NC-5: Sen. Virginia Foxx Is NOT the Answer

N.C. Sen. Virginia Foxx By Dwight Sparks - Forsyth County has long dominated the 5th Congressional district. This year, a woman from the mountains is threatening to change that. She is State Sen. Virginia Foxx. The Banner Elk resident has the most formidable political record of all those running. First as a three-term member of the Watauga County school board. Then as president of Mayland Community College. And now a five-term member of the State Senate. Her district encompasses 35 percent of the voting power of the congressional district — a strength that has put her in the cross hairs of some of opponents. She claims the “most experienced” title in the crowded field. “Most of them haven’t even served in an elected office. I have represented a large part of the population already,” she said last week. Forsyth County represents 28 percent of the district, and the congressman has usually been a local resident. Sen. Foxx is not yielding the Forsyth voters. She wants to get her share here, too. “I have found a lot of appeal. I have gotten a lot of positive response in Forsyth County. We have friends in Forsyth. A lot of people have migrated here from the counties surrounding Forsyth, and I can identify with the folks here very well.” She lives in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. She and her husband operate Grandfather Mountain Nursery on N.C. 105 between Banner Elk and Boone. They got involved in the Christmas tree business early in its explosion in the mountains, even delivering them to customers in this area. “We would pick out the Christmas tree based on the customers specifications, cut it no more than six days before delivery, and if possible, the day of delivery and deliver them to Winston-Salem, Greensboro and Raleigh. People would get their tree baled with their name on it. They trusted us to pick out their tree.” She was elected to the Senate in the 1994 Republican sweep. No Republican had ever won in that district. She has a 10-year voting record for her opponents to scrutinize, and they have. Winston-Salem alderman Vernon Robinson has challenged her conservative credentials based on some of those votes. “I don’t like negative campaigning. I don’t think anybody does. Vernon has attacked me on voting for women and minorities to be on the (UNC) Board of Governors, for goodness sakes. That’s one way he says I’m not a true conservative.” Robinson calls himself the “black Jesse Helms.” Borrowing from that, Foxx said, “I’m the female Jesse Helms in this race.” She says her voting record and experience as a politician can give voters an indication of what kind of congressman she will be. “There are some who think you don’t want people with experience. But you can gain experience without compromising your principles. If anything, I have gained strength in my principles since being there. (Former State Sen.) Betsy Cochrane told me that would happen. If you are a good legislator, you will become stronger in your beliefs. I’m not a waffler. I’m a kind person, but I’m a person who goes to the heart of the matter.” She says the rough-and-tumble General Assembly has prepared her for Congress. “(The General Assembly) is a tough place, there’s no question about it. That’s one of the reasons I think you need some legislative ability before you go to Congress. You need to have a sense of how those systems work.” She is the lone woman in the race, and that can be an asset and a liability, she said. “I’ve been told there are some men who absolutely won’t vote for me because I’m a woman. And there are some people who recognize that to be a woman and to be where I am I’ve had to work very hard. Perhaps I care a little more about people and doing things for people than some other candidates might. “I grew up extraordinarily poor. All I’ve tried to do in my life is the best at whatever task the good Lord has put in front of me. Prior to Richard Burr’s announcement that he was running for the U.S. Senate, I had not given any thought to running for Congress. And the reason I gave it some thought was because people came to me and asked me to run. They said, ‘You’re the most qualified person in the district.’” Born in New York City, she moved to Avery County at age six, back to her mother’s home. “As some people say, I wasn’t born in North Carolina, but I got here as soon as I could.” Her family didn’t have indoor plumbing until she was 14. Her husband, likewise, didn’t have indoor plumbing until he enrolled at the University of North Carolina. “We’ve both been supporting ourselves since 12 years old,” she said. She credits strong high school teachers for steering both of their lives. “In my case, I was the high school janitor my junior and senior years. I was sweeping after school, and there was a teacher who said you need to go to college and you need to marry a man with a college education. I was third in the class, but I had no intention of going to college. I took the SAT at the last possible time you could take it. I enrolled at Lees McRae as a day student. I had no way of paying to stay on campus.” Some of her views: On President George Bush: “I like him because he has backbone. He has strong faith. He focuses on what’s right and good. I don’t think he takes himself too seriously. I don’t agree with him on everything. I don’t think the federal government should be trying to run the school systems, but I understand his motivation. His motivation is to make things better at the local level. I