.”