Posted on 02/16/2008 2:26:11 PM PST by Congressman Billybob
Many of you who read these columns know I ran for Congress in 2006. It was in the primary against a 16-year incumbent named Charles Taylor. Given just that information, you’re not surprised that I lost, getting just 20% of the vote. I was not surprised, either. But 2008 is a different kettle of fish.
I was right, by the way, about the end of Taylor’s career. I said he was at the end of the line. He was. He got beaten soundly by a Democrat whose claim to fame was that he once played football. Heath Shuler’s the name.
In 2008, regardless of what happens nationally in the Presidential Election, I should be nominated for Congress in the 11th District of North Carolina in the primary on 6 May, and then be elected on 4 November. Why am I confident in 2008, when I got trounced in 2006?
Here’s why: the period for filing for office in North Carolina is open now, until 29 February. It is possible that some other Republican might file for Congress between now and then, but it looks like the list of candidates will close at three. Here are the other two:
Carl Mumpower has served six years as an Asheville City Councilman. He is a Doctor of Psychology. Spence Campbell is a 25-year Army veteran, who later worked in insurance. He has a Masters in Russian Area Studies. I won’t say anything about either of these two men, or about any particular issues. See for yourself why I should win the nomination against these opponents.
Go to this Internet address: http://www.youtube.com/ArmorforCongress There you will find the complete and uncut first debate between Armor, Campbell and Mumpower, conducted in Hendersonville last November. That video was shot by and broadcast on URTV, a public access channel in Asheville. It shows what I brought to the table, and how I handled myself, compared to the other two. You may well conclude that I should win the primary with a competent campaign. Five more debates are already scheduled, and there may be more.
Now, the harder part of the equation. Why do I think I will defeat the freshman incumbent Democrat, Heath Shuler?
The 11th District registration is about 40% Democrat, 39% Republican, and the rest are almost entirely Independents. The history of the District, however, shows that it has consistently voted for Republicans in the House, the Senate, and for President for the past 16 years, with the sole exception of Shuler’s win in 2006.
The reason for this is that many of the Democrats and more than half of the independents classify themselves as “conservative.” Shuler ran as a conservative. But the first vote he cast was to elect Nancy Pelosi, a San Francisco liberal, as Speaker. And since then, he has voted 84% of the time the way Speaker Pelosi wanted.
Telling the voters of the 11th District the plain, unvarnished truth about Heath and about me, plus debating Heath every time I can get the chance, is all that it will take for me to win in November. I will have the backing of the Republican Party. As a Washington newspaper pointed out in detail two weeks ago, there are 29 Districts the Republicans must target if they want a shot at regaining control of the House. The 11th District is high on that list.
Want more information about me? Go here: http://www.ArmorforCongress.com Want more information about Mumpower? Go here: http://www,Mumpower08.com Want more information about Campbell? Go here: http://SpenceCampbell2008.com
Yes, I know my website is not as crisp as the other two. My Internet gurus are working even as we speak, to make that visually simpler and better.
How many candidates have you ever run into who give equal time to their opponents? Danged few, I reckon. But I believe in good old-fashioned side-by-side comparison shopping. On the Internet, in fast food, on cars, on politics, and on the ideas of how government should, and should not, be run.
I cordially invite all who read this column, and have read my columns before, to decide whether I would be a good addition to the 111th Congress. If so, please get in touch with me, and help me how you can, now, for the primary. I think you’ll be pleased with the results.
- 30 -
About the Author: John Armor practiced in the US Supreme Court for 33 years. John_Armor@aya.yale.edu He is running for the 11th Congressional District of North Carolina.
- 30 -
You misread the mention of Ross Perot. My work opened the legal doors for him, but I never represented him in any cases.
I thought Larry Craig was one of the “good guys” in Congress. I worked with him and his staff on the Balanced Budget Amendment to the US Constitution. I know now that Craig was a bum, but I make no apologies for the BBA. I only regret that Senator Reid cast the essential vote to kill that, when it came closest to success.
I am not about to “cleanse” my website. My history is what it was. Rather than obscure and lie about my career, I lay it all out there, and let the chips fall where they may. Others may play that game, but not me.
John / Billybob
I’m contributing. Good Luck.
Me too. Godspeed.
bump
With John's announcement, I'm starting a John Armor for Congress Ping List.
Pinged here is everyone that has shown interest, on either this thread or John's last article, 'Stealing Delegates, Stealing Nominations.'
However, if you want to be on the ping list from here on out, please let me know here that you'd like to be added.
Thank you!
Godspeed.
I believe you will make an excellent congressman.
I’ll take a slot on the ping list, please.
Sure thing, thanks!
Also, here's a clickable link to John's Youtube page:
My friend(in my best John McCain immitation), good luck with your campaign. Indeed, politics makes strange bedfellows. But, don’t take my comments personally-as MoDo said to B. Hussein Obama, “I’m just trying to toughen you up.”
In 2008, regardless of what happens nationally in the Presidential Election, I should be nominated for Congress in the 11th District of North Carolina in the primary on 6 May, and then be elected on 4 November. Why am I confident in 2008, when I got trounced in 2006? ...It is possible that some other Republican might file for Congress between now and then, but it looks like the list of candidates will close at three... Carl Mumpower has served six years as an Asheville City Councilman. He is a Doctor of Psychology. Spence Campbell is a 25-year Army veteran, who later worked in insurance. He has a Masters in Russian Area Studies. I won't say anything about either of these two men, or about any particular issues.
Best of luck in your run for Congress.
When you get there, bring your kazoo and play “Hail to the Chief” for John Kerry. (I still get a chuckle out of that anecdote.)
If I was there, I’d vote for you! Good luck.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.