think some good things have come out of No Child Left Behind. Look how North Carolina was lying about its graduation rate. They got by with it. We need a system of checks and balances among the levels of government, and every once in a while the federal government does something that turns out right. Forcing people to live up to those statistics may be the best thing that comes out of it. I just don’t think you should go into the classroom and tell the teacher how to teach.” On the war in Iraq: “I support what the president is doing. I have been astonished and pleased at the high calibre of our military, the young ones especially. We’re just so fortunate to have people willing to put their lives on the line for the principles we believe in.” On the response to the 9/11 attacks: “I’m not privy to all the information, but I have confidence in the president and the people around him. I believe they are doing what they need to be doing. We’ve got to be vigilant that we don’t allow things like the Patriot Act to go to far in terms of stepping on our rights, but we’ve got to do what we can to make this country secure.” On the delicate balance of religion and government: “I see nothing that these people would substitute that would provide the same kind of moral perspective that we’ve had in this country that absolutely has made us the greatest nation in the world. We basically, Christians and Jews, operate out of a system of love for others and a system that says we should do good for others. I don’t see anything wrong with that. The focus is doing positive things for other human beings in our Judeo-Christian heritage. There’s no better system. I don’t dance around it. It’s not intended to offend anyone. Maybe people have gotten a little too sensitive.” On gay marriage: She calls for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between a man and woman. On Vernon Robinson’s criticism: “It doesn’t feel good, but my attitude is ‘this too will pass.’ I frankly don’t think people want that kind of person representing them. You can either have a bomb thrower or a thoughtful, intelligent person. You don’t have to be that way to stand on strong principles. You don’t constantly have to be berating someone else to get your message across. When you’re in Congress, like when you’re in the legislature, you have to get along with other people. No one does anything unilaterally. If you are constantly belittling and criticizing other people, then you are not going to be able to accomplish anything for your district and the people you represent.” She defined three primary roles for a congressman. “One, constituent service. I am known for outstanding constituent service. When people call me at home or write me emails, they get an answer. I’m accessible. Two, being a representative for your area, making sure you do what you can in ways it needs help. Three, standing up for the principles you believe in when there’s major legislation. People have to think about having someone in Washington who will vote right on the big issues but who will be focused on serving the people of the region. I have proven myself over and over to be able to do that.” Foxx served as Mayland Community College president from 1987 to 1994. The college serves Mitchell, Avery and Yancey counties and was faced with an auditing nightmare. “They had fired the first president. The school was in terrible shape. A month before I got their the auditors found the college had classes they should not have run and received over $300,000 in state funds they should not have received. The state told me I had to pay it back. We were forced to revamp. That was 10 percent of the college’s budget at the time. We eliminated a lot of administrative positions, but we came out of it a much stronger institution. My focus was on high quality. I told the people I didn’t want to be the biggest community college in the state, but I did want to be the best. We began some new programs and we eliminated some programs. We went from one of the least respected to one of the most respected.” One of the problems the college faced was adequate child care for its students’ children. With inmate labor and by raising money, a nationally accredited center was constructed to house up to 98 children. The inmates learned masonry at the college and used those skills on the building. “It took us three years to do it, but it saved us half the cost by doing that. And all but $50,000 of the $600,000 it cost in cash was private money I raised.” She and her husband, Tom, have a daughter and two grandchildren. She is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in English and a masters in sociology. She earned her doctorate in higher education at UNC-Greensboro in 1985. She has taught at Caldwell Community College and Appalachian State University. Former Gov. Jim Martin appointed her deputy secretary of the N.C. Department of Administration. She was endorsed recently by the pro-life Susan B. Anthony List organization. “Many people believe that all women are pro-choice. It is time to end that misconception and elect more women to Congress who will speak out and vote against abortion,” she said. Why should voters consider her? “I’ve got values, I’ve got experience, and I will do in Washington what I have done in Raleigh. I have been a successful businesswoman, a successful educator, successful legislator. I share the values of the people of the 5th district. I work hard and will work hard. I have the commitment to serve others.”

