Independents for McHenry Announced

Hickory, Oct 24, 2008 – The McHenry for Congress campaign today announced the formation of a group calling themselves “Independents for McHenry.” Grady Conner of Newton will lead the group of 58 registered Independents from across the 10th District who support the reelection of Congressman Patrick McHenry.

“Patrick McHenry doesn’t care about party labels. If you’re trying to help Western North Carolina, Patrick will work with you to make it happen. But if your policies will hurt his constituents, Patrick will fight you every step of the way. He and I may not agree on every issue but I respect Patrick for always doing what’s right for our area,” Conner said.

Mr. Conner highlighted Congressman McHenry’s opposition to unfair trade deals as clear evidence of his commitment to serving the interests of his constituents. Patrick McHenry resisted intense pressure from leaders of his own party in voting against the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). McHenry was one of only 27 Republicans to do so.

Unfair trade deals have decimated the economy of Western North Carolina, sending good jobs overseas. To cope with job losses, Patrick McHenry has repeatedly voted to extend unemployment benefits and expand the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which is providing support and training to displaced workers.

Debra Haney of Lenoir noted the outstanding constituent services that have become a trademark of Patrick McHenry’s public service. In only four years, Congressman McHenry and his staff have provided assistance to over 10,000 constituents dealing with the federal government, commonly with issues related to Social Security and Veterans Affairs.

“As long as I have known Patrick, serving the needs of his constituents has always been a top priority. Folks in Western North Carolina know that Patrick will do all that he can to help them with the frustrating chore of dealing with the bureaucracy in Washington,” said Debra Haney.

Below please find the current members of Independents for McHenry.

Grady W. Conner, Newton, Chairman of Independents for McHenry

Mayor Jennifer Stultz, Gastonia

Ramona Bell, Forest City

Tommy Bentley, Lenoir

Nell Bowles, Mooresville

Karen Bolick, Hickory

Donald Brewer, Lenoir

Mauro Capobianco, Hickory

David Cole, Hickory

Nolan Cornett, Union Mills

Dorene Cornett, Union Mills

Kenneth Crotts, Shelby

Betty Crump, Lenoir

Doris Daves, Bostic

David Eurey, Lincolnton

Tim Ferguson, Mooresville

Colleen Ferguson, Mooresville

Phil Goudreault, Mooresville

Larry Gregory, Mooresville

Martha Guill, Gastonia

Debra Haney, Lenoir

Nancy Hart, Gastonia

Jim Haskins, Mooresville

Doyle Hatfield, Shelby

David Hodgkins, Cherryville

Albert Homesley, Cherryville

Tommy Houston, Morganton

Dora Hoyle, Lenoir

Jerry Hoyle, Lenoir

Catrina Jarrett, Newton

Charles Marlow, Shelby

Roy McGalliard, Morganton

Chelsea Miller, Conover

Bobby Mitchell, Mooresville

Diane Moore, Spruce Pine

Sarah Parker, Connelly Springs

Doris Pitman, Granite Falls

Barbara Pitts, Hudson

Garry Poteet, Drexel

Tracy Ropp, Shelby

Billie Sellers, Kings Mountain

Michael Shelton, Lincolnton

Lisa Shuffler, Connellys Springs

George Slaght, Morganton

Mary Ida Slaght, Morganton

Juline Smith, Mooresville

Billy Stroupe, Jr., Cherryville

Steven Sutherland, Kings Mountain

Lori Sutherland, Kings Mountain

Marsha Teague, Hickory

Blanche Teele, Shelby

Jean Turner, Lenoir

Alfred Waugh, Statesville

Wendy Wenger, Mooresville

Christopher Wesson, Newton

Jeff Wesson, Newton

Lois White, Newton

Joyce Ann White, Rutherfordton

Chester Willis, Spruce Pine