McHenry Given Award by American Conservative Union

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) has been given the American Conservative Union’s (ACU) “Defender of Liberty” award in recognition of his strong commitment to conservative principles. The ACU gave Rep. McHenry a 100% rating for 2009. Earlier this year the National Journal rated him the most conservative member of Congress from North Carolina and the 17th most conservative Representative in the country.

“The people of Western North Carolina elected me to fight for conservative values, and that’s exactly what I have done,” said McHenry. “Folks back home are counting on me to defend the Constitution, support limited government, fight for lower taxes and help small businesses create jobs.”

Congressman McHenry chairs the House Conservatives Fund, which works to support conservative candidates for Congress. Since taking office in 2005, he has consistently been ranked as one of the top conservative leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This Defender of Liberty award is a reflection of Representative Patrick McHenry’s outstanding record in support of conservative principles on a wide range of issues of concern to grass roots conservatives in 2009 and someone to whom conservatives can turn to for leadership. At a challenging time when the fundamental principles on which the American system of government are being challenged, Representative Patrick McHenry stands with those who are trying to preserve those principles,” said American Conservative Union Chairman David Keene.

ACU is America’s oldest and largest grassroots conservative organization. For 38 years, its annual ratings have been widely regarded as the “gold standard,” the definitive conservative assessment of the federal legislative branch.

Transcript of McHenry Victory Speech

“Because of your help and your hard work, we won a very decisive victory tonight in the most crowded electoral field we’ve had since 2004!

Now the results won’t be final until later tonight, but with ­nearly all of the precincts counted, we are winning with about _______ percent of the vote against three opponents!

And I want to say something tonight to my opponents that has become increasingly hard to say in politics these days:  thank you for offering yourself for public office and for running a clean campaign. 

I want to thank you for being here tonight… for your support  … for your votes…and for your prayers.  I’m grateful, thankful, and humbled.

When I travel around the district, the thing I hear most from people is “keep fighting for us, Patrick.”  I hear you; I listen to you … I’ll be your voice … and I’ll continue fighting for you. 

Western North Carolina families are struggling right now.  Our neighbors need jobs.  We’re sick of the bailouts, frustrated by higher taxes and endless spending.  We’re disturbed by the policies of the current regime in Washington.

We’re not discouraged, though.  Our people are hardworking and capable.  And with the right people in office, we can get government out of the way and the economy moving again.  We can balance the budget without raising taxes.  We can create jobs by helping small businesses and stopping the bailouts.  We can improve education.  We can repeal this horrible health care bill – and replace it with policies the American people actually support. 

And in November we can make it happen … And November can’t come fast enough! 

But to make this happen, we have to work together …  

I am proud to be on the ballot with Senator Richard Burr.  Richard is one of the Senate’s true conservative voices and I’m proud to call him my Senator and my friend.  He serves us well, has excellent constituent service and he’s a solid conservative – but he will still need our help.  The Washington Democrats will see this seat as their only possible pickup so we must do everything we can to help.

Well, November 2^nd is important – but the next date I’m focused on is June 5^th … that’s the day Giulia and I are getting married!  And for those who haven’t met her, this is my fiancée Giulia. 

Along with Giulia, I want to thank my sisters and brothers and all my family who have been there for me every step of the way.  And I’m grateful for the best campaign & congressional staff anyone could ask for. 

Again, thank you for your support and the opportunity to serve; it means the world to Giulia & me. Together, we will celebrate again in November!  God bless.”

Dear Friends:

With only 72 hours left until the Primary, I am quickly approaching a crucial fundraising deadline for my campaign.  My opponents are both well-funded, each putting over $250,000 of their own personal money into their campaign coffers to defeat me.

I must make sure that I get my conservative message out to the voters of the 10th District.  I’ve been making phone calls and knocking on doors, but I can’t do it alone.  Please click here to make a gift of $1000, $500, $100, or even $50.

Now more than ever, we need strong, conservative leadership.  I’m proud of my record and will continue to fight for the values we hold dear. We must come together on Tuesday, May 4th and elect true conservatives- conservatives who will stand up to Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi’s liberal agenda.  Please click here to donate today today and help me continue to fight for the hard working citizens of Western North Carolina.

Thank you for your support and I would appreciate your vote on Tuesday, May 4th.

God Bless,

Patrick

The Miami Herald

Local Leaders support McHenry in Republican Primary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Contact: Ryan Minto April 26^th, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006

Shelby, NC – Congressman Patrick McHenry announced his Cleveland County Steering Committee today, a group of local leaders who have endorsed him for re-election.  McHenry’s former colleague in the NC House of Representatives, Tim Moore, will serve as chairman.

When asked why he was committed to seeing Congressman McHenry re-elected, Rep. Moore responded by saying that he knows from experience how hard it is to be a member of the minority party.  “We were in the minority when Patrick and I served together in the State House.  Even though we didn’t always have the votes, Patrick fought hard for what he knew was right.  I respect his work ethic and commitment to our core conservative values.”

Congressman McHenry added that he was pleased to have such great supporters in Cleveland County.  “Having folks like Tim Moore and Debbie Clary support my campaign for re-election in Cleveland County means so much.  They are leaders in this state who have continued to fight for what’s right in Raleigh, just like I’ve worked to fight for the people of Western North Carolina while in Washington,” he said.

The 10^th Congressional District includes all of Cleveland County.  In the 2008 Republican Primary, Congressman McHenry received an impressive 85% of the vote in Cleveland County.

Steering Committee Members Include:

Representative Tim Moore, North Carolina House of Representatives

Senator Debbie Clary, North Carolina Senate

The Honorable John Weatherly, Former Member of the North Carolina House of Representatives

The Honorable Ronnie Hawkins, Cleveland County Commissioner

The Honorable Johnny Hutchins, Cleveland County Commissioner

Mayor Ted Alexander, Mayor of Shelby

The Honorable Mike Philbeck, Former Mayor of Shelby

The Honorable Jerry Mullinax, Former Kings Mountain City Councilman

Mr. Dan Ayscue, Kings Mountain Business Leader

Mrs. Kathy Livsie, Former Cleveland County GOP Chairman

Mr. Jason Falls, Former Cleveland County GOP Chairman

Ms. Annie Duncan, Former Gardner-Webb College Republicans Chairman

Mr. Ken Bagby, President of Cleveland Vocational Industries

Mrs. Jill Bagby, Cleveland County Community Activist

Mr. and Mrs. Jerry and Nannette Bumbaugh, Cleveland County GOP Activists

National Rifle Association Endorses McHenry

NRA applauds McHenry for ‘proven and consistent commitment to Second Amendment rights.’

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    Contact: Ryan Minto April 18^th, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006

Hickory, NC – The National Rifle Association (NRA) Political Victory Fund has announced their endorsement of Congressman Patrick McHenry for re-election in North Carolina’s 10^th Congressional District.  The NRA has awarded Congressman McHenry with an “A” rating for his pro Second Amendment voting record. 

In a letter to Congressman McHenry, Charles Cunningham of the NRA wrote, “As a Member of Congress, you have demonstrated a proven and consistent commitment to Second Amendment rights by voting for legislation enacted into law to curb bogus law suits against gun manufacturers and to prohibit gun confiscation during states of emergency.  You have also helped to restore self-defense rights in our nation’s capital by cosponsoring and voting for the D.C. Personal Protection Act and the Second Amendment Enforcement Act, as well as signing the pro-gun amicus brief to the Supreme Court supporting our individual Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Heller case.  Most recently you signed the pro-gun congressional amicus brief that the Second Amendment applies to state and local governments in the McDonald case now before the Supreme Court.  Again, thank you for your unwavering support for North Carolina’s gun owners, hunters and shooters.”

“As your representative, I will defend the rights of law abiding citizens to purchase, use, and keep personal firearms. Gun control laws only endanger honest citizens. Criminals will not be deterred by additional rules and regulations preventing the right to bear arms,” Congressman McHenry stated in response to the endorsement.

He continued by saying, “I will vigorously oppose measures to register firearms with law enforcement or government agencies. History demonstrates that registration is the first step to confiscation.”

 The NRA currently has over four million members.  McHenry has earned an “A” rating every year since taking office.

 #                                             #                                             #

With early voting underway, Congressman McHenry votes in Gaston County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Ryan Minto
April 15th, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006

Dallas, NC – Congressman Patrick McHenry decided to waste no time in casting his vote in this year’s Republican Primary election.  Joining other Gaston County residents today in exercising their right to vote at the Gaston Citizens Resource Center, the Congressman stressed how important early voting has become.

“In 2008, Republicans lost to Barack Obama and Beverly Perdue because Democrats pushed their voters to the polls early.  We need to work hard to get Republicans to the polls early so that never happens again,” McHenry stated.

He continued by saying, “We have two weeks to vote early, so there shouldn’t be any excuse not to vote.  Take your friends and family with you as well and make sure they have their voices heard.  I took the opportunity to do so myself today.”

Check below for your County Board of Elections phone number to find out about an early voting location near you.

Avery:  828-733-8282
Burke:  828-433-1703
Caldwell:  828-757-1326
Catawba:  828-464-2424
Cleveland:  704-484-4858
Gaston:  704-852-6005
Iredell:  704-878-3140
Lincoln:  704-736-8480
Mitchell:  828-688-3101
Rutherford:  828-287-6030

Congressman Patrick McHenry stands with one of his election signs after casting his vote early in the Republican Primary.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Ryan Minto
April 15th, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006
 
Forest City, NC – With early voting now underway, Congressman Patrick McHenry continues to receive strong support across Western North Carolina.   In Rutherford County today, a group of community leaders have committed to seeing him re-elected.
 
Former Rutherford County Sheriff Philip Byers will lead the group of current and former elected officials, business, and community leaders who want to see Patrick McHenry re-elected.  “Since being elected, Patrick has always been accessible to the people of Rutherford County.  We’re incredibly proud of the way he’s represented us and we are excited to help get him re-elected,” Mr. Byers commented.
 
 “The best part of representing Western North Carolina is the people that I get to work with day in and day out.  Philip Byers and his family are devoted to improving Rutherford County.  Working with the Maimone family and others, they have truly helped to provide a quality education for thousands of young people.  I’m honored to have their support and look forward to continue working hard for the people of Rutherford County,” McHenry said.
 
The 10th Congressional District covers all but the southwest corner of Rutherford County.  In the 2008 Republican Primary, Congressman McHenry received an astounding 86% of the vote in Rutherford County.
 
Steering Committee Members Include:
 
The Honorable Philip Byers, Former Rutherford County Sheriff
 
Mrs. Sheila Byers, Former Rutherford County GOP Chairman
 
Senator Debbie Clary, North Carolina State Senator
 
Mayor Dennis Tarleton, Mayor of Forest City
 
Mayor Bob Keith & Mrs. Pam Keith, Mayor of Lake Lure
 
The Honorable Robynn Spence, Rutherford County Clerk of Court
 
Mr. Joe Maimone, Headmaster of Thomas Jefferson Classical School
 
Mr. Joseph Maimone, Former Chairman of Rutherford Young Republicans
 
The Honorable Tony Helton, Former Rutherford County Commissioner
 
The Honorable Amy Jenkins, Former Rutherford County Commissioner
 
Mr. George Byers, Ellenboro Community Leader
 
Lisa and David Philbeck, Ellenboro Community Activists
 
The Honorable Dick MacCallum & Mrs. Joan McCallum, Former GOP Chairman & Former Lake Lure Town Commissioner
 
Mr. George Ronan, Rutherford County GOP Activist
 
Russ & Lynn Pitts, Former Lake Lure Town Commissioner
 
Mr. Jordan Barnes, Rutherford County GOP Activist
 
Mr. Mike Rhyne, Ellenboro Town Alderman
 
Mike Roberts, Physician
 
Linda Roberts, Community Activist

Top community leaders support McHenry for Congress

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Contact: Ryan Minto April 12, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006

Newland, NC – Congressman Patrick McHenry announced the support of leaders from across Avery County today.  “I’m proud to have such a great group of folks willing to sign on to my steering committee in Avery County.  Their commitment to their community has helped shape Avery County and make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” McHenry said.

Sheriff Kevin Frye will again head up the committee as its Chairman.  “I am very pleased that Congressman McHenry is a voice for conservative values that match the values of Avery County.  He has surpassed my expectations on being accessible and meeting the needs of the people of Avery County whenever possible,” Sheriff Frye stated.

“Sheriff Frye has been successful in fulfilling the number one role of government, to protect the people.  Because of him, Avery County is a safe place where families can raise their children up right with values that we all hold dear.  I am also thankful to have the support of other county government leaders and community leaders like Tommy Burleson.  We couldn’t have a better team in place,” commented Congressman McHenry.

Congressman McHenry represents all of Avery County.  He won over 70% of the vote in Avery County in 2008.

Steering Committee members include:

Sheriff Kevin Frye, Avery County Sheriff

Commissioner Kenny Poteat, Avery County Commission Chairman

Commissioner Phyllis Forbes, Avery County Commission

Commissioner Glenn Johnson, Avery County Commission

The Honorable Tamela Baker-Buchanan, Avery County Register of Deeds

Mayor Valerie Jaynes, Mayor of Newland

Mayor Deka Tate, Mayor of Banner Elk

The Honorable Bud Hahn, Banner Elk Councilman

Mr. Bill Close, Avery Construction Business Owner

Mr. James B. Perry, Avery County Real Estate Broker

Mr. Daryl Smith, Avery County Business Owner

Mr. Tommy Burleson, Avery County Community Leader

Mr. Joe Seegers, Former GOP 10^TH District Chairman

Mr. Josh Stapleton, Avery County Community Activist

Mrs. Teresa Shadoin, Avery County Community Activist

Leaders across Mitchell County dedicate support.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                 Contact: Ryan Minto April 8, 2010                                                                                        828-441-2006

Spruce Pine, NC- Congressman Patrick McHenry announced today the support of public and private sector leaders throughout Mitchell County for his for re-election bid.  “I’m glad so many folks in Mitchell County think I’m doing a good job representing them.  The support of all of the county commissioners, the mayors of Spruce Pine and Bakersville and so many other citizens really means a lot both to me personally and to my campaign,” McHenry commented.

Spruce Pine Mayor Ralph Hise will serve as the chairman of the steering committee and says he is dedicated to seeing a strong conservative leader like Congressman McHenry get re-elected.  “Congressman McHenry has done what he said he would do. He made sure that his staff had an office in Spruce Pine to serve the people here and they have done a great job.  Folks are always telling me how accessible he is and I agree.  He has truly done a lot for Mitchell County,” Mayor Hise stated.

“Ralph has done a great job as Mayor of Spruce Pine and he will make a fine State Senator.  As a lifelong resident of Mitchell County, his leadership and dedication to public service is exemplary.  I’m proud to have his support and friendship,” McHenry said.

Congressman McHenry represents all of Mitchell County.  He won the 2008 primary in Mitchell County with 75% of the vote. 

Steering Committee members include:

The Honorable Ralph Hise, Mayor of Spruce Pine

Representative Phillip Frye, NC House of Representatives District 84

Commissioner Lee Roy Ledford, Mitchell County Commissioner

Commissioner Marvin Miller, Mitchell County Commissioner

Commissioner Patrick Phillips, Mitchell County Commissioner

Commissioner Lisa Sparks, Mitchell County Commissioner

Commissioner Kevin Street, Mitchell County Commissioner

The Honorable Phil Byrd, Former Mitchell County Commission Chairman

The Honorable Janet Cook, Mitchell County Clerk of Court

The Honorable Patty Young, Mitchell County Register of Deeds

The Honorable Tommy Ledford, Mitchell County Board of Education

The Honorable Chuck Vines, Mayor of Bakersville

The Honorable Sue Ledford, Bakersville Town Council

The Honorable Philip Hise, Spruce Pine Town Council

The Honorable Wes Foy, Former Mayor of Spruce Pine

Ms. Shirley Hise, Chamber President

Mr. Keith Holtsclaw, Local Business Leader

Mr. James Acuff, Navy Veteran and Community Leader

Mrs. Beverly Acuff, Hospice Nurse

Mr. Blaine Biddix, Air Force Veteran

Mr. Lee Ellis, Mitchell County Business Owner

Mr. and Mrs. Gary and Jackie Jensen, Mitchell County Business Owners

Mr. Bill Slagle, Former GOP 10^th District Executive Committee Chairman