While I think her heart may be in the right place, I still don't believe that Senator Foxx is the answer for the 5th District of North Carolina. She has taken $ from liberal associations and doesn't live in the epicenter of this district (Winston-Salem surrounding area). Robinson's criticism of her is accurate. As I stated on a prior post, there's a candidate with legislative/past political experience in this race outside of Foxx and Robinson--Ed Powell. He has the resume second to none in this race. I have seen him speak and have read about him in a Davie Enterprise-Record article and he is a Davie County native that is right for the job. Senator Foxx may mean well, but she is merely banking on the fact that she has represented a large area of the district to get her elected. I also believe that Ed "Bankrupt" Broyhill's entrance into this race will significantly hurt her support in the western areas. This is not a State Senator race, it's for a much higher position. Senator Foxx is doing just fine as a State Senator--she should remain there as one.

Okay, I got dibs since I'm in this district: "paragraphs are our friends."

That was in the Courier?? Gee, the most political that pamphlet usually gets is in discussions about Village Council meetings!

I just love how everybody in this race are trying to be the ________ Jesse Helms (multiple choice answer, fill in the blank with your favorite adjective -- it's like Mad Libs). At least you've got about five candidates trying to "out conservative" each other.

Even Jay Helvey is peppering the local Rush Show radio spots with "And now a conservative minute, with Jay Helvey." And he's the carpetbagger liberal by comparison (the northern Jesse Helms?).

There is one proven conservative in the race: Vernon Robinson.

And Vernon is the one who has demonstrated that you can get elected on a conservative platform in a district full of democrats; The others would be insane not to copy his campaign platform.

He rocognizes that their claims of conservatism are diluting his ability to achieve his goals, but what should he do? Call them copycat liars?

I think it's fun to watch them copy every move he makes; at least it indicates who the true leader is.

When you’re in Congress, like when you’re in the legislature, you have to get along with other people. No one does anything unilaterally. If you are constantly belittling and criticizing other people, then you are not going to be able to accomplish anything for your district and the people you represent

I agree about this part. Vernon is launching grenades at people three feet away from him, and that is not smart; it will affect his chances of drawing support in the primary and in Congress if he's elected.

He needs to wise up his campaign strategy. It's not like he's in a two-person race.

I'll split it up next time. Although I agree with most of what Vernon says, he is just way too offensive for me.

Being a woman, I can tell you that his brash style and overbearing antics will not catch on with female voters. He may appeal to your everyday staunch conservative, but he DOES NOT possess the ability to get along with others. This is why he should not be supported.

Our delegation could not get along with Robinson.

A fair point: Vernon tends to deliver delicate messages with a sledgehammer. The campaign (that he lost) in 2002 for state rep. against a woman accused of embezzlement from a bankrupt charter school (I think that's right) is prime such example of a horribly run campaign.

The question is this: who else?

Virginia Foxx - seems to be willing to make any deal to get what she's after (though I can't quantify that any better - it's a feeling/hunch thing). She's gotta prove to me that she'll only do deals with the GOP as a member of the majority. I always wonder about things like abortion and women's issues with women in politics, too. Most are social libs.

Ed Broyhill - shyster; more 'used car dealer' than businessman; liar (campaign ads call him "considered one of America's leading businessmen" when he bankrupted the one major business he had. BTW - he fails to mention that business in his new resume!). Running on Daddy's name and reputation; not fit for office. Neither his corporate office nor any elected office, that is.

Ed Powell - lousy capaigner; Ex-Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and ex-state Representative turned lobbyist. No distinguishing characteristics.

Jay Helvey - a moderate at best; recently moved back to NC, I understand. Annoying fluffy commercials that mean nothing. One positive point: he's not used Helms' name. Negative? I suspect he wouldn't be caught dead doing so.

Nathan Tabor - the "young Jesse Helms" probably will be good, but far too young with zero political experience. Has not answer my littany of questions from a month ago (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-campaign2002/1041062/posts?page=16#16)

Given these options, if I had to vote today, it would have to be Robinson, with Tabor second and Foxx a distant third.

Having gotten through the article in more detail, I hereby request the opportunity to revise and extend my remarks.

While the words above come from V Foxx in the context of a campaign pitch, I have to admit that there are thing I do like about her:
-- If she is indeed a social conservative as claimed, then that helps a bunch.
-- She DOES have a reputation for getting things done -- not just talking about them.
-- She does represent the district (the WHOLE district) better since she's not from Forsyth county. IMHO, this is still a plus over Ed Powell
-- In the NC Gen Assy, she has had to operate as a minority member, which limited her options. By all accounts, she managed to overcome this and I can't really complain about deals in that kind of environment.
-- I know from radio stints (WSJS) that she's a bit of a budget hawk

I hereby elevate Foxx to #2 on my virtual ballot, with the race (and my actual vite) still up for grabs. Sorry, but Ed Powell doesn't generate any enthusiasm or interest. I believe he gets smothered in this campaign, as there's way too many "names" on the ballot better known than his.

