Freepmail or ping me on the thread to be added to the John Armor for Congress ping list.
Posted on 04/11/2008 11:41:54 AM PDT by MitchellC
FLAT ROCK -- Signs reading "Mumpower for Congress" lined the entrance to the St. John in the Wilderness Parish Hall. They were a major point of contention prior to a debate Thursday.
Carl Mumpower, who is a Republican candidate for Congress, and Flat Rock Mayor Bob Staton got into a war of words over the use of campaign signs at the debate. Organizers wanted to limit the size of political material on church grounds. Mumpower objected, saying the request amounted to a change in the rules and created a "rigged game." Staton fired back and called Mumpower an "arrogant a**." In the end, moderator Terry Hicks made peace and signs were allowed outside.
Mumpower tried to lighten the mood at the start of the debate.
"My name is Carl Mumpower, a city councilman in Asheville," he said. "Some people in Flat Rock may know me by another name." The crowd laughed. "An overconfident farm animal."
Mumpower, former Henderson County Republican Party chairman Spence Campbell and Highlands attorney John Armor are seeking the Republican nomination for Congress and the right to run against Rep. Heath Shuler, D-Waynesville, in the fall.
Immigration a top issue
The forum gave citizens a chance to ask questions of the candidates. One of the top issues was immigration.
Campbell said the federal government and other agencies need to enforce the illegal immigration laws and stop the flow of immigrants across the border.
"In the case of illegal immigration, when it comes to Mexico, we need to stop that now, because of the economic implications and the security implications," Campbell said. "I support programs like the sheriff has going on here, the federal ICE program, the 287 (g) program where they are able to deport illegal aliens who have committed crimes."
Armor also said the federal government needs to obey the immigration laws on the books. He said the federal government is trying to make it more difficult for states to issues driver's licenses to illegal immigrants, which will make it harder for them to get Social Security cards and other documents.
He said Congress passed a law to build a wall on the southern border with Mexico and has not followed through with the commitment. Armor warned of dire consequences if nothing is done.
"We have been invaded by people who don't carry guns and they wear sandals," Armor said. "But if there are enough of them they work. We got to get a handle on it."
Illegal immigration, Mumpower said, "is the greatest lawbreaking scheme in the history of America and it is equally supported by Demcrats and Republicans. Democrats are looking for new pets -- voters -- and Republicans are looking for cheap labor. I think both are betraying our future."
He said the United States should go after employers who hire illegal immigrants.
"I do not believe that a Berlin wall against our southern and north border is the way America lives," Mumpower said. "I believe that the best fence is consequence. Creating accountability for the people who violate our borders. And most importantly of all the people who illegally employ them."
A broken promise
The candidates also condemned the federal government for what they described as a broken promise to build the Swain County highway that has more recently been called the "Road to Nowhere."
Republican U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, of Tennessee, and Shuler secured $6 million in December to begin a settlement between Swain County and the federal government. The National Park Service and the Swain County Board of Commissioners both supported the settlement, which is expected to total $52 million.
"The Swain County government is the local government," Armor said. "Whatever they want to do, whether it's force the government to build the road or take the payoff because the government broke its word, is their decision."
"That's a hard question," Campbell said. "It's a hard question because it's two different issues for a conservative to deal with."
The road would add to the federal deficit, "which a lot of us conservatives think is the principal economic issue we need to deal with," he said.
"On the other hand, the government made a promise in 1942 I think it was that they were going to build that road. They didn't do it. In this case I think the government's promise trumps what the county commission wants to do" by taking the settlement.
"Honor your word," Mumpower said. "It's more than a road. It's an economic stimulus for Western North Carolina" similar to roads through the Smokies in East Tennessee. "We should build the road."
Staton showed up to the debate late but greeted Mumpower afterwards.
Freepmail or ping me on the thread to be added to the John Armor for Congress ping list.
NC ping!
They always seem to misquote him or make him sound like he’s not making sense. Irritating.
John / Billybob
You’re magnanimous. It’s just, knowing how thoughtful and intelligent you are, and how cogent your reasoning, it’s irritating to see you misrepresented. Carry on!!!
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