Ed Powell is a lousy campaigner? Is this just based on money raised??? True, he has not had the kind of fundraising that he needs, but his credentials are unmatched.

Yes, Foxx is a current State Senator, and yes, she is a conservative on budget issues, BUT, she tends to lean whichever way she needs to on social issues just to pass the grade.

Powell lost to Decker in an election that no one in NC could have beaten Decker for State House in '02. He did perform better than anyone else ever has vs the 9-time incumbent turncoat. We all know that with Decker's shady political turns, that he is one hard man to beat. Powell stood up against that even after his district was redrawn heavily into Decker's favor. Just take a look at how many elections Robinson has lost, if this is your argument.

I guess Robinson, IYHO, is a great campaigner b/c he makes news for falsely claiming that the W-S Journal called him "the next Jesse Helms". That was just a clever way to turn the words in Robinson's favor.

Honesty means something to me. Ed Powell is an honest candidate that would know what to do when he lands in DC. Excitement? How can you gauge excitement at this point? I guess you are saying that Vernon raises excitement. He does, but not the kind of excitement that you want. As I said before, ROBINSON WILL NOT FAIR WELL AT ALL WITH WOMEN VOTERS.

Broyhill = sleazebag. Your Daddy may have been great, but here the apple falls far away from the tree.

Tabor = Doubtful. His time may come, but for now, he's just too young, too inexperienced, and will have to have a slew of the religious activists show up for him to have a chance. He'd be better suited to run for State House first.

Foxx = See prior post.

Helvey = Sleazy, carpetbagging, liberal in Republican's clothing.

That's how Ed Powell has gained my support. As a conservative, middleage female, he appeals to me. Hear him speak, read his bio, then tell me that he is not the best qualified.

Powell knows about rural people, too, as he's a Davie County native. That speaks to me and many others outside of Winston-Salem.

Ed Powell is a lousy campaigner? Is this just based on money raised??? True, he has not had the kind of fundraising that he needs, but his credentials are unmatched.

It's based on his unsuccessful 2002 run with the stupid "Ed Powell says; Ed Powell says" ads that really didn't "say" anything of use at all.

Powell lost his primary race to (Party Jumping) Mike Decker 61% to 39%... and there were only 28 precincts involved. Not exactly a ringing endorsement when heading into a hotly contested Congressional race. He's gonna get steamrolled.

Glad to hear that you hated the ads. I understand that it was a primary. Please let me know, how many races has Vernon won? I would like #"s as far as how many he's entered and how many he actually won.

I think you'll find that Ed Powell has a higher percentage there. Of course, your % will increase if you run 1,000 times like Vernon has seemed to.

Decker also has a church following of several thousand people. This is well known. That's hard to beat.

Tabor = Doubtful. His time may come, but for now, he's just too young, too inexperienced, and will have to have a slew of the religious activists show up for him to have a chance. He'd be better suited to run for State House first.

Note for the future: I agree completely, BUT don't short-sell the religious activists bit. I'm one of those (but not for Tabor) who worked for Dr. David Weldon, a military doctor who made his first political run in 1994. He also ran for Congress, and also beat up a "well qualified" field of 6 Republicans in Eastern Florida. He had everything against him -- the media, the experience of the other candidates, and the endorsements of others.

All that and he won anyway due specifically to church support. And he's still in the US House today.

Now: why do I think that won't work here? Tabor's age, and the fact that the churches in this area aren't nearly so political as they are in Brevard County, Fl.

Point well taken on Decker -- although I'd hate to be his campaign chair this next go-around!

Vernon: can't tell you about the whole history -- he's mostly been a county alderman and I can't get all of his returns. As I say, he ran a lousy campaign in a black district for state house last time out, but they were going DEM if he walked on water. Note that I'm not entirely comfortable with him since I get the impression that This Is All About Vernon and this "Next JC Watts" or "Black Jesse Helms" thing. He'd better settle down or that won't wash.

All that notwithstanding, the one who sells her/himself better is the one who wins. Everybody knows Vernon is running -- can't say that about Powell yet